This skill should be used when the user asks about "SECI model", "knowledge creation cycle", "tacit vs explicit knowledge", "knowledge conversion", "GRAI framework", "human-AI knowledge collaboration", "socialization externalization combination internalization", "knowledge spiral", "what phase of knowledge creation", or needs to understand which phase of knowledge work a task involves. Provides the theoretical foundation for knowledge management across all contexts.
/plugin marketplace add therealchrisrock/basho/plugin install knowledge-manager@baThis skill inherits all available tools. When active, it can use any tool Claude has access to.
examples/phase-identification-examples.mdreferences/grai-framework.mdreferences/phase-transitions.mdreferences/seci-deep-dive.mdThis skill provides the theoretical foundation for understanding knowledge creation cycles, particularly in human-AI collaboration contexts. It integrates Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI model with the modern GRAI (Generative, Receptive AI) extension.
All knowledge exists on a spectrum between two forms:
| Type | Nature | Example | Transfer Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacit | Personal, experiential, hard to articulate | "Knowing how to ride a bike" | Observation, practice, shared experience |
| Explicit | Codified, documented, easily shared | "Instructions for assembling furniture" | Documents, databases, specifications |
The creation of new organizational knowledge occurs through continuous conversion between these types.
Knowledge creation follows a spiral through four modes:
What it is: Sharing tacit knowledge through shared experiences, observation, imitation, and practice.
Indicators present phase is Socialization:
Key activities:
AI-Human pattern (GRAI):
What it is: Articulating tacit knowledge into explicit concepts—the most critical and difficult conversion.
Indicators present phase is Externalization:
Key activities:
AI-Human pattern (GRAI):
What it is: Combining, categorizing, and systematizing explicit knowledge into new forms.
Indicators present phase is Combination:
Key activities:
AI-Human pattern (GRAI):
What it is: Embodying explicit knowledge through learning-by-doing until it becomes tacit.
Indicators present phase is Internalization:
Key activities:
AI-Human pattern (GRAI):
Knowledge creation is not linear but spiral—each cycle builds on the previous:
Socialization ──────► Externalization
▲ │
│ ▼
│ KNOWLEDGE │
│ SPIRAL │
│ │
Internalization ◄────── Combination
│ ▲
└──────────────────────┘
(next cycle)
Spiral dynamics:
The GRAI framework (Generative, Receptive AI) extends SECI for human-AI collaboration by recognizing AI as an active participant in knowledge creation.
GRAI doubles the SECI phases by adding direction (human↔machine):
| Phase | Human → Machine | Machine → Human |
|---|---|---|
| Socialization | Iterative prompting with context | Explaining, demonstrating, walking through |
| Externalization | Providing materials to refine AI context | Structuring unstructured information |
| Combination | Creative pattern mixing with AI | Generating summaries, protocols, syntheses |
| Internalization | AI observing patterns for support | Creating exercises, supporting understanding |
GRAI maintains human agency through two configurations:
The framework preserves human decision-making authority while leveraging AI for knowledge work amplification.
To identify the current phase, ask:
| Question | If Yes → Phase |
|---|---|
| Am I learning by watching/doing with others? | Socialization |
| Am I trying to articulate something I understand but haven't documented? | Externalization |
| Am I combining or restructuring existing documented knowledge? | Combination |
| Am I learning from documentation to build new skills? | Internalization |
| Task | Primary Phase | AI Role |
|---|---|---|
| Writing specs from understanding | Externalization | Structure tacit insights |
| Synthesizing multiple docs | Combination | Merge and systematize |
| Reviewing to learn patterns | Internalization | Create practice scenarios |
| Collaborative exploration | Socialization | Explain and demonstrate |
| Stage | Phase | Knowledge Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | Socialization | Shared exploration with stakeholders |
| Requirements | Externalization | Documenting needs and constraints |
| Design | Combination | Synthesizing patterns and solutions |
| Implementation | Internalization | Applying documented designs |
Moving between phases often requires deliberate action:
| From → To | Trigger |
|---|---|
| S → E | "Let me write this down" |
| E → C | "Let me combine these sources" |
| C → I | "Let me practice this" |
| I → S | "Let me share what I learned" |
Skipping Externalization: Trying to combine knowledge that hasn't been articulated yet results in shallow synthesis.
Premature Combination: Combining sources before deeply understanding them produces surface-level results.
Neglecting Socialization: Pure documentation without shared experience lacks the tacit context that makes knowledge actionable.
Incomplete Internalization: Reading without practice leaves knowledge as information, not capability.
For detailed theory and advanced applications, consult:
references/seci-deep-dive.md - Complete Nonaka & Takeuchi theory with academic foundationsreferences/grai-framework.md - Full GRAI framework details and interaction patternsreferences/phase-transitions.md - Techniques for facilitating movement between phasesWorking examples in examples/:
phase-identification-examples.md - Real-world scenarios with phase analysisThis skill provides the theoretical foundation. Related skills in knowledge-manager:
Tool-specific plugins (e.g., km-notion, km-obsidian) extend these foundations with platform-specific patterns.
Creating algorithmic art using p5.js with seeded randomness and interactive parameter exploration. Use this when users request creating art using code, generative art, algorithmic art, flow fields, or particle systems. Create original algorithmic art rather than copying existing artists' work to avoid copyright violations.
Applies Anthropic's official brand colors and typography to any sort of artifact that may benefit from having Anthropic's look-and-feel. Use it when brand colors or style guidelines, visual formatting, or company design standards apply.
Create beautiful visual art in .png and .pdf documents using design philosophy. You should use this skill when the user asks to create a poster, piece of art, design, or other static piece. Create original visual designs, never copying existing artists' work to avoid copyright violations.