idea-refine

Refine vague product ideas into actionable markdown concepts with MVP scope.

Updated Jun 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/j-cogburn/d3 --skill idea-refine-j-cogburn
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: idea-refine
Source: https://github.com/j-cogburn/d3/tree/main/tests/project-t01/.d3/skills/idea-refine
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/j-cogburn/d3 --skill idea-refine-j-cogburn

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the common problem of moving forward with unrefined, vague ideas that haven't been stress-tested, which often leads to wasted effort building features that don't address real user needs or solve the core problem.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured Divergent Thinking: Generates 5-8 considered idea variations using proven lenses like inversion, constraint removal, and simplification to expand your options beyond initial assumptions.
  • Assumption Stress-Testing: Explicitly surfaces hidden assumptions and evaluates each direction against user value, feasibility, and differentiation to avoid building something no one wants.
  • Actionable Output: Produces a concrete markdown one-pager with a clear problem statement, MVP scope, explicit "not doing" trade-offs, and validation steps for key assumptions.
  • Use Case: A product manager with a rough "add social sharing" feature idea can use this Skill to explore variations, validate if the feature solves a real user pain point, and get a clear scope to hand off to engineering without wasted rework.

Quick Start

Use the idea-refine skill to work through your rough product or feature idea and get a polished, actionable concept document ready for planning.

Frequently Asked Questions about idea-refine

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I refine a vague product idea into an actionable concept?

To refine a vague product idea, you guide it through structured divergent and convergent thinking phases, stress-test assumptions against user value, and produce a concrete markdown artifact with explicit trade-offs and MVP scope.

What is the best way to validate assumptions before scoping an MVP?

The best way to validate assumptions before scoping an MVP is through explicit stress-testing, evaluating each idea direction against user value, feasibility, and differentiation to avoid building features that don't address real user needs.

How do I brainstorm feature variations beyond my initial concept?

You brainstorm feature variations by applying proven divergent thinking lenses like inversion, constraint removal, and simplification, generating five to eight considered idea variations to expand your options beyond initial assumptions.

Can I use idea refinement for early-stage software feature planning?

Yes, you can use idea refinement for early-stage software feature planning. It applies to ideation for new features and software products, producing a markdown one-pager with a clear problem statement and validation steps for engineering handoff.

What is structured divergent and convergent thinking in product management?

Structured divergent and convergent thinking in product management is a process of generating multiple idea variations using specific lenses, then narrowing them down by evaluating user value and feasibility to produce a sharp, actionable concept.