openspec-explore

Exploration mode guides you through structured questioning and visual diagrams to surface assumptions, map the problem space, and clarify requirements before committing to implementation. Enter explore mode to think deeply about constraints and dependencies with your thinking partner.

Guided reasoning with adaptive questions and ASCII diagrams helps structure ideas, investigate problems, and frame requirements. The thinking-partner approach maintains open threads and explores multiple directions without prescriptive steps, grounding discussion in actual codebase context.

Yes. Activate explore mode when starting a new feature to map the problem space, identify constraints, and refine requirements. Codebase grounding and visual reasoning help you reference actual architecture and dependencies before design decisions.

Exploration applies across project contexts—early design discussions, problem framing, and requirement refinement. Open-ended exploration surfaces multiple directions relevant to your specific architecture and constraints without implementing changes.

ASCII diagrams illustrate flows and dependencies to support visual reasoning. These diagrams surface relationships and risks, helping you and your thinking partner identify assumptions and potential bottlenecks in your design.

Exploration emphasizes thinking deeply and surfacing assumptions before changes. It maintains open inquiry and avoids prescriptive steps, letting you identify risks, constraints, and alternative directions that implementation-first approaches might miss.