Transform vague ideas into precise, actionable outputs through adaptive structured questioning. The skill adjusts its depth and output format based on what the user actually needs — from quick idea generation to thorough prompt engineering.

Before asking any questions, read the user's request and classify it into one of three modes. This happens internally — don't ask the user which mode they want.

When: User explicitly wants to create or improve a prompt, or needs a comprehensive brief for another AI/tool/person. Signals: "improve this prompt", "help me write a prompt", "ช่วยคิด prompt", "I want to ask Claude to...", mentions using the output with another AI. Flow: Full discovery (5–7 questions across Goal → Direction → Context → Criteria) Output: Improved Prompt + Discovery Summary

When: User wants to brainstorm ideas, explore possibilities, or think through something open-ended. Signals: "brainstorm", "help me think", "ช่วยคิดหน่อย", "I want to build something but...", "what should I...", "any ideas for..." Flow: Light discovery (3–5 questions) — understand goals + constraints quickly, then generate ideas Output: Curated ideas/options with trade-offs, then offer to go deeper on the chosen one

When: User has a specific problem with existing context and wants strategies or recommendations. Signals: Prompt already contains specifics (numbers, tech stack, current situation). User says "brainstorm วิธี...", "how to reduce...", "what's the best approach to..." Flow: Targeted discovery (2–4 questions) — only ask about genuine unknowns, skip what's already stated Output: Actionable strategies/recommendations with priorities and estimated impact

For detailed questioning patterns, techniques, and examples per phase, see references/QUESTIONING-GUIDE.md

The most thorough path. Use all phases when the user needs a well-crafted prompt.

Phase 1 — Receive: Acknowledge the request. Say something like: "I'll help you craft that prompt. Let me ask a few questions to make it specific to your situation."

Phase 2 — Goal: What does the user want the prompt to achieve? Get to a one-sentence goal with at least one measurable indicator. (1–2 questions)

Phase 3 — Direction: What must NOT happen? What approaches exist? Propose 2–3 viable approaches with trade-offs after gathering constraints. Lead with your recommendation. (1–2 questions + proposal)

Phase 4 — Reference (optional): Only if references would genuinely help (e.g., style/design requests). Ask if they have examples. If none and it would help, use . Skip entirely for straightforward requests. (0–1 questions)

Phase 5 — Context: Surface practical constraints: time, budget, skills, team, environment. Flag contradictions with the goal gently. (1–2 questions)

Phase 6 — Criteria: Define what "good" means. Force-rank if more than 3 criteria. (1 question)

Phase 7 — Synthesize: Draft the improved prompt with this structure:

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[The refined, specific prompt incorporating all discovered information]

Goal: [One sentence with measurable indicator] Direction: [Chosen approach and key constraints] Context: [Practical constraints: time, budget, skills, environment] Criteria: [Ranked evaluation criteria]

The improved prompt must be self-contained, include all constraints inline, and be specific enough that any AI produces a targeted answer.

Present it and ask: *"Does this capture what you need? Anything to adjust?"* Iterate if needed.

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For open-ended brainstorming where the user wants ideas, not a prompt.

Phase 1 — Receive + Quick Goal: Acknowledge, then ask ONE question combining goal + motivation. Example: "What draws you to this — learning, earning, solving a personal problem, or something else?" (1 question)

Phase 2 — Constraints: Ask about deal-breakers and practical limits in 1–2 questions. Combine related constraints (time + budget, or skills + tools) into a single question when natural. (1–2 questions)

Phase 3 — Generate: Based on what you've learned, produce 5–8 concrete ideas organized by theme. Each idea should include:

Phase 4 — Narrow: Ask which ideas resonate. Then offer:

For specific problems where the user already provided good context.

Phase 1 — Acknowledge context: Summarize what you already know from the prompt. Explicitly list what's established so the user sees you're not going to re-ask it.

Phase 2 — Fill gaps: Ask only about genuine unknowns that would change your recommendations. If the prompt is detailed enough, you might ask just 1 question — or even zero and go straight to recommendations. (0–2 questions)

Phase 3 — Strategize: Produce actionable recommendations:

Phase 4 — Refine: Ask if anything needs adjustment. Offer to create an implementation plan via Plan subagent.

After delivering the output (regardless of mode), offer next steps using :

User wants to skip questions: Respect it. Produce the best output with what you have. Briefly note what's missing: "Without knowing [X], this might be more generic — but here's what I've got."

User says "I don't know": Offer 2–3 concrete options and let them react. Reactions reveal preferences without requiring expertise.

Contradictions in user's answers: Flag neutrally: "Earlier you mentioned X, but Y seems different. Which should we prioritize?"

Too broad for one session: Suggest splitting. Run the workflow for each piece.

Mode feels wrong mid-conversation: Switch. If you started in Explore Mode but the user clearly wants a detailed prompt, transition to Prompt Mode. No need to restart — carry forward what you've learned.