flow-brainstorm

flow:brainstorm — Design Phase (OpenClaw)

Turn an idea into a fully-formed spec through structured dialogue, then hand off to flow:plan.

Do NOT invoke flow:plan, write code, scaffold files, or take any implementation action until the spec is written, self-reviewed, and the user has explicitly approved it.

Process

1. Explore context. Read CLAUDE.md (conventions, spec output path — that path always wins), key project files, and git log --oneline -10.
2. Assess scope BEFORE details. If the request names multiple independent subsystems, stop and help decompose into sub-projects; brainstorm the first one. Don't ask detail questions about a project that needs decomposition.
3. Clarifying questions — one per message, multiple-choice preferred (2–4 options + a default). Focus on purpose, users, constraints, success criteria. 3–5 questions is usually enough.
4. Propose 2–3 approaches. Lead with your recommendation + one-sentence why; state trade-offs. Don't present unequal options as equal.
5. Present the design section by section (architecture, data model/interfaces, data flow, error handling, testing). Scale each to its complexity. After each: "Does this section look right?"
6. Write the spec to the CLAUDE.md path or docs/specs/<YYYY-MM-DD>-<topic>.md. Include goal, context, decisions, data model, behaviors, error handling, acceptance criteria, out-of-scope.
7. Self-review (placeholder scan, internal consistency, scope, ambiguity). Fix inline.
8. User review gate. "Spec written to <path>. Review and tell me of any changes before planning." Wait for explicit approval; revise + re-review on request.
9. Hand off to flow:plan with the spec path.

OpenClaw notes

• Works headless: all questions are text-first and route through whatever channel the session uses (CLI, Telegram, etc.). A visual companion is optional and additive, never required.
• This is a coordinator skill — it runs in the main agent, not a spawned specialist.

When NOT to brainstorm

Use flow:quick for one-sentence changes under 3 files (bug fix, rename, typo, config value). Use brainstorm for new features, architectural changes, or anything spanning multiple files.