Brainstorming

Overview

When requirements are vague and "what to build" is unclear, brainstorming clarifies the problem space through structured questioning and option generation.

When to Use

• Requirements lack clarity or specificity
• Multiple valid approaches exist and trade-offs need exploration
• The problem space needs definition before research
• Stakeholders have not converged on a direction

Distinction from Research

• Brainstorming: Addresses "what to build" (unclear requirements)
• Research: Addresses "how it works" (clear goal, unknown implementation)

Process

1. Explore problem space - Ask clarifying questions one at a time
2. Identify ambiguities - Surface assumptions and unknowns
3. Generate options - Propose design alternatives with trade-offs
4. Select approach - Human chooses direction
5. Synthesize requirements - Produce clear requirements for research phase

Tool Use

Invoke via babysitter process: methodologies/rpikit/rpikit-brainstorm