The Struggle is Real: Brainstorming with Claude
If you're searching for ways to use Claude for brainstorming, chances are you've tried prompting the AI with vague requests like "give me some ideas for..." or "brainstorm some solutions to...". You might have even tried using some of the more advanced prompt codes like PERSONA or IDEATE, but still, the results are underwhelming. The problem is that Claude, like any other AI, is only as good as the input it receives. Without a clear and structured approach, your brainstorming sessions can quickly devolve into a mess of unrelated ideas and unhelpful suggestions.
The Pattern that Works
One pattern that has shown promise is stacking /deepthink with /simplify. By using /deepthink, you can get Claude to generate a wide range of ideas, and then by applying /simplify, you can distill those ideas down to their most essential elements. This approach allows you to quickly identify the most promising concepts and build upon them.
Before and After Example
Let's say you're trying to come up with ideas for a new sustainable energy project. A typical prompt might look like this:
Give me some ideas for a new sustainable energy project.
The response might be a jumbled list of unrelated concepts, such as:
- Build a solar farm
- Invest in wind turbines
- Create a new type of biofuel
- Develop a more efficient battery By using the /deepthink and /simplify codes, you can refine your prompt to:
/deepthink Generate a list of potential sustainable energy projects /simplify Identify the top 3 most promising ideas
The response might then be:
- Develop a community-based solar energy cooperative
- Create a sustainable energy storage system using recycled materials
- Design a net-zero energy building using cutting-edge materials and design principles As you can see, the revised prompt yields a much more focused and actionable set of ideas.
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
One common mistake people make when using Claude for brainstorming is relying too heavily on the /hook code. While /hook can be useful for generating attention-grabbing headlines or marketing copy, it's not well-suited for serious brainstorming. Another approach that often falls flat is using the SENTINEL code, which can lead to overly cautious and risk-averse ideas. Finally, some people try to use the /flow code to generate a stream of consciousness, but this can quickly become overwhelming and difficult to sift through.
When to Use with Caution
It's also important to recognize when this approach might not be the best fit. For example, if you're dealing with a highly technical or complex topic, you may need to use more specialized prompt codes like /trim or /punch to get the level of detail you need. Additionally, if you're working with a highly creative or open-ended topic, you may want to use codes like /mirror or /voice to tap into Claude's more imaginative capabilities.
Next Steps
To get the most out of Claude for brainstorming, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the various prompt codes and how they can be combined to achieve specific results. See all 120 codes tested over 3 months in the Cheat Sheet to take your brainstorming sessions to the next level.