brainstorming

1<EXPLICIT-MODE-GATE>
2If activation mode is explicit (`~/.config/aegis/config.toml` has
3`activation_mode = "explicit"`, or `AEGIS_ACTIVATION_MODE=explicit` is visible
4in the environment) and the current user request did not explicitly invoke
5Aegis or this skill by name, exit back to the fast path: answer concisely
6without this workflow's checklist, ceremony, or document requirements. If the
7user explicitly named Aegis or this skill, proceed normally.
8</EXPLICIT-MODE-GATE>
9 
10# Execute
11 
12→ Direct grilling or plan/design pressure-test? → Enter `Grilling Mode` below. Soft challenge intent? → Use its one-line mode confirmation. Do not start normal design artifacts, document writing, task planning, or implementation during the interview.
13→ New feature, product behavior, UI/component design, architecture/contract change, or ambiguous medium/high-complexity work? → **Design first. No implementation until the needed design/spec is approved.**
14  1. Explore project context → read authority docs, check for existing patterns
15  2. Ask clarifying questions one at a time (prefer multiple choice)
16  3. Propose 2-3 approaches with trade-offs and your recommendation
17  4. Present design sections → get user approval after each
18  5. Write spec → self-review → user review → transition to writing-plans
19→ HARD GATE: For tasks that match this skill, do NOT write code, scaffold projects, or invoke implementation skills until design/spec approval is satisfied.
20 
21## Route Fixtures
22…