Overview

Brainstorming provides expert-facilitated ideation with Phase 1 Analysis. It uses a step-file, branching workflow to apply chosen techniques and generate a final report. Initialization pulls project config from bmad/config.yaml and brainstorming methods from brain-methods.csv, then execution runs step-01-session-setup.md to kick off the session.

How This Skill Works

It uses a step-file architecture with branching paths based on the selected technique. The Analyst Mary guides the session, loading brainstorming methods from brain-methods.csv during initialization and executing the predefined session setup in step-01. The result is a structured, analyzable ideation output for Phase 1 Analysis.

When to Use It

• Starting a new project that requires structured ideation with multiple techniques.
• Facilitating an expert-led ideation session to surface diverse ideas.
• Evaluating and selecting brainstorming approaches via branching paths.
• Conducting Phase 1 Analysis to inform product or campaign planning.
• When you want a repeatable, configurable ideation workflow integrated with project config.

Quick Start

1. Step 1: Verify the project config at bmad/config.yaml and load brainstorming methods from brain-methods.csv.
2. Step 2: Read and execute ./steps/step-01-session-setup.md.
3. Step 3: Select a technique to drive the branching paths and generate the final report.

Best Practices

• Define a clear objective for the brainstorming session.
• Choose a technique before starting to drive the branching path.
• Verify the project config and brain-methods.csv exist and load correctly.
• Document decisions and include the final report in the output.
• Use the Mary Analyst-guided facilitation to maintain focus and momentum.

Example Use Cases

• An early-stage startup ideation session led by Analyst Mary (Phase 1 Analysis).
• A marketing team exploring channel concepts using a guided Brainstorm workflow.
• A software product team generating feature ideas via the step-01 session setup.
• A consulting engagement delivering a formal final report after structured ideation.
• A cross-functional workshop aligning on priorities with branchable techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions