brainstorming

# Brainstorming Ideas Into Designs

## Collab Session Required

Before proceeding, check for active collab session:

1. Check if `.collab/` directory exists
2. Check if any session folders exist within
3. If no session found:
   ```
   No active collab session found.

   Use /collab to start a session first.
   ```
   **STOP** - do not proceed with this skill.

4. If multiple sessions exist, check `COLLAB_SESSION_PATH` env var or ask user which session.

## Get Current Work Item

Check if this skill is being invoked for a specific work item:

1. Read collab state via MCP:
   ```
   Tool: mcp__plugin_mermaid-collab_mermaid__get_session_state
   Args: { "project": "<absolute-path-to-cwd>", "session": "<session-name>" }
   ```
   Returns: `{ "phase": "...", "currentItem": ..., ... }`
2. If `currentItem` field exists:
   - This is **single-item mode** - focus on documenting only that item
   - Read design doc and find the item by number
   - Scope all phases to this specific item
3. If `currentItem` is null or missing:
   - This is **full-session mode** - use existing behavior for entire design

**Single-item mode behavior:**
- EXPLORING: Gather context relevant to this specific item
- CLARIFYING: Discuss only this item's requirements
- DESIGNING: Document only this item's fields (Problem/Goal, Approach, Success Criteria, Decisions)
- VALIDATING: Check only this item has all required fields filled
- On completion: Return to collab skill (do NOT transition to rough-draft)

## Overview

Help turn ideas into fully formed designs and specs through natural collaborative dialogue.

Start by understanding the current project context, then ask questions one at a time to refine the idea. Once you understand what you're building, present the design in small sections (200-300 words), checking after each section whether it looks right so far.

**When invoked from collab skill:** The design doc location is `.collab/<name>/documents/design.md`. Create it immediately and update contin