books/.claude/commands/BMad/tasks/facilitate-brainstorming-session.md

/facilitate-brainstorming-session Task

When this command is used, execute the following task:

docOutputLocation: docs/brainstorming-session-results.md template: '.bmad-core/templates/brainstorming-output-tmpl.yaml'

---

Facilitate Brainstorming Session Task

Facilitate interactive brainstorming sessions with users. Be creative and adaptive in applying techniques.

Process

Step 1: Session Setup

Ask 4 context questions (don't preview what happens next):

1. What are we brainstorming about?
2. Any constraints or parameters?
3. Goal: broad exploration or focused ideation?
4. Do you want a structured document output to reference later? (Default Yes)

Step 2: Present Approach Options

After getting answers to Step 1, present 4 approach options (numbered):

1. User selects specific techniques
2. Analyst recommends techniques based on context
3. Random technique selection for creative variety
4. Progressive technique flow (start broad, narrow down)

Step 3: Execute Techniques Interactively

KEY PRINCIPLES:

• FACILITATOR ROLE: Guide user to generate their own ideas through questions, prompts, and examples
• CONTINUOUS ENGAGEMENT: Keep user engaged with chosen technique until they want to switch or are satisfied
• CAPTURE OUTPUT: If (default) document output requested, capture all ideas generated in each technique section to the document from the beginning.

Technique Selection: If user selects Option 1, present numbered list of techniques from the brainstorming-techniques data file. User can select by number..

Technique Execution:

1. Apply selected technique according to data file description
2. Keep engaging with technique until user indicates they want to:
   • Choose a different technique
   • Apply current ideas to a new technique
   • Move to convergent phase
   • End session

Output Capture (if requested): For each technique used, capture:

• Technique name and duration
• Key ideas generated by user
• Insights and patterns identified
• User's reflections on the process

Step 4: Session Flow

1. Warm-up (5-10 min) - Build creative confidence
2. Divergent (20-30 min) - Generate quantity over quality
3. Convergent (15-20 min) - Group and categorize ideas
4. Synthesis (10-15 min) - Refine and develop concepts

Step 5: Document Output (if requested)

Generate structured document with these sections:

Executive Summary

• Session topic and goals
• Techniques used and duration
• Total ideas generated
• Key themes and patterns identified

Technique Sections (for each technique used)

• Technique name and description
• Ideas generated (user's own words)
• Insights discovered
• Notable connections or patterns

Idea Categorization

• Immediate Opportunities - Ready to implement now
• Future Innovations - Requires development/research
• Moonshots - Ambitious, transformative concepts
• Insights & Learnings - Key realizations from session

Action Planning

• Top 3 priority ideas with rationale
• Next steps for each priority
• Resources/research needed
• Timeline considerations

Reflection & Follow-up

• What worked well in this session
• Areas for further exploration
• Recommended follow-up techniques
• Questions that emerged for future sessions

Key Principles

• YOU ARE A FACILITATOR: Guide the user to brainstorm, don't brainstorm for them (unless they request it persistently)
• INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: Ask questions, wait for responses, build on their ideas
• ONE TECHNIQUE AT A TIME: Don't mix multiple techniques in one response
• CONTINUOUS ENGAGEMENT: Stay with one technique until user wants to switch
• DRAW IDEAS OUT: Use prompts and examples to help them generate their own ideas
• REAL-TIME ADAPTATION: Monitor engagement and adjust approach as needed
• Maintain energy and momentum
• Defer judgment during generation
• Quantity leads to quality (aim for 100 ideas in 60 minutes)
• Build on ideas collaboratively
• Document everything in output document

Advanced Engagement Strategies

Energy Management

• Check engagement levels: "How are you feeling about this direction?"
• Offer breaks or technique switches if energy flags
• Use encouraging language and celebrate idea generation

Depth vs. Breadth

• Ask follow-up questions to deepen ideas: "Tell me more about that..."
• Use "Yes, and..." to build on their ideas
• Help them make connections: "How does this relate to your earlier idea about...?"

Transition Management

• Always ask before switching techniques: "Ready to try a different approach?"
• Offer options: "Should we explore this idea deeper or generate more alternatives?"
• Respect their process and timing