Enforces a design-first workflow before any code is written. Proposes approaches, writes a spec, then hands off to an implementation plan.
What it does
Claude's default behaviour when given a task is to start building. This works well for simple requests. For anything architectural — choosing a data model, picking an auth strategy, designing an API — it produces confident code that solves a plausible interpretation of the problem rather than the actual problem. This skill enforces a design-first phase: Claude proposes multiple approaches with trade-offs, writes a brief spec, and presents an implementation plan before writing any code. You confirm before it starts.
Use case
Starting any feature where the right approach isn't obvious. Also useful as a forcing function for your own thinking — Claude's proposals often surface constraints you hadn't considered. Made by Drew Breunig (obra), who built this as part of his Superpowers library.
"I want to add real-time notifications — think through the approach before building." "Plan how we should handle multi-tenancy in this app. Give me three options." "We need search. Explore the trade-offs between Postgres full-text, Algolia, and a vector approach." "Before you refactor this module, write a spec for what the new version should do." "Help me think through the data model for invoicing before I write any migrations."
Describe what you're trying to build or solve. The vaguer the request, the more valuable the brainstorming phase — Claude surfaces the questions you didn't know to ask.
Claude proposes 2-3 approaches with specific trade-offs, not generic pros/cons.
You pick one (or ask Claude to recommend). It writes a spec. You approve. Then it builds.
Input
A feature description, problem statement, or refactoring goal. Vaguer inputs produce more useful brainstorming.
Output
Proposed approaches with concrete trade-offs, a recommended approach, a brief spec, and an implementation plan. Code only after the plan is approved.
npx skillsadd obra/superpowers/brainstorming
npx skillsadd obra/skills/brainstorming
Requires skills.sh CLI
A set of resources to help me write all kinds of internal communications, using the formats that my company likes to use. Claude should use this skill whenever asked to write some sort of internal communications (status reports, leadership updates, 3P updates, company newsletters, FAQs, incident reports, project updates, etc.).
Send message notifications for agent workflows — alert on completion, errors, or milestones.
Manage local CLI AI agents via tmux — start, stop, monitor, assign tasks, and schedule with cron.