Prerequisites
- Node.js 18 or higher
- An AI coding tool: Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or Google Antigravity
Installation
1
Install specs.md
2
Select Ideation flow
When prompted, choose Ideation - Creative ideation: Spark → Flame → Forge.
3
Verify installation
Start a Session
Invoke the orchestrator with a topic, or jump directly to a skill:- Claude Code
- Cursor
- GitHub Copilot
Zero friction start: The orchestrator generates your first 5 ideas immediately—no setup questions. If a session already exists for your topic, it offers to resume where you left off.
Phase 1: Spark
The AI generates batches of 5 ideas spanning multiple domains. Each idea is tagged with the technique that produced it (e.g., via Inversion, via SCAMPER). Example output:When to move on: The AI suggests transitioning to Flame after ~50 ideas. You can transition earlier with “let’s evaluate” or continue generating.
spark-bank.md grouped by theme, with your favorites highlighted.
Phase 2: Flame
Flame evaluates your ideas through multiple lenses. The AI runs a Six Hats rapid analysis on each idea from your Spark Bank, then asks for your gut feeling.
Red Hat is critical: The AI explicitly elicits your gut feeling before finalizing the shortlist. Your instinct is a data point.
After the Six Hats analysis, the AI scores each idea on Impact (1–5) × Feasibility (1–5) and shows a 2×2 matrix. The shortlist (3–5 ideas) is selected from the upper-right quadrant, adjusted by your Red Hat input.
Output artifact:
flame-report.md with full evaluations, scoring matrix, and shortlist with rationale.
Phase 3: Forge
Forge develops each shortlisted idea into a polished Concept Brief using the Disney Creative Strategy.
The Critic pass is where you’re most involved—you know the hidden constraints and organizational context that the AI doesn’t.
Output artifact: One
concept-brief.md per idea, containing:
- Vision (Dreamer output): Full concept, user value, differentiation
- Implementation Plan (Realist output): Phases, tech choices, resource needs
- Risk Assessment (Critic output): Risks ranked by severity, mitigations for each
Resuming a Session
Sessions are automatically saved. If you close and return to an active session:Direct Skill Access
Skip the orchestrator and go straight to a skill:Command Reference
Tips for Success
Be specific with your topic
Be specific with your topic
“Mobile app features” produces generic ideas. “Ways to reduce developer onboarding time from 2 weeks to 2 days” produces specific, actionable ones. The more constraint you add, the more surprising the output.
React to ideas, don't just say 'more'
React to ideas, don't just say 'more'
The AI adapts based on your reactions. “More like #3 but applied to the mobile experience” directs the next batch precisely. Vague reactions produce generic follow-ups.
Don't skip the Red Hat in Flame
Don't skip the Red Hat in Flame
Gut feeling matters. An idea that scores well on impact/feasibility but gives you a bad feeling is worth examining. The Red Hat makes your instinct an explicit input.
Let the Critic pass be uncomfortable
Let the Critic pass be uncomfortable
The Critic phase is designed to surface real problems. Don’t try to defend the idea—let the AI find the cracks. That’s where the best mitigations come from.
Use standards for context-aware ideation
Use standards for context-aware ideation
If your project has standards in
.specs-ideation/standards/, the orchestrator uses them for context. Tech-specific ideas will align with your actual stack.Troubleshooting
Ideas feel too similar or too technical
Ideas feel too similar or too technical
The anti-bias engine enforces domain diversity, but if you’re in a STEM-heavy session context it may lean technical. Say “try a social or psychological angle” to explicitly shift. Or “wilder”—the provocation engine kicks in and forces non-obvious directions.
Session didn't resume from where I left off
Session didn't resume from where I left off
Check
.specs-ideation/sessions/ for your session folder. If session.yaml exists, the orchestrator should detect it. Try: /specsmd-ideation and explicitly mention your topic slug.Concept brief feels too generic
Concept brief feels too generic
The Forge pass quality scales with your involvement in the Critic phase. Push back, add organizational context, surface hidden constraints. The more specific your input, the more specific the brief.
Next Steps
Skills Deep Dive
Detailed configuration and behavior for Spark, Flame, and Forge
Flow Overview
Architecture, key principles, and when to use Ideation
Compare Flows
When to use Ideation vs Simple vs FIRE vs AI-DLC
Installation
Full installation guide for all AI tools