idea-capture

Formats raw ideas into structured, retrievable knowledge artifacts linked to dissertation sections.

1|Updated Jun 20, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/RHuebner1972/doctoral-second-brain --skill idea-capture-rhuebner1972
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: idea-capture
Source: https://github.com/RHuebner1972/doctoral-second-brain/tree/main/skills/idea-capture
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/RHuebner1972/doctoral-second-brain --skill idea-capture-rhuebner1972

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Doctoral learners have generative ideas at unpredictable moments, but unrecorded ideas evaporate and unstructured notes pile up into noise. This Skill turns a rough idea into a formatted, classified, and filed knowledge artifact in under two minutes. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Structured Capture Template: Formats any raw idea with date, type, dissertation connection, potential use, status, and next action fields. - Idea Classification: Categorizes entries as research, methodology, writing, framework, question, or connection ideas with examples for each type. - Filing Recommendations: Routes each idea to the right location, such as the knowledge gap journal, chapter parking lots, or theoretical framework notes. - Use Case: You think of a new member-checking strategy during your commute. Capture it in one sentence, and the Skill classifies it as a methodology idea, links it to Chapter 3, and files it in the Chapter 3 parking lot with a next action. ## Quick Start Capture this idea before I forget it: what if I used focus groups for member checking instead of individual follow-up interviews?

Frequently Asked Questions about idea-capture

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I capture research ideas quickly without losing them?

State the idea in one sentence without polishing it, then apply the capture template with date, type, connection, potential use, status, and next action. Speed matters more than polish; refinement happens after the idea is safely recorded.

What types of ideas can this capture format handle?

The format handles six idea types: research, methodology, writing, framework, question, and connection ideas. Each type has a recommended filing destination, such as the Chapter 3 parking lot for methodology ideas or the knowledge gap journal for questions.

Should I develop an idea immediately after capturing it?

No. The capture-don't-chase rule says to record the idea and return to your current work, since chasing it breaks session focus. Development happens in a later session using prompts like what would need to be true for this to work.

When should a captured idea be flagged to my dissertation chair?

Flag an idea when it represents a new direction that changes your research scope rather than a refinement of existing work. Research ideas that alter the population, gap, or questions warrant a note to your chair.

What are the limitations of quick idea capture?

Quick capture prioritizes speed over depth, so entries may have blank fields and undeveloped thinking. It does not evaluate idea quality or feasibility; that assessment requires a separate development or review session.