Agent skill · research science · zechenzhangagi
brainstorming-research-ideas
Guides researchers through structured ideation frameworks to discover high-impact research directions. Use when exploring new problem spaces, pivoting between projects, or seeking novel angles on existing work.
Why this skill is useful
Provides structured ideation frameworks that guide researchers in discovering novel research directions, which the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 12k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-06-16. 11,472 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Research Idea Brainstorming Structured frameworks for discovering the next research idea. This skill provides ten complementary ideation lenses that help researchers move from vague curiosity to concrete, defensible research proposals. Each framework targets a different cognitive mode—use them individually or combine them for comprehensive exploration. When to Use This Skill Starting a new research direction and need structured exploration Feeling stuck on a current project and want fresh angles Evaluating whether a half-formed idea has real potential Preparing for a brainstorming session with collaborators Transitioning between research areas and seeking high-leverage entry points Reviewing a field and looking for underexplored gaps Do NOT use this skill when: You already have a well-defined research question and need execution guidance You need help with experimental design or methodology (use domain-specific skills) You want a literature review (use scientific-skills:literature-review) --- Core Ideation Frameworks 1. Problem-First vs. Solution-First Thinking Research ideas originate from two distinct modes. Knowing which mode you are in prevents a common failure: building solutions that lack real problems, or chasing problems without feasible approaches. Problem-First (pain point → method): Start with a concrete failure, bottleneck, or unmet need Naturally yields impactful work because the motivation is intrinsic Risk: may converge on incremental fixes rather than paradigm shifts Solution-First (new capability → application): Start with a new tool, insight, or technique seeking application Often drives breakthroughs by unlocking previously impossible approaches Risk: "hammer looking for a nail"—solution may lack genuine demand Workflow: 1. Write down your idea in one sentence 2. Classify it: Is this problem-first or solution-first? 3. If problem-first → verify the problem matters (who suffers? how much?) 4. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills zechenzhangagi/brainstorming-research-ideas