# Creative Intelligence Suite Documentation (Full)

> Complete documentation for AI consumption
> Generated: 2026-02-08
> Repository: https://github.com/bmad-code-org/bmad-module-creative-intelligence-suite

<document path="index.md">
# Creative Intelligence Suite

A collection of agents and workflows for innovation, brainstorming, design thinking, and creative problem-solving.

---

## What is CIS?

The Creative Intelligence Suite (CIS) extends BMad Method with tools for the fuzzy front-end of development—where ideas are born, problems are reframed, and solutions emerge through structured creativity.

## Available Agents

| Agent/Workflow | Purpose |
|---------------|---------|
| **Innovation Strategist** | Identify disruption opportunities and business model innovation |
| **Design Thinking Coach** | Human-centered design through empathy, ideation, and prototyping |
| **Brainstorming Coach** | Facilitate creative ideation sessions with proven techniques |
| **Problem Solver** | Systematic problem diagnosis and root cause analysis |
| **Creative Problem Solver** | Generate creative solutions using lateral thinking |
| **Storyteller** | Craft compelling narratives for products and features |
| **Presentation Master** | Structure and deliver persuasive presentations |

---

## Quick Links

| Section | Purpose |
| ------- | ------- |
| **[Tutorials](/tutorials/)** | Get started with CIS workflows |
| **[How-To Guides](/how-to/)** | Practical guides for specific tasks |
| **[Explanation](/explanation/)** | Learn how CIS works |
| **[Reference](/reference/)** | Technical reference |

---

## Getting Started

New to CIS? Start with the [Getting Started tutorial](/tutorials/getting-started.md) to learn how to:

- Install CIS with BMad Method
- Run your first brainstorming session
- Apply design thinking to user challenges
- Develop innovation strategies
- Solve problems systematically
- Craft compelling stories

---

## Community

- **[Discord](https://discord.gg/gk8jAdXWmj)** — Share your creative breakthroughs
- **[GitHub](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/bmad-module-creative-intelligence-suite)** — Source code and issues
- **[BMad Method Docs](https://docs.bmad-method.org)** — Core framework documentation
</document>

<document path="tutorials/getting-started.md">
Unlock creative breakthroughs using AI-powered workflows with specialized agents that guide you through ideation, design thinking, innovation strategy, and systematic problem-solving.

## What You'll Learn

- Install and initialize Creative Intelligence Suite
- Run your first brainstorming session with Carson
- Use design thinking for human-centered solutions
- Apply innovation strategy to find market opportunities
- Solve complex problems with systematic analysis
- Craft compelling narratives with Sophia

:::note[Prerequisites]
- **BMad Method installed** — CIS is a module that extends BMad Method
- **AI-powered IDE** — Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, or similar
- **A challenge or idea** — Something to brainstorm, solve, or improve
:::

:::tip[Quick Path]
**Install CIS** — Select during BMad setup or `npx bmad-method install`
**Try brainstorming** — `/cis-brainstorm` with Carson
**Explore workflows** — Each agent specializes in creative approaches
**Fresh chats** for each workflow to avoid context issues.
:::

## Understanding CIS

The Creative Intelligence Suite (CIS) extends BMad Method with tools for the fuzzy front-end of development—where ideas are born, problems are reframed, and solutions emerge through structured creativity.

### CIS Agents and Workflows

| Agent | Workflow | Purpose |
| ----- | -------- | ------- |
| **Carson** | `brainstorming` | Generate ideas using 36 techniques across 7 categories |
| **Maya** | `design-thinking` | Human-centered design through 5 phases |
| **Victor** | `innovation-strategy` | Identify disruption opportunities and business model innovation |
| **Dr. Quinn** | `problem-solving` | Systematic problem diagnosis and root cause analysis |
| **Sophia** | `storytelling` | Craft compelling narratives using 25 story frameworks |
| **Caravaggio** | *(coming soon)* | Structure persuasive presentations |

### When to Use CIS

| Situation | Use This |
| ----------- | ---------- |
| Stuck on a problem | `/cis-problem-solving` |
| Need fresh ideas | `/cis-brainstorm` |
| Designing for users | `/cis-design-thinking` |
| Finding market gaps | `/cis-innovation-strategy` |
| Telling your story | `/cis-storytelling` |

## Installation

CIS installs as a module during BMad Method setup. If you haven't installed BMad Method yet:

```bash
npx bmad-method install
```

When prompted to select modules, choose **Creative Intelligence Suite**.

The installer adds CIS agents and workflows to your `_bmad/` folder.

:::note[Already have BMad Method installed?]
Run the installer again and select Creative Intelligence Suite to add it to your existing setup.
:::

## Step 1: Your First Brainstorming Session

Let's start with the most popular workflow—brainstorming with Carson.

### Load the Brainstorming Coach

In a fresh chat, load Carson:

```
/cis-brainstorm
```

### Run the Session

Carson will ask what you want to brainstorm about. Provide a topic—anything from "improving user onboarding" to "new product ideas for pet owners."

Carson guides you through:

1. **Topic exploration** — Understanding what you're brainstorming
2. **Technique selection** — Choose from 36 techniques or let Carson recommend one
3. **Ideation** — Carson facilitates using "Yes, and..." methodology
4. **Idea capture** — Results saved to `_bmad-output/brainstorming-{date}.md`

### Example Session

```
You: /cis-brainstorm
Carson: What would you like to brainstorm about?
You: Ways to reduce user churn
Carson: Let's explore this! I recommend the SCAMPER technique...
    [Guides you through 7 creative angles]
    [Generates diverse, actionable ideas]
```

## Step 2: Human-Centered Design with Maya

When you need to design solutions for real people, Maya's design thinking workflow helps you empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

### Load the Design Thinking Coach

```
/cis-design-thinking
```

### The Five Phases

| Phase | What Happens |
| ----- | ------------ |
| **Empathize** | Understand user needs and pain points |
| **Define** | Frame the problem from user perspective |
| **Ideate** | Generate diverse solutions |
| **Prototype** | Create rapid testable artifacts |
| **Test** | Validate with real users |

### What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/design-thinking-{date}.md`:

- Design challenge statement and point-of-view
- User insights and empathy mapping
- "How Might We" questions
- Solution concepts with prototypes
- Test plans and iteration roadmap

## Step 3: Strategic Innovation with Victor

Victor helps you find disruption opportunities and business model innovation.

### Load the Innovation Strategist

```
/cis-innovation-strategy
```

### Strategic Analysis

Victor guides you through:

1. **Market landscape** — Competitive dynamics and trends
2. **Jobs-to-be-Done** — What users are actually trying to accomplish
3. **Blue Ocean Strategy** — Find uncontested market space
4. **Business model innovation** — New ways to create and capture value

### What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/innovation-strategy-{date}.md`:

- Market disruption analysis
- Innovation opportunity mapping
- Business model canvas alternatives
- Strategic priorities and implementation roadmap

## Step 4: Systematic Problem-Solving with Dr. Quinn

For complex, stubborn problems, Dr. Quinn applies systematic methodologies to find root causes and effective solutions.

### Load the Problem Solver

```
/cis-problem-solving
```

### The Analytical Process

Dr. Quinn treats problems like puzzles:

1. **Problem diagnosis** — Separate symptoms from root causes
2. **Framework selection** — TRIZ, Theory of Constraints, Five Whys, Systems Thinking
3. **Solution generation** — Multiple approaches evaluated
4. **Implementation planning** — Actionable steps with risk mitigation

### What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/problem-solution-{date}.md`:

- Root cause analysis
- Solution evaluation matrix
- Implementation plan with metrics
- Risk mitigation strategies

## Step 5: Storytelling with Sophia

When you need to persuade, inspire, or connect, Sophia crafts compelling narratives.

### Load the Storyteller

```
/cis-storytelling
```

### Narrative Development

Sophia guides you through:

1. **Purpose definition** — What should the audience feel/think/do?
2. **Framework selection** — Hero's Journey, Story Brand, Three-Act, and more
3. **Character development** — Relatable protagonists and authentic voice
4. **Narrative arc** — Tension, climax, and resolution
5. **Platform adaptation** — Tailored for your medium

### What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/story-{date}.md`:

- Complete narrative with emotional beats
- Character development and dialogue
- Sensory details and vivid moments
- Platform-specific formatting

:::note[Sophia's Memory]
Sophia remembers your story preferences and past stories in her sidecar. She builds on what she learns about your style over time.
:::

## What You've Accomplished

You've learned the foundation of creative intelligence with CIS:

- Installed CIS and explored all six agents
- Run a brainstorming session with Carson
- Applied design thinking with Maya
- Analyzed innovation opportunities with Victor
- Solved problems systematically with Dr. Quinn
- Crafted narratives with Sophia

Your `_bmad-output/` folder now contains:

```
your-project/
├── _bmad/
│   └── cis/                          # CIS agents and workflows
├── _bmad-output/
│   ├── brainstorming-{date}.md       # Your ideation session results
│   ├── design-thinking-{date}.md     # Human-centered design artifacts
│   ├── innovation-strategy-{date}.md # Strategic innovation roadmap
│   ├── problem-solution-{date}.md    # Root cause and solutions
│   └── story-{date}.md               # Your crafted narrative
└── ...
```

## Quick Reference

| Workflow | Command | Agent | Purpose |
| -------- | ------- | ----- | ------- |
| `brainstorming` | `/cis-brainstorm` | Carson | Generate diverse ideas |
| `design-thinking` | `/cis-design-thinking` | Maya | Human-centered design |
| `innovation-strategy` | `/cis-innovation-strategy` | Victor | Strategic innovation |
| `problem-solving` | `/cis-problem-solving` | Dr. Quinn | Root cause analysis |
| `storytelling` | `/cis-storytelling` | Sophia | Craft compelling narratives |

## Common Questions

**How do I provide context to a workflow?**

Use the `--data` flag with a file path:

```bash
workflow cis-design-thinking --data /path/to/user-research.md
```

**Can I use multiple CIS workflows together?**

Yes. Start with brainstorming to generate options, then use design thinking to refine user-centered solutions, or innovation strategy to evaluate business potential.

**What's the difference between problem-solving and design thinking?**

Design thinking focuses on user needs and rapid prototyping. Problem-solving applies analytical frameworks to find root causes and evaluate solutions systematically.

**Do I need to use all workflows?**

No. Each workflow stands alone. Use the ones that match your current challenge.

## Getting Help

- **During workflows** — Agents guide you with questions and technique explanations
- **Community** — [Discord](https://discord.gg/gk8jAdXWmj) (#creative-intelligence-suite)
- **Issues** — [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/bmad-module-creative-intelligence-suite/issues)

## Key Takeaways

:::tip[Remember These]
- **Always use fresh chats** — Start a new chat for each workflow
- **Trust the facilitation** — Agents guide you through proven techniques
- **Capture everything** — Outputs are saved automatically
- **Iterate freely** — Run workflows multiple times as ideas evolve
:::

Ready to think differently? Start your first brainstorming session and discover where structured creativity can take you.
</document>

<document path="tutorials/index.md">
# Tutorials

Learn the Creative Intelligence Suite through step-by-step tutorials.

## Getting Started

- **[Getting Started with CIS](getting-started.md)** — Install CIS and run your first brainstorming, design thinking, and innovation strategy sessions

## Advanced Workflows

- **[Coming Soon]** — Advanced storytelling techniques
- **[Coming Soon]** — Combining multiple CIS workflows
- **[Coming Soon]** — Creative Squad team collaboration
</document>

<document path="how-to/brainstorm.md">
Use the `brainstorming` workflow to generate diverse, creative ideas using 36 proven techniques across 7 categories.

## When to Use This

- Starting a new project and need options
- Stuck on a problem and want fresh perspectives
- Exploring solutions before committing to a direction
- Building a pipeline of ideas for future consideration
- Facilitating team ideation sessions

## When to Skip This

- You already have a clear, single solution path
- Time is extremely constrained (under 10 minutes)
- The problem requires analytical rather than creative approaches

:::note[Prerequisites]
- **BMad Method with CIS installed** — Carson is part of the Creative Intelligence Suite
- **A topic or challenge** — Something you want to brainstorm about
- **Openness to wild ideas** — Carson celebrates unconventional thinking
:::

## Steps

### 1. Load Carson

Start a fresh chat and load the Brainstorming Coach:

```
/cis-brainstorm
```

### 2. Define Your Topic

Carson will ask what you want to brainstorm about. Provide a clear but open-ended topic:

**Good topics:**
- "Ways to improve user onboarding"
- "New features for a budgeting app"
- "Revenue streams for a content platform"

**Less effective:**
- "Fix the bug in line 42" (too specific)
- "Should I use React or Vue?" (decision-making, not ideation)

### 3. Choose Your Approach

Carson offers four ways to select brainstorming techniques:

| Mode | Best For | Description |
| ---- | -------- | ----------- |
| **User-selected** | You know which technique you want | Browse 36 techniques and pick one |
| **AI-recommended** | You're unsure what would work best | Carson analyzes your topic and recommends |
| **Random** | Serendipity and surprise | Let fate choose a technique |
| **Progressive** | Comprehensive exploration | Try multiple techniques in sequence |

### 4. Explore with the Technique

Carson guides you through the chosen technique using "Yes, and..." methodology:

- **Build on ideas** — Don't judge, add to what's emerging
- **Go for quantity** — More ideas increase quality odds
- **Embrace wildness** — Crazy ideas often contain gems

:::tip[Carson's Style]
Carson talks like an enthusiastic improv coach—high energy, celebrates every contribution, and keeps the momentum flowing.
:::

### 5. Capture and Refine

After ideation, Carson helps you:

1. **Cluster similar ideas** — Find themes and patterns
2. **Identify standouts** — Mark ideas worth pursuing
3. **Add practical details** — Make actionable ideas more concrete

## What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/brainstorming-{date}.md`:

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Topic** | Your brainstorming challenge |
| **Technique Used** | Which method was applied |
| **Ideas Generated** | Full list of all ideas |
| **Top Picks** | Carson's recommendations |
| **Next Steps** | How to move forward |

## Example

```text
You: /cis-brainstorm
Carson: What would you like to brainstorm about?
You: Ways to reduce cart abandonment
Carson: Love it! Let's use Reverse Brainstorming.
       Instead of "how to reduce abandonment," let's ask:
       "How could we MAXIMIZE abandonment?"
You: [Generate reverse ideas]
Carson: Great! Now let's flip these:
       - "Make checkout confusing" → "Simplify to 3 clicks"
       - "Hide shipping costs" → "Show total upfront"
       [Generates actionable solutions from reverse angles]
```

## Tips

:::tip[Best Practices]
- **Prepare context** — Have background info ready if topic is complex
- **Set a timer** — 15-30 minutes per technique keeps energy high
- **Record everything** — Even odd ideas may spark insights later
:::

:::caution[Avoid Common Mistakes]
- Don't criticize ideas during generation—that comes later
- Don't rush to pick favorites before the full list emerges
- Don't use brainstorming for decisions that require data, not creativity
:::

## Next Steps

After brainstorming:

- Use **design thinking** (`/cis-design-thinking`) to test ideas with users
- Apply **innovation strategy** (`/cis-innovation-strategy`) to evaluate business potential
- Run **problem-solving** (`/cis-problem-solving`) if you need to diagnose why solutions aren't working

## Available Techniques

Carson's 36 techniques span 7 categories:

| Category | Techniques Include |
| -------- | ------------------ |
| **Collaborative** | Brainwriting, Round Robin, Six Thinking Hats |
| **Structured** | SCAMPER, Reverse Brainstorming, Morphological Analysis |
| **Creative** | Metaphors, Random Word, Forced Connections |
| **Deep** | Five Whys, Laddering, Assumption Surfacing |
| **Theatrical** | Role Storming, Hero's Journey, Future Press |
| **Wild** | Worst Possible Idea, Anti-Problems, Exaggeration |
| **Introspective** | Guided Imagery, Incubation, Dream Capture |
</document>

<document path="how-to/design-thinking.md">
Use the `design-thinking` workflow to create solutions deeply rooted in user needs through empathy, ideation, and rapid prototyping.

## When to Use This

- Designing products or features for people
- Solving problems where user experience matters
- Starting from user research or empathy work
- Need to move from insights to testable prototypes
- Reimagining an existing experience

## When to Skip This

- Pure technical problems without user interaction
- Infrastructure or backend-only concerns
- Timeframes don't allow for user validation

:::note[Prerequisites]
- **BMad Method with CIS installed** — Maya is part of the Creative Intelligence Suite
- **A design challenge** — A problem or opportunity to explore
- **User context** — Existing research or stakeholder info (optional but helpful)
:::

## Steps

### 1. Load Maya

Start a fresh chat and load the Design Thinking Coach:

```
/cis-design-thinking
```

### 2. Define Your Challenge

Maya will ask for your design challenge. Frame it around user needs:

**Good challenges:**
- "How might we help users feel more confident starting a new project?"
- "Redesign the checkout experience for mobile shoppers"
- "Help small business owners understand their cash flow"

**Less effective:**
- "Build a new dashboard" (solution-first)
- "Fix the slow API" (technical, not user-centered)

### 3. Journey Through the Five Phases

Maya guides you through the complete design thinking process:

| Phase | Goal | What You Do |
| ----- | ---- | ---- |
| **Empathize** | Understand users | Share insights, create personas, map empathy |
| **Define** | Frame the problem | Craft POV statements, ask "How Might We" |
| **Ideate** | Generate solutions | Diverge wildly, then converge on promising concepts |
| **Prototype** | Make it tangible | Create rough artifacts that convey the idea |
| **Test** | Validate with users | Plan how to get real feedback |

:::tip[Diverge Before Converging]
Maya emphasizes expanding options before narrowing. Don't jump to solutions—let the process unfold.
:::

### 4. Apply Design Methods

At each phase, Maya selects appropriate methods from her design-methods library:

- **Empathize**: User interviews, empathy mapping, journey maps
- **Define**: POV madlibs, "How Might We" framing, problem statements
- **Ideate**: Brainstorming, sketching, storyboarding
- **Prototype**: Paper prototypes, role-play, Wizard of Oz
- **Test**: Usability testing plans, feedback capture templates

## What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/design-thinking-{date}.md`:

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Design Challenge** | Your framed opportunity |
| **Point of View** | User-centered problem statement |
| **User Insights** | Empathy findings and personas |
| **How Might We Questions** | Reframed problem as opportunity |
| **Solution Concepts** | Generated ideas with rationales |
| **Prototype Designs** | Testable artifacts and mockups |
| **Test Plan** | How to validate with real users |
| **Iteration Roadmap** | Next steps based on learning |

## Example

```text
You: /cis-design-thinking
Maya: 🎨 Tell me about your design challenge, friend.
     Who are the humans we're designing with?
You: We need to redesign onboarding for our analytics tool.
     Users are dropping out during setup.
Maya: Ah, first impressions! Let's start with empathy.
     What do we know about these humans?
You: [Share user research, pain points]
Maya: [Guides through empathy mapping]
     Now let's craft our Point of View...
     "New analysts need to feel capable, not confused"
     [Frames How Might We questions]
     [Generates solution concepts]
     [Creates low-fidelity prototype]
     [Plans validation approach]
```

## Tips

:::tip[Best Practices]
- **Bring user data** — Even informal insights help ground the work
- **Prototype rough** — Sketches and role-plays beat pixels at this stage
- **Embrace failure** — Negative test results are valuable learning
:::

:::caution[Avoid Common Mistakes]
- Don't solve before empathizing — Maya will redirect you
- Don't fall in love with your first idea — divergence creates better options
- Don't skip prototyping — thinking something works doesn't make it true
:::

## Next Steps

After design thinking:

- Use **storytelling** (`/cis-storytelling`) to craft user narratives
- Apply **innovation strategy** (`/cis-innovation-strategy`) to assess business viability
- Run **brainstorming** (`/cis-brainstorm`) if you need more solution options

## Providing Context

For best results, provide user research via the `--data` flag:

```bash
workflow cis-design-thinking --data /path/to/user-research.md
```

Maya will use this context to ground the empathy and definition phases in real user insights.
</document>

<document path="how-to/index.md">
# How-To Guides

Step-by-step guides for completing specific tasks with the Creative Intelligence Suite.

## Workflow Guides

- **[Run a Brainstorming Session](brainstorm.md)** — Generate diverse ideas using 36 proven techniques
- **[Apply Design Thinking](design-thinking.md)** — Create human-centered solutions through empathy and prototyping
- **[Develop an Innovation Strategy](innovation-strategy.md)** — Find disruption opportunities and business model innovation
- **[Solve Complex Problems](problem-solving.md)** — Diagnose root causes and develop systematic solutions
- **[Craft a Compelling Story](storytelling.md)** — Create persuasive narratives using proven frameworks

## Advanced Guides

- **[Coming Soon]** — Use the Creative Squad team
- **[Coming Soon]** — Combine multiple CIS workflows
</document>

<document path="how-to/innovation-strategy.md">
Use the `innovation-strategy` workflow to identify disruption opportunities and architect business model innovation using proven strategic frameworks.

## When to Use This

- Exploring new market opportunities or pivots
- Analyzing competitive threats and disruption potential
- Designing business models for new ventures
- Seeking sustainable competitive advantage
- Evaluating whether an idea has strategic merit

## When to Skip This

- Incremental feature improvements (use brainstorming instead)
- Purely technical optimizations
- Well-established markets with clear rules

:::note[Prerequisites]
- **BMad Method with CIS installed** — Victor is part of the Creative Intelligence Suite
- **Market context** — Industry, competitors, or opportunity area
- **Strategic mindset** — Willingness to question assumptions
:::

## Steps

### 1. Load Victor

Start a fresh chat and load the Innovation Strategist:

```
/cis-innovation-strategy
```

### 2. Define Your Strategic Question

Victor will ask about your innovation challenge. Frame it strategically:

**Good strategic questions:**
- "Where are the disruption opportunities in our market?"
- "What business models could work for this idea?"
- "How can we create uncontested market space?"
- "What's our sustainable competitive advantage?"

**Less effective:**
- "What features should we build?" (product strategy, not innovation strategy)
- "How do we beat competitor X?" (tactical, not strategic)

### 3. Analyze the Market Landscape

Victor guides you through:

| Analysis Area | What You'll Explore |
| ------------- | ------------------- |
| **Market forces** | Trends, shifts, emerging customer needs |
| **Competitive dynamics** | Who's winning, why, and where gaps exist |
| **Value chain** | Where value is created and captured |
| **Assumptions** | Industry "rules" that might be broken |

### 4. Apply Strategic Frameworks

Victor draws from his innovation-frameworks library:

| Framework | Purpose |
| --------- | ------- |
| **Jobs-to-be-Done** | Understand what customers actually hire products to do |
| **Blue Ocean Strategy** | Find uncontested market space |
| **Disruptive Innovation** | Identify low-end or new-market opportunities |
| **Business Model Canvas** | Design or reinvent your business model |
| **Value Chain Analysis** | Find where to capture value |

:::tip[Victor's Approach]
Victor speaks like a chess grandmaster—bold declarations, strategic silences, devastatingly simple questions that cut through complexity.
:::

### 5. Define Your Strategic Position

Based on analysis, Victor helps you articulate:

- **Innovation thesis** — Your core strategic bet
- **Business model** — How you'll create and capture value
- **Moats** — Sustainable competitive advantages
- **Execution priorities** — What matters most

## What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/innovation-strategy-{date}.md`:

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Strategic Question** | Your innovation challenge |
| **Market Analysis** | Forces, trends, competitive landscape |
| **Jobs-to-be-Done** | Unmet customer needs |
| **Blue Ocean Opportunities** | Uncontested market spaces |
| **Business Model** | Value proposition and capture mechanisms |
| **Competitive Advantages** | Defensible moats |
| **Strategic Roadmap** | Priorities and execution path |

## Example

```text
You: /cis-innovation-strategy
Victor: What strategic opportunity are we exploring?
You: We want to disrupt the home security market.
Victor: Interesting. Let me ask: What job are people hiring
       home security to do?
You: [Discuss customer needs, fears, motivations]
Victor: [Applies Jobs-to-be-Done analysis]
       I see. The industry competes on features and price.
       But the real job is "peace of mind, not surveillance."
       What if we competed on reassurance instead?
You: [Explore blue ocean opportunities]
Victor: [Guides business model design]
       Here's your advantage: You don't sell alarms.
       You sell sleep. That's a different business model.
```

## Tips

:::tip[Best Practices]
- **Challenge industry assumptions** — "Rules" are often habits
- **Focus on business model, not features** — Innovation lives in how value is created
- **Think long-term** — Sustainable advantage beats quick wins
:::

:::caution[Avoid Common Mistakes]
- Don't confuse strategy with tactics — Victor will redirect
- Don't ignore business model — Product alone isn't innovation
- Don't assume the incumbent's advantage — Disruption comes from the edges
:::

## Next Steps

After innovation strategy:

- Use **brainstorming** (`/cis-brainstorm`) to generate execution ideas
- Apply **design thinking** (`/cis-design-thinking`) to shape user experience
- Run **storytelling** (`/cis-storytelling`) to craft your strategic narrative

## Providing Context

For best results, provide market analysis via the `--data` flag:

```bash
workflow cis-innovation-strategy --data /path/to/market-analysis.md
```

Victor will use this context to ground the strategic analysis in your market reality.
</document>

<document path="how-to/problem-solving.md">
Use the `problem-solving` workflow to systematically diagnose problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions using proven analytical frameworks.

## When to Use This

- Facing a complex, persistent challenge
- Need to understand root causes before fixing symptoms
- Multiple solution options exist and you need to choose
- Problems recur despite previous attempts to fix them
- Issues span multiple systems or components

## When to Skip This

- Well-understood problems with obvious solutions
- Simple, isolated bugs or issues
- Time-critical situations requiring immediate action

:::note[Prerequisites]
- **BMad Method with CIS installed** — Dr. Quinn is part of the Creative Intelligence Suite
- **A defined problem** — Something you want to solve
- **Patience for analysis** — Root cause exploration takes time
:::

## Steps

### 1. Load Dr. Quinn

Start a fresh chat and load the Problem Solver:

```
/cis-problem-solving
```

### 2. Describe Your Problem

Dr. Quinn will ask about your challenge. Be specific about symptoms:

**Good problem descriptions:**
- "Users abandon checkout after entering payment info 40% of the time"
- "The database query takes 30 seconds when user count exceeds 1000"
- "Customer support tickets increased 300% after the last release"

**Less effective:**
- "Fix performance" (too vague)
- "The app is slow" (no specifics)

### 3. Diagnose the Problem

Dr. Quinn treats problems like puzzles and guides you through:

| Diagnostic Step | Goal |
| --------------- | ---- |
| **Symptom analysis** | Separate what you see from what's causing it |
| **Boundary definition** | Understand where the problem lives and doesn't |
| **History review** | What changed, when, and what was attempted |

### 4. Apply Analytical Frameworks

Dr. Quinn selects from his solving-methods library:

| Framework | Best For |
| --------- | -------- |
| **Five Whys** | Quick root cause drilling |
| **TRIZ** | Technical contradictions and inventive solutions |
| **Theory of Constraints** | System bottlenecks and flow |
| **Systems Thinking** | Interconnected, recurring issues |
| **Root Cause Analysis** | Comprehensive causal mapping |

:::tip[Dr. Quinn's Style]
Dr. Quinn speaks like Sherlock Holmes meets a playful scientist—deductive, curious, punctuates breakthroughs with "Aha!" moments.
:::

### 5. Generate and Evaluate Solutions

Once root causes are identified:

1. **Diverge** — Generate multiple solution approaches
2. **Evaluate** — Assess pros, cons, and trade-offs
3. **Select** — Choose based on effectiveness and feasibility
4. **Plan** — Create implementation steps with risk mitigation

## What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/problem-solution-{date}.md`:

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Problem Statement** | Clearly defined challenge with symptoms |
| **Diagnosis** | Root cause analysis using selected frameworks |
| **Solution Options** | Multiple approaches with pros/cons |
| **Recommended Solution** | Best option with rationale |
| **Implementation Plan** | Actionable steps and timeline |
| **Risk Mitigation** | What could go wrong and how to prevent it |
| **Success Metrics** | How to measure effectiveness |

## Example

```text
You: /cis-problem-solving
Dr. Quinn: What puzzle are we solving today?
You: User engagement dropped 50% after our last release.
Dr. Quinn: Fascinating symptom. Let's drill down.
       [Applies Five Whys]
       Why did engagement drop?
You: Users aren't opening the app.
Dr. Quinn: Why aren't they opening it?
You: Push notifications stopped working.
Dr. Quinn: Why did notifications stop?
You: The API changed and we didn't update.
Dr. Quinn: Aha! Root cause: Missing API integration.
       But why wasn't this caught in testing?
       [Drills deeper into process issues]
       [Identifies multiple root causes]
       [Generates solution options]
       [Creates implementation plan with safeguards]
```

## Tips

:::tip[Best Practices]
- **Separate symptoms from causes** — What you see isn't the problem
- **Question assumptions** — "Obvious" causes are often wrong
- **Think in systems** — Problems often have multiple interconnected causes
:::

:::caution[Avoid Common Mistakes]
- Don't jump to solutions — Dr. Quinn will slow you down
- Don't accept first answers — Keep drilling
- Don't ignore human factors — Process and people problems cause technical symptoms
:::

## Next Steps

After problem-solving:

- Use **brainstorming** (`/cis-brainstorm`) to generate creative solutions
- Apply **innovation strategy** (`/cis-innovation-strategy`) if the problem requires strategic pivots
- Use **design thinking** (`/cis-design-thinking`) if users are experiencing the problem

## Providing Context

For best results, provide problem context via the `--data` flag:

```bash
workflow cis-problem-solving --data /path/to/problem-brief.md
```

Dr. Quinn will use this context to accelerate the diagnostic phase.
</document>

<document path="how-to/storytelling.md">
Use the `storytelling` workflow to craft compelling narratives using proven story frameworks, emotional psychology, and platform-specific adaptation.

## When to Use This

- Creating product or brand narratives
- Writing pitch decks or investor presentations
- Developing user stories or case studies
- Communicating change or vision
- Crafting marketing content or campaigns

## When to Skip This

- Purely technical documentation
- Simple factual reporting without narrative need
- Extremely short formats (headlines, taglines)

:::note[Prerequisites]
- **BMad Method with CIS installed** — Sophia is part of the Creative Intelligence Suite
- **A story purpose** — Why you're telling this story
- **An audience** — Who needs to hear it
:::

## Steps

### 1. Load Sophia

Start a fresh chat and load the Storyteller:

```
/cis-storytelling
```

### 2. Define Your Story Purpose

Sophia will ask about your story. Be clear about intent:

**Good story purposes:**
- "Persuade investors that our market opportunity is massive"
- "Inspire employees to embrace a new direction"
- "Help users understand how our product changes their life"
- "Explain a complex technical concept in relatable terms"

**Less effective:**
- "Write about our product" (no clear purpose)
- "Tell our company story" (too vague)

### 3. Understand Your Audience

Sophia explores who you're speaking with:

| Audience Question | Why It Matters |
| ----------------- | -------------- |
| **Who are they?** | Shapes language, tone, references |
| **What do they believe now?** | Identifies gap to bridge |
| **What do you want them to feel?** | Emotional journey design |
| **What should they do?** | Call to action clarity |

### 4. Choose Your Framework

Sophia selects from 25 story frameworks:

| Framework | Best For |
| --------- | -------- |
| **Hero's Journey** | Transformation, overcoming obstacles |
| **StoryBrand** | Customer-centric marketing |
| **Three-Act Structure** | Classic narrative arcs |
| **Before-After-Bridge** | Simple problem-solution stories |
| **The Pixar Pitch** | Emotional, character-driven narratives |
| **Inverted Pyramid** | News-style, impact-first |

:::tip[Sophia's Voice]
Sophia speaks like a master bard—flowery, whimsical, every sentence enraptures and draws you deeper into the narrative.
:::

### 5. Craft Your Narrative

Sophia guides you through:

| Story Element | What You'll Create |
| ------------- | ------------------ |
| **Hook** | Opening that grabs attention |
| **Characters** | Relatable protagonists and antagonists |
| **Conflict** | The problem or tension |
| **Journey** | The path through struggle |
| **Resolution** | The satisfying outcome |
| **Transformation** | How the world changed |

### 6. Adapt to Platform

Sophia tailors the story for where it will live:

- **Pitch deck** — Concise, slide-by-slide narrative
- **Blog post** — Scannable, with narrative arc
- **Video script** — Visual storytelling with dialogue
- **Social media** — Micro-narratives for feed format
- **Email** — Personal, direct storytelling

## What You Get

Output saved to `_bmad-output/story-{date}.md`:

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Story Framework** | Which structure was used and why |
| **Audience Profile** | Who the story is for |
| **Emotional Arc** | The journey you want them to feel |
| **Complete Narrative** | Full story with vivid details |
| **Character Development** | Voice, motivation, transformation |
| **Platform Adaptation** | Formatted for your chosen medium |
| **Impact Plan** | How to measure effectiveness |

## Example

```text
You: /cis-storytelling
Sophia: 📖 Greetings, traveler. What tale shall we weave?
You: We need to tell our product story for a pitch deck.
     Our app helps people manage anxiety.
Sophia: Ah, a noble quest. Tell me—who suffers from
       this anxiety, and how does your solution become
       the hero they've been waiting for?
You: [Explains user struggle and solution]
Sophia: [Selects Hero's Journey framework]
       Let us craft your protagonist—someone whose
       anxiety keeps them from living fully.
       [Develops character and emotional stakes]
       [Creates narrative arc with tension and release]
       [Adapts story for pitch deck format—slide by slide]
```

:::note[Sophia's Memory]
Sophia remembers your story preferences and past narratives in her sidecar. She learns your voice and builds on previous stories over time.
:::

## Tips

:::tip[Best Practices]
- **Start with why** — Purpose before plot
- **Make it human** — Concrete details beat abstract concepts
- **Find the universal** — Personal stories with universal truths resonate widest
:::

:::caution[Avoid Common Mistakes]
- Don't bury the lead — Hook readers immediately
- Don't list features — Tell how lives change
- Don't overwrite — Every word must earn its place
:::

## Next Steps

After storytelling:

- Use **presentation design** (coming soon) to create visual decks
- Apply **innovation strategy** (`/cis-innovation-strategy`) to strengthen business narrative
- Use **brainstorming** (`/cis-brainstorm`) to generate story variations

## Providing Context

For best results, provide brand or product context via the `--data` flag:

```bash
workflow cis-storytelling --data /path/to/brand-guidelines.md
```

Sophia will use this context to maintain brand voice and consistency.
</document>

<document path="explanation/brainstorming-techniques.md">
Carson's brainstorming workflow offers 36 techniques across seven categories, drawing from decades of facilitation research and practice.

## Why Technique Choice Matters

Different techniques serve different purposes:

| Goal | Best Technique Category |
| ---- | ----------------------- |
| **Generate many ideas fast** | Collaborative, Wild |
| **Break out of conventional thinking** | Creative, Theatrical |
| **Understand the problem deeply** | Deep, Introspective |
| **Systematically explore options** | Structured |
| **Build team alignment** | Collaborative |

## Technique Categories

### Collaborative Techniques

Build on group intelligence and collective creativity.

| Technique | How It Works | When to Use |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **Brainwriting** | Silent written ideation, then build on others' ideas | Teams with dominant voices |
| **Round Robin** | Each person contributes one idea in turn | Equal participation needed |
| **Six Thinking Hats** | Explore from six perspectives (facts, feelings, caution, etc.) | Complex, multi-faceted problems |
| **Brainwalking** | Write ideas, rotate stations, build on what you find | High-energy team sessions |

### Structured Techniques

Systematic approaches that leave no creative stone unturned.

| Technique | How It Works | When to Use |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **SCAMPER** | Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other use, Eliminate, Reverse | Improving existing products/services |
| **Reverse Brainstorming** | How to cause the problem, then flip to solutions | Stuck on conventional approaches |
| **Morphological Analysis** | Matrix of parameters, combine systematically | Complex systems with many variables |
| **Chunking** | Break into smaller parts, ideate each, recombine | Large, overwhelming challenges |

### Creative Techniques

Unconventional approaches that spark unexpected connections.

| Technique | How It Works | When to Use |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **Metaphors** | "How is this problem like a garden?" | Need fresh perspective |
| **Random Word** | Force connection between topic and random word | Completely stuck, need surprise |
| **Forced Connections** | Combine two unrelated concepts | Innovation through juxtaposition |
| **Analogical Thinking** | Borrow solutions from other domains | Cross-industry inspiration |

### Deep Techniques

Dig beneath surface understanding to find root causes and hidden opportunities.

| Technique | How It Works | When to Use |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **Five Whys** | Ask "why" five times to drill down | Quick root cause exploration |
| **Laddering** | Move up to abstraction, down to specifics | Understand values and details |
| **Assumption Surfacing** | List and challenge hidden assumptions | Conventional thinking blocks progress |
| **Problem Reversal** | State problem backwards, flip to solutions | Seeing the problem afresh |

### Theatrical Techniques

Use role-play and scenario thinking to bypass psychological barriers.

| Technique | How It Works | When to Use |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **Role Storming** | Ideate as someone else (CEO, child, competitor) | Need different perspectives |
| **Hero's Journey** | Frame challenge as narrative adventure | Meaningful, human-centered challenges |
| **Future Press Release** | Write as if future success already happened | Visioning and goal-setting |
| **Pre-mortem** | Assume failure, work backward to causes | Risk identification and prevention |

### Wild Techniques

Embrace absurdity to bypass internal censors and find truly novel ideas.

| Technique | How It Works | When to Use |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **Worst Possible Idea** | Intentionally generate terrible ideas | Teams afraid of bad ideas |
| **Anti-Problems** | Solve the opposite of your problem | Reframing stubborn challenges |
| **Exaggeration** | Blow up aspects to ridiculous proportions | Find what truly matters |
| **100 Ideas** | Generate 100 ideas in 20 minutes | Break through to novel territory |

### Introspective Techniques

Tap into subconscious creativity through individual reflection.

| Technique | How It Works | When to Use |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------- |
| **Guided Imagery** | Visual meditation on the challenge | Accessing intuitive knowledge |
| **Incubation** | Set problem aside, let subconscious work | Stuck after conscious effort exhausted |
| **Dream Capture** | Record and explore dream insights | Subconscious material wanted |
| **Stream of Consciousness** | Write without stopping or editing | Bypassing internal critic |

## How Carson Recommends Techniques

Carson considers three factors when suggesting approaches:

| Factor | Questions |
| ------- | ---------- |
| **Your goal** | What outcome matters most? |
| **Your context** | Team or solo? How much time? |
| **Your energy** | Fresh and excited or tired and stuck? |

Based on your answers, Carson recommends techniques most likely to generate breakthrough.

## Combining Techniques

For comprehensive exploration, try multiple techniques in sequence:

1. **Start structured** — SCAMPER or Reverse Brainstorming to map space
2. **Go creative** — Metaphors or Random Word for surprise
3. **End wild** — Worst Possible Idea to break any remaining constraints

Each technique accesses different creative pathways. Sequencing creates richer results.

## Next Steps

- **[Run a brainstorming session](/how-to/brainstorm.md)** — Experience these techniques with Carson
- **[Learn creative intelligence](/explanation/creative-intelligence.md)** — Understand the science behind the methods
</document>

<document path="explanation/creative-intelligence.md">
Creative intelligence combines systematic methods with creative thinking to produce breakthrough ideas and solutions. CIS makes this capability accessible through guided workflows.

## What is Creative Intelligence?

Creative intelligence is the ability to generate novel, valuable ideas and solutions using structured approaches rather than random inspiration. Unlike "creativity" as an innate trait, creative intelligence is a learnable skill set combining:

| Component | Description |
| ---------- | ----------- |
| **Divergent thinking** | Generating many options before evaluating |
| **Pattern recognition** | Seeing connections others miss |
| **Reframing** | Looking at problems from new angles |
| **Synthesis** | Combining disparate elements into something new |
| **Iterative development** | Building ideas through cycles of improvement |

## Why Structured Creativity Matters

Many people believe creativity is about waiting for inspiration. Research shows breakthrough ideas more often come from systematic approaches:

:::tip[The Creative Insight]
Consistently creative people don't wait for muse—they use methods that make insights inevitable.
:::

Structured creativity provides:

- **Reliability** — Consistent output regardless of mood or motivation
- **Collaboration** — Shared frameworks teams can use together
- **Quality** — Proven techniques that generate better ideas
- **Documentation** — Visible process that can be reviewed and improved

## CIS Approach to Creative Intelligence

CIS makes creative intelligence accessible through four design principles:

### 1. Specialized Agents

Each agent embodies a creative discipline:

| Agent | Creative Discipline |
| ----- | ------------------- |
| **Carson** | Facilitated ideation with group dynamics expertise |
| **Maya** | Human-centered design and empathy |
| **Victor** | Strategic innovation and business model thinking |
| **Dr. Quinn** | Systematic problem analysis |
| **Sophia** | Narrative and emotional intelligence |
| **Caravaggio** | Visual communication and presentation design |

### 2. Curated Technique Libraries

Rather than reinventing creative methods, CIS draws from proven traditions:

| Tradition | CIS Workflows |
| --------- | ------------- |
| **Design facilitation** | Brainstorming (36 techniques) |
| **Design thinking** | Five-phase human-centered design |
| **Strategic innovation** | Jobs-to-be-Done, Blue Ocean Strategy |
| **Problem-solving** | TRIZ, Theory of Constraints, Systems Thinking |
| **Narrative theory** | 25 storytelling frameworks |

### 3. Interactive Facilitation

CIS workflows guide through questions rather than generating outputs. This preserves:

- **Your context** — Agents don't assume your situation
- **Your judgment** — You make the key decisions
- **Your learning** — Understanding the process builds capability

### 4. Diverge-Converge Structure

All CIS workflows follow the same rhythm:

| Phase | What Happens | Why It Matters |
| ----- | ------------ | -------------- |
| **Diverge** | Generate many options | Expands solution space |
| **Converge** | Select and refine | Moves to action |

Many creative failures happen from converging too quickly—picking the first obvious idea. CIS enforces expansion before selection.

## When Creative Intelligence Helps

| Situation | Creative Intelligence Approach |
| ----------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Stuck on a problem** | Reframe with fresh techniques |
| **Too many options** | Systematic evaluation frameworks |
| **No good options** | Divergent thinking to expand possibilities |
| **Can't decide** | Decision quality through structured comparison |
| **Need buy-in** | Compelling narrative and stakeholder alignment |

## Creative Intelligence vs. Other Approaches

| Approach | Focus | Best For |
| ---------- | ----- | ---- |
| **Analytical thinking** | Break down problems | Well-defined challenges |
| **Design thinking** | User needs | Human-centered solutions |
| **Strategic thinking** | Competitive advantage | Market positioning |
| **Creative intelligence** | Synthesize multiple approaches | Complex, ambiguous challenges |

## Developing Your Creative Intelligence

Working with CIS builds creative intelligence capability through:

1. **Exposure to techniques** — Learn methods you might not discover otherwise
2. **Guided practice** — Agents coach you through each approach
3. **Reflection on process** — See how different methods yield different results
4. **Portfolio of approaches** — Build intuition about which method fits which situation

Over time, you internalize these approaches and develop your own creative intelligence practice.

## Next Steps

- **Try brainstorming** — Experience divergent thinking with Carson
- **Apply design thinking** — Learn user-centered empathy with Maya
- **Explore innovation strategy** — Understand strategic creativity with Victor
- **Read technique overviews** — Deep-dive into specific creative methods
</document>

<document path="explanation/design-thinking-phases.md">
Design thinking is a non-linear, iterative process for creative problem-solving that puts humans at the center. Maya's workflow guides you through all five phases.

## The Five Phases Overview

Design thinking progresses through empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing:

```mermaid
graph LR
    A[Empathize] --> B[Define]
    B --> C[Ideate]
    C --> D[Prototype]
    D --> E[Test]
    E --> A
```

The process is iterative—testing often reveals new empathy needs, restarting the cycle.

## Phase 1: Empathize

**Goal:** Understand the people you're designing for.

The empathy phase builds deep understanding of user needs, behaviors, attitudes, and contexts. Without this foundation, solutions solve the wrong problems.

| Activity | Purpose |
| ---------- | ------- |
| **User interviews** | Hear directly from users in their own words |
| **Observation** | Watch what people actually do, not what they say |
| **Empathy mapping** | Organize observations into what users think, feel, see, do |
| **Journey mapping** | Map the complete user experience over time |

:::tip[Maya's Emphasis]
Maya consistently redirects to "THEM not us"—design with users, not for them. Validation through real human interaction beats every assumption.
:::

## Phase 2: Define

**Goal:** Frame a user-centered problem statement.

The define phase synthesizes empathy research into a clear, actionable problem statement. A good definition guides ideation without constraining it.

| Output | Description |
| ------- | ----------- |
| **Point of View (POV)** | User-centered problem statement |
| **How Might We (HMW) questions** | Reframe problems as opportunities |
| **Problem statements** | Clear articulation of what needs solving |

**Example POV:**
"Busy parents need a way to feel connected to their children's education because current communication is scattered and time-consuming."

## Phase 3: Ideate

**Goal:** Generate a wide range of solutions.

The ideate phase creates quantity and diversity of options. Divergent thinking here prevents converging on the first obvious solution.

| Approach | How It Works |
| ---------- | ------------ |
| **Brainstorming** | Generate many ideas rapidly |
| **Sketching** | Visual thinking explores beyond words |
| **Storyboards** | Narrative exploration of user experience |
| **Worst ideas** | Flip to reverse constraints |

Maya emphasizes: diverge before converging. Generate 50+ ideas before evaluating any.

## Phase 4: Prototype

**Goal:** Make ideas tangible and testable.

Prototypes are rough representations that communicate the essence of an idea. They're not about polish—they're about learning.

| Fidelity | When to Use |
| -------- | ----------- |
| **Paper sketches** | Early exploration, quick iterations |
| **Wireframes** | Structure and layout, low-detail |
| **Click-throughs** | Interaction flow without visuals |
| **Wizard of Oz** | Manual simulation of digital features |

:::caution[Prototype to Learn]
Don't build to impress—build to learn. A paper prototype tested today beats a perfect prototype built too late.
:::

## Phase 5: Test

**Goal:** Validate solutions with real users.

Testing reveals whether prototypes solve the real problem. Negative results are valuable learning—they save building the wrong thing.

| Activity | Purpose |
| ---------- | ------- |
| **Usability testing** | Observe users interacting with prototype |
| **Feedback capture** | Hear what works and what doesn't |
| **Assumption validation** | Confirm or refute design hypotheses |
| **Iteration planning** | Identify what to change next |

## Non-Linear Progress

Design thinking looks linear but rarely proceeds in a straight line:

| Common Pattern | What Happens |
| -------------- | ------------- |
| **Test reveals empathy gaps** | Back to Phase 1 for deeper understanding |
| **Ideate produces weak concepts** | Back to Phase 2 for better framing |
| **Prototype uncovers new insights** | Back to Phase 1 or 2 with fresh perspective |

Maya guides this non-linear journey, recognizing that each phase informs all others.

## Design Thinking vs. Other Approaches

| Aspect | Design Thinking | Traditional Product Development |
| ------- | --------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **Starting point** | User needs and context | Business requirements or technology |
| **Process** | Iterative, non-linear | Linear, gated |
| **Risk** | Fail fast, learn early | Fail late, expensive |
| **Output** | User-validated solutions | Feature-complete products |

## When Design Thinking Works Best

| Situation | Why Design Thinking Helps |
| ----------- | ------------------------- |
| **New product development** | Ensures product-market fit |
| **Complex user experiences** | Maps complete journeys, not touchpoints |
| **Cross-functional alignment** | Shared empathy builds team consensus |
| **Innovation opportunities** | Uncovers unmet needs not obvious from data |

## Next Steps

- **[Apply design thinking](/how-to/design-thinking.md)** — Run a design thinking session with Maya
- **[Learn brainstorming techniques](/explanation/brainstorming-techniques.md)** — Support ideation with structured methods
</document>

<document path="explanation/index.md">
# Explanation

Learn how the Creative Intelligence Suite works under the hood.

## Core Concepts

- **[Understanding Creative Intelligence](creative-intelligence.md)** — How structured creativity drives innovation and problem-solving
- **[Brainstorming Techniques](brainstorming-techniques.md)** — Overview of the 36 techniques in Carson's workflow
- **[Design Thinking Phases](design-thinking-phases.md)** — The five phases of human-centered design
- **[Innovation Frameworks](innovation-frameworks.md)** — Strategic approaches to business model innovation

## Advanced Topics

- **[Coming Soon]** — Problem-solving methodologies (TRIZ, Theory of Constraints)
- **[Coming Soon]** — Storytelling frameworks and narrative theory
- **[Coming Soon]** — Team creativity and the Creative Squad
</document>

<document path="explanation/innovation-frameworks.md">
Victor's innovation strategy workflow applies proven business and innovation frameworks to identify disruption opportunities and design sustainable competitive advantage.

## What Are Innovation Frameworks?

Innovation frameworks are structured approaches to finding and capturing new value. Unlike brainstorming (which generates ideas) or design thinking (which solves user problems), innovation frameworks focus on business model innovation and strategic positioning.

| Framework | Primary Question |
| ---------- | ----------------- |
| **Jobs-to-be-Done** | What are customers actually trying to accomplish? |
| **Blue Ocean Strategy** | Where is uncontested market space? |
| **Disruptive Innovation** | How can we attack from the edges? |
| **Business Model Canvas** | How do we create and capture value? |

## Jobs-to-be-Done

**Core insight:** Customers "hire" products to do a job. Understanding the job reveals innovation opportunities product features miss.

| Traditional Thinking | Jobs-to-be-Done Thinking |
| -------------------- | ------------------------ |
| "Millennials want healthy snacks" | "People need to feel productive between meals" |
| "Add more protein bars" | "Make it easy to get sustained energy" |

### The Framework

1. **Identify the job** — What is the customer trying to accomplish?
2. **Understand context** — When, where, and with what constraints?
3. **Find struggles** - Where does current solutions fail?
4. **Innovate on the job** — How can the job be done better?

:::tip[Victor's Approach]
Victor relentlessly asks: "What job are they hiring this product to do?" The answer often reveals the real opportunity space.
:::

## Blue Ocean Strategy

**Core insight:** Don't compete in crowded "red oceans"—create "blue oceans" of uncontested market space.

| Red Ocean | Blue Ocean |
| --------- | ---------- |
| Compete in existing market | Create new market |
| Beat the competition | Make competition irrelevant |
| Exploit existing demand | Create new demand |
| Align cost/value trade-off | Break the trade-off |

### The Framework

1. **Eliminate** — What factors should be removed?
2. **Reduce** — What should be reduced below industry standard?
3. **Raise** — What should be raised above industry standard?
4. **Create** — What should be created that never existed?

**Example:** Cirque du Soleil eliminated animals and star performers, reduced show variety, raised artistic and music quality, and created a new adult theatrical experience.

## Disruptive Innovation

**Core insight:** Incumbents over-serve mainstream customers while overlooking segments. Disruptors enter ignored segments and improve.

| Disruption Type | Pattern |
| --------------- | ------- |
| **Low-end** | Serve customers incumbents ignore, improve upmarket |
| **New-market** | Serve non-consumers with simpler, more convenient solution |

### The Framework

1. **Identify overserved customers** — Who gets more than they need?
2. **Find non-consumers** — Who can't use current solutions?
3. **Simplify** — What can be removed while still delivering value?
4. **Improve rapidly** — Move upmarket over time

:::caution[Not All Innovation Is Disruption]
True disruption follows specific patterns. Most "disruptive" claims are just incremental improvement. Victor distinguishes real from rhetoric.
:::

## Business Model Canvas

**Core insight:** How you create and deliver value matters as much as what you create. Business model innovation beats product innovation.

### The Nine Building Blocks

| Block | Question |
| ----- | -------- |
| **Value Proposition** | What value do we deliver? |
| **Customer Segments** | Who do we serve? |
| **Channels** | How do we reach them? |
| **Customer Relationships** | How do we interact? |
| **Revenue Streams** | How do we make money? |
| **Key Resources** | What assets do we need? |
| **Key Activities** | What must we do? |
| **Key Partnerships** | Who helps us? |
| **Cost Structure** | What does it cost? |

### Business Model Innovation Patterns

| Pattern | Example |
| ------- | ------- |
| **Freemium** — Free basic, paid premium | Spotify, Dropbox |
| **Subscription** — Recurring revenue | Netflix, software as service |
| **Marketplace** — Connect buyers and sellers | Uber, Airbnb |
| **Razor & Blades** — Cheap hardware, expensive consumables | Printers, Keurig |

## When to Use Which Framework

| Situation | Best Framework |
| ----------- | -------------- |
| **Understanding customer motivation** | Jobs-to-be-Done |
| **Finding uncontested space** | Blue Ocean Strategy |
| **Analyzing competitive dynamics** | Disruptive Innovation |
| **Designing/reinventing business model** | Business Model Canvas |

Victor often combines frameworks. Jobs-to-be-Done reveals the opportunity; Blue Ocean positions it; Business Model Canvas monetizes it.

## Innovation vs. Strategy

| Innovation | Strategy |
| ---------- | --------- |
| Creating new value | Capturing value created |
| What to do | How to win |
| Options and alternatives | Choices and commitments |
| Divergent thinking | Convergent choices |

CIS innovation strategy workflows bridge both—generating options then making strategic choices.

## Next Steps

- **[Develop an innovation strategy](/how-to/innovation-strategy.md)** — Apply these frameworks with Victor
- **[Learn creative intelligence](/explanation/creative-intelligence.md)** — Understand how innovation fits broader creative capability
</document>

<document path="reference/agents.md">
Catalog of all CIS agents with their commands, purposes, and key capabilities.

## Agents Catalog

### Carson — Brainstorming Coach

**Purpose:** Generate diverse ideas using 36 proven techniques across 7 categories.

| Attribute | Value |
| --------- | ----- |
| **Icon** | 🧠 |
| **Workflow** | `brainstorming` |
| **Command** | `/cis-brainstorm` |
| **Specialty** | Group dynamics, psychological safety, wild idea celebration |

**Menu Triggers:**
- `BS` or fuzzy match on `brainstorm`

**Key Capabilities:**
- 36 ideation techniques across 7 categories
- Technique recommendation based on topic and context
- "Yes, and..." methodology that builds on ideas
- Progressive mode for comprehensive exploration

---

### Maya — Design Thinking Coach

**Purpose:** Guide human-centered design through empathy, ideation, and prototyping.

| Attribute | Value |
| --------- | ----- |
| **Icon** | 🎨 |
| **Workflow** | `design-thinking` |
| **Command** | `/cis-design-thinking` |
| **Specialty** | Empathy mapping, rapid prototyping, user-centered framing |

**Menu Triggers:**
- `DT` or fuzzy match on `design-thinking`

**Key Capabilities:**
- Five-phase design thinking facilitation
- Curated design methods library
- Divergent thinking before convergent action
- Human-centered problem reframing

---

### Victor — Innovation Strategist

**Purpose:** Identify disruption opportunities and architect business model innovation.

| Attribute | Value |
| --------- | ----- |
| **Icon** | ⚡ |
| **Workflow** | `innovation-strategy` |
| **Command** | `/cis-innovation-strategy` |
| **Specialty** | Strategic disruption, business model innovation, Jobs-to-be-Done |

**Menu Triggers:**
- `IS` or fuzzy match on `innovation-strategy`

**Key Capabilities:**
- Jobs-to-be-Done analysis
- Blue Ocean Strategy application
- Disruptive Innovation framework
- Business Model Canvas design

---

### Dr. Quinn — Creative Problem Solver

**Purpose:** Systematic problem diagnosis and root cause analysis.

| Attribute | Value |
| --------- | ----- |
| **Icon** | 🔬 |
| **Workflow** | `problem-solving` |
| **Command** | `/cis-problem-solving` |
| **Specialty** | TRIZ, Theory of Constraints, Systems Thinking, Five Whys |

**Menu Triggers:**
- `PS` or fuzzy match on `problem-solving`

**Key Capabilities:**
- Root cause identification
- Multiple analytical frameworks
- Solution evaluation matrix
- Implementation planning with risk mitigation

---

### Sophia — Storyteller

**Purpose:** Craft compelling narratives using proven story frameworks.

| Attribute | Value |
| --------- | ----- |
| **Icon** | 📖 |
| **Workflow** | `storytelling` |
| **Command** | `/cis-storytelling` |
| **Specialty** | 25 story frameworks, emotional psychology, narrative arcs |
| **Sidecar** | Yes — remembers story preferences and history |

**Menu Triggers:**
- `ST` or fuzzy match on `story`

**Key Capabilities:**
- 25 story frameworks (Hero's Journey, Story Brand, Three-Act, etc.)
- Emotional beat crafting
- Platform-specific adaptation
- Sidecar memory for personalization

**Critical Actions:**
- Loads user preferences from sidecar
- Reviews story history for consistency

---

### Caravaggio — Presentation Master

**Purpose:** Structure and deliver persuasive presentations (workflows in development).

| Attribute | Value |
| --------- | ----- |
| **Icon** | 🎨 |
| **Workflows** | Coming soon |
| **Specialty** | Visual hierarchy, presentation design, information design |

**Planned Menu Triggers:**
- `SD` — Slide decks
- `EX` — YouTube/video explainers
- `PD` — Pitch decks
- `CT` — Conference talks
- `IN` — Infographics
- `VM` — Visual metaphors
- `CV` — Concept visuals

**Key Capabilities:**
- Multi-slide presentation design
- Visual hierarchy expertise
- Platform-specific presentation design
- Information visualization

---

## Creative Squad Team

**Purpose:** Cross-functional creative sessions combining multiple agents.

| Attribute | Value |
| --------- | ----- |
| **Name** | Creative Squad |
| **Icon** | 🎨 |
| **Agents** | All CIS agents |
| **Use Case** | Comprehensive creative development from ideation through narrative |

## Agent Loading Commands

Load any agent directly for conversation without triggering a workflow:

| Command | Agent |
| ------- | ----- |
| `/cis-agent-brainstorming-coach` | Carson |
| `/cis-agent-design-thinking-coach` | Maya |
| `/cis-agent-innovation-strategist` | Victor |
| `/cis-agent-creative-problem-solver` | Dr. Quinn |
| `/cis-agent-storyteller` | Sophia |
| `/cis-agent-presentation-master` | Caravaggio |

## Communication Styles

Each agent has a distinct communication style that shapes their facilitation:

| Agent | Style |
| ----- | ----- |
| **Carson** | Enthusiastic improv coach — "Yes, and!" energy |
| **Maya** | Jazz musician — improvises, sensory metaphors |
| **Victor** | Chess grandmaster — bold declarations, strategic questions |
| **Dr. Quinn** | Sherlock Holmes meets scientist — deductive, curious |
| **Sophia** | Master bard — flowery, enrapturing narrative |
| **Caravaggio** | Creative director — energetic, sarcastic wit |

## Next Steps

- **[Getting Started](/tutorials/getting-started.md)** — Try your first agent workflow
- **[Workflows Reference](/reference/workflows.md)** — Deep dive into workflow mechanics
</document>

<document path="reference/configuration.md">
Configure Creative Intelligence Suite workflows, output behavior, and agent preferences.

## Configuration File

CIS configuration is stored in:

```
_bmad/cis/config.yaml
```

If the file doesn't exist, CIS uses default values.

## Configuration Options

| Setting | Description | Default |
| ------- | ----------- | ------- |
| **output_folder** | Where workflow outputs are saved | `./_bmad-output/` |
| **user_name** | Name used in workflow facilitation | `User` |
| **communication_language** | Language for agent responses | `english` |

### output_folder

**Where workflow results are saved.**

Absolute or relative path. Workflow outputs are named `{workflow-name}-{date}.md`.

**Example:**

```yaml
output_folder: "./creative-outputs"
# or
output_folder: "/Users/name/Documents/creative-work"
```

**Relative paths** are resolved from project root.

### user_name

**How agents address you during facilitation.**

Used for personalized interaction. Agents weave your name into their responses.

**Example:**

```yaml
user_name: "Alex"
# Carson might say: "Alex, let's try a different angle..."
```

### communication_language

**Language for workflow facilitation.**

Agents communicate in the specified language while maintaining their distinctive personalities.

**Supported values:**

- `english` (default)
- `spanish`
- `french`
- `german`
- `italian`
- `portuguese`

**Example:**

```yaml
communication_language: "spanish"
# Maya facilitará en español manteniendo su estilo jazzístico
```

## Default Configuration

If no config file exists, CIS uses:

```yaml
output_folder: "./_bmad-output/"
user_name: "User"
communication_language: "english"
```

## Creating Configuration

Create or edit `_bmad/cis/config.yaml`:

```yaml
# CIS Configuration

output_folder: "./_bmad-output/"
user_name: "Your Name"
communication_language: "english"
```

## Workflow-Specific Context

Some workflows accept additional context via command-line flags:

### Providing Context Data

Pass context documents to workflows:

```bash
workflow design-thinking --data /path/to/user-research.md
workflow innovation-strategy --data /path/to/market-analysis.md
workflow problem-solving --data /path/to/problem-brief.md
workflow storytelling --data /path/to/brand-guidelines.md
```

Context files should be markdown. Agents incorporate this information into facilitation.

## Agent Sidecar Configuration

Some agents maintain persistent data in sidecar directories:

### Sophia's Sidecar

Sophia (Storyteller) remembers your preferences and story history:

```
_bmad/_memory/storyteller-sidecar/
├── story-preferences.md    # Your storytelling preferences
└── stories-told.md          # History of stories created
```

**Critical actions** (automatically called):

1. Load preferences before storytelling
2. Update history after story creation

This enables Sophia to learn your style and build consistent narratives over time.

## Environment Variables

CIS respects these environment variables:

| Variable | Purpose | Example |
| ---------- | ------- | ------- |
| `BMAD_OUTPUT_DIR` | Override output folder | `BMAD_OUTPUT_DIR=./outputs` |
| `BMAD_USER_NAME` | Override user name | `BMAD_USER_NAME=Jordan` |
| `BMAD_LANGUAGE` | Override language | `BMAD_LANGUAGE=spanish` |

Environment variables take precedence over config file settings.

## Troubleshooting Configuration

### Outputs Not Appearing

Check output folder path is valid:

```bash
# Test path resolution
ls ./_bmad-output/
```

Ensure the folder exists or CIS can create it.

### Agent Not Using Your Name

Verify `user_name` in config file. For Sophia, ensure sidecar files exist and are readable.

### Language Not Changing

Confirm `communication_language` uses supported values. Custom languages require agent prompt updates.

## Next Steps

- **[Getting Started](/tutorials/getting-started.md)** — Use workflows with default configuration
- **[Workflows Reference](/reference/workflows.md)** — Detailed workflow mechanics
</document>

<document path="reference/index.md">
# Reference

Technical documentation for Creative Intelligence Suite configuration and options.

## Core Reference

- **[Agents](agents.md)** — Complete catalog of CIS agents with commands and capabilities
- **[Workflows](workflows.md)** — Technical reference for all workflows including inputs and outputs
- **[Configuration](configuration.md)** — Configure CIS settings, output locations, and agent behavior
</document>

<document path="reference/workflows.md">
Technical reference for all CIS workflows including inputs, outputs, and invocation methods.

## Workflows Overview

| Workflow | Agent | Purpose | Output File |
| -------- | ----- | ------- | ----------- |
| **brainstorming** | Carson | Generate diverse ideas | `brainstorming-{date}.md` |
| **design-thinking** | Maya | Human-centered design | `design-thinking-{date}.md` |
| **innovation-strategy** | Victor | Strategic innovation | `innovation-strategy-{date}.md` |
| **problem-solving** | Dr. Quinn | Root cause analysis | `problem-solution-{date}.md` |
| **storytelling** | Sophia | Narrative crafting | `story-{date}.md` |

## Brainstorming Workflow

**Purpose:** Generate diverse, creative ideas using structured ideation techniques.

### How to Invoke

```bash
# Direct command
/cis-brainstorm

# With context data
workflow brainstorming --data /path/to/context.md

# Via agent
/cis-agent-brainstorming-coach
> brainstorm
```

### Inputs

| Input | Description | Required |
| ----- | ----------- | -------- |
| **topic** | What to brainstorm about | Yes |
| **technique** | Which ideation method to use | No (Carson recommends) |
| **mode** | user-selected, AI-recommended, random, progressive | No |

### Outputs

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Topic** | Your brainstorming challenge |
| **Technique** | Method applied and rationale |
| **Ideas** | Complete list of all generated ideas |
| **Top Picks** | Recommended ideas for pursuit |
| **Next Steps** | How to move forward |

### Techniques Library

Carson has access to 36 techniques across 7 categories stored in `brainstorming-techniques.csv`:

| Category | Technique Count |
| -------- | --------------- |
| Collaborative | 4 |
| Structured | 4 |
| Creative | 4 |
| Deep | 4 |
| Theatrical | 4 |
| Wild | 4 |
| Introspective | 4 |

---

## Design Thinking Workflow

**Purpose:** Create human-centered solutions through five-phase design thinking.

### How to Invoke

```bash
# Direct command
/cis-design-thinking

# With user research context
workflow design-thinking --data /path/to/user-research.md

# Via agent
/cis-agent-design-thinking-coach
> design-thinking
```

### Inputs

| Input | Description | Required |
| ----- | ----------- | -------- |
| **design_challenge** | Problem or opportunity being explored | Yes |
| **users_stakeholders** | Primary users and affected parties | No |
| **constraints** | Time, budget, technology limitations | No |

### Outputs

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Design Challenge** | Framed opportunity |
| **Point of View** | User-centered problem statement |
| **User Insights** | Empathy findings and personas |
| **How Might We Questions** | Reframed as opportunities |
| **Solution Concepts** | Generated ideas |
| **Prototypes** | Testable artifacts |
| **Test Plan** | Validation approach |

### Design Methods Library

Maya has access to phase-specific design methods in `design-methods.csv`.

---

## Innovation Strategy Workflow

**Purpose:** Identify disruption opportunities and business model innovation.

### How to Invoke

```bash
# Direct command
/cis-innovation-strategy

# With market context
workflow innovation-strategy --data /path/to/market-analysis.md

# Via agent
/cis-agent-innovation-strategist
> innovation-strategy
```

### Inputs

| Input | Description | Required |
| ----- | ----------- | -------- |
| **market_context** | Industry landscape and competitive intelligence | No |
| **innovation_challenge** | Strategic opportunity or threat | Yes |
| **constraints** | Resource limitations and strategic boundaries | No |

### Outputs

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Strategic Question** | Innovation challenge being addressed |
| **Market Analysis** | Forces, trends, competitive landscape |
| **Jobs-to-be-Done** | Unmet customer needs |
| **Blue Ocean Opportunities** | Uncontested market spaces |
| **Business Model** | Value creation and capture |
| **Competitive Advantages** | Sustainable moats |
| **Strategic Roadmap** | Execution priorities |

### Innovation Frameworks Library

Victor has access to strategic frameworks in `innovation-frameworks.csv`:
- Jobs-to-be-Done
- Blue Ocean Strategy
- Disruptive Innovation
- Business Model Canvas
- Value Chain Analysis

---

## Problem Solving Workflow

**Purpose:** Systematic problem diagnosis and root cause analysis.

### How to Invoke

```bash
# Direct command
/cis-problem-solving

# With problem brief
workflow problem-solving --data /path/to/problem-brief.md

# Via agent
/cis-agent-creative-problem-solver
> problem-solving
```

### Inputs

| Input | Description | Required |
| ----- | ----------- | -------- |
| **problem_description** | Challenge with symptoms and context | Yes |
| **previous_attempts** | Prior solutions and outcomes | No |
| **constraints** | Solution boundaries | No |
| **success_criteria** | How to measure effectiveness | No |

### Outputs

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Problem Statement** | Clearly defined challenge |
| **Diagnosis** | Root cause analysis |
| **Solution Options** | Multiple approaches with evaluation |
| **Recommended Solution** | Best option with rationale |
| **Implementation Plan** | Actionable steps |
| **Risk Mitigation** | Potential issues and prevention |
| **Success Metrics** | How to measure results |

### Solving Methods Library

Dr. Quinn has access to analytical frameworks in `solving-methods.csv`:
- Five Whys
- TRIZ
- Theory of Constraints
- Systems Thinking
- Root Cause Analysis

---

## Storytelling Workflow

**Purpose:** Craft compelling narratives using proven story frameworks.

### How to Invoke

```bash
# Direct command
/cis-storytelling

# With brand context
workflow storytelling --data /path/to/brand-info.md

# Via agent
/cis-agent-storyteller
> story
```

### Inputs

| Input | Description | Required |
| ----- | ----------- | -------- |
| **story_purpose** | Why the story is being told | Yes |
| **target_audience** | Who will experience it | Yes |
| **story_subject** | What or whom it's about | Yes |
| **platform_medium** | Where it will be told | No |
| **desired_impact** | What audience should feel/think/do | No |

### Outputs

| Section | Contents |
| ------- | -------- |
| **Story Framework** | Structure used and rationale |
| **Audience Profile** | Who the story is for |
| **Emotional Arc** | The feeling journey |
| **Complete Narrative** | Full story with vivid details |
| **Character Development** | Voice and transformation |
| **Platform Adaptation** | Formatted for medium |
| **Impact Plan** | Effectiveness measurement |

### Story Frameworks Library

Sophia has access to 25 narrative frameworks in `story-types.csv`:
- Hero's Journey
- Story Brand
- Three-Act Structure
- Before-After-Bridge
- Pixar Pitch
- And 20 more

---

## Output Location

All workflows save output to the configured output folder (default: `./creative-outputs/` or `_bmad-output/` depending on configuration).

Output files include timestamp in format: `{workflow-name}-{YYYY-MM-DD}.md`

## Common Workflow Features

All CIS workflows share:

- **Interactive facilitation** — AI guides through questions, not just generation
- **Technique libraries** — CSV databases of proven methods
- **Context integration** — Optional document input for relevance
- **Structured output** — Comprehensive reports with insights and actions
- **Energy monitoring** — Adaptive pacing based on engagement

## Next Steps

- **[Getting Started](/tutorials/getting-started.md)** — Try your first workflow
- **[Agents Reference](/reference/agents.md)** — Learn about workflow facilitators
- **[Configuration](/reference/configuration.md)** — Customize workflow behavior
</document>