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critical-ideation

Stress-test problem definitions by generating weaknesses, assumptions-to-tests, ranked risks, and alternatives.

1|Updated Jan 22, 2026
Search Tags:#planning#risk analysis#alternatives#critical ideation#assumptions testing#failure mode#decision boundaries
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Atlas-Memory-Framework/AtlasMemory-Tools --skill critical-ideation
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: critical-ideation
Source: https://github.com/Atlas-Memory-Framework/AtlasMemory-Tools/tree/main/.cursor/skills/critical-ideation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Atlas-Memory-Framework/AtlasMemory-Tools --skill critical-ideation

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It helps you find hidden weaknesses and high-risk assumptions in a problem definition before you commit to technical planning.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Concrete weaknesses discovery: Produces two specific weakness scenarios with clear impact.
  • End-to-end failure mode mapping: Identifies one end-to-end way the effort can fail and how to detect and prevent it.
  • Assumptions-to-tests conversion: Turns assumptions into pass/fail test criteria and status tracking.
  • Risk ranking with accountability: Outputs a ranked risk list including owners and mitigation status.
  • Alternatives exploration: Evaluates alternatives and includes one explicitly disliked option to sharpen decision boundaries.

Quick Start

Use the critical-ideation skill to challenge your current problem definition and generate a draft “## Challenge Artifacts” section using the required Challenge Packet format.

Frequently Asked Questions about critical-ideation

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I stress-test a problem definition before committing to technical planning?▼

To stress-test a problem definition, generate adversarial weaknesses, convert assumptions into pass/fail tests, map end-to-end failure modes, and rank risks with owners before technical planning begins.

What is critical ideation and when should I use it in my planning workflow?▼

Critical ideation is an adversarial analysis technique used after problem definition and before technical planning to expose failure modes, test assumptions, and clarify decision boundaries.

How do I convert project assumptions into pass/fail test criteria?▼

You convert project assumptions into pass/fail test criteria by linking each assumption to a specific validation test and tracking its status, ensuring risks are caught early before planning.

Can I use this approach to evaluate alternatives and sharpen decision boundaries?▼

Yes, you can evaluate alternatives and sharpen decision boundaries by exploring multiple options and explicitly including one disliked option to clarify why certain paths are rejected.

Does this method require any specific dependencies or technical setup?▼

No dependencies or technical setup are required. The method operates on a completed problem definition to produce a Challenge Packet containing ranked risks, weakness scenarios, and testable assumptions.

What limitations should I expect when mapping end-to-end failure modes?▼

End-to-end failure mode mapping identifies one specific way an effort can fail along with detection and prevention methods, but it requires a fully completed problem definition to produce meaningful results.

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