Methodological module
Brainstorm: Dreamer → Realist → Critic
We need ideas first, then a feasibility check, then critique.
- When it helps
- Use it when you need several genuinely different ideas, especially for names, concepts, formats, or small experiments.
- Origin
- Selecton composite facilitation pattern · diverge → ground → critique; defer criticism until phase 3
What this module does
This staged brainstorm separates imagination, feasibility, and criticism. The separation matters: early judgment narrows the field before unusual options have a chance to appear.
How to use it
- State the challenge and one useful constraint.
- Dreamer: generate 5–7 distinct ideas without judging them.
- Realist: turn the strongest ideas into feasible tests.
- Critic: identify risks and improve the tests.
- Choose one test and name its first action.
Practical example
Situation
A small studio needs a memorable launch idea with almost no advertising budget.
Result
The Dreamer produces seven concepts; the Realist turns two into weekend tests; the Critic adds a sign-up threshold and a spending cap.
Limitations
- It does not validate demand by itself.
- Mixing the phases usually produces safe, repetitive ideas.
- A large idea list is not a decision until a test is chosen.
Standalone template
Copy these prompts and work through them without Selecton.
Challenge: …
Useful constraint: …
Dreamer — seven ideas: …
Realist — two feasible tests: …
Critic — risks and improvements: …
Test to run first: …
How it fits into Selecton
The app keeps a reliable five-stage baseline and now adds an adaptive-methods-v1 layer: typed method cards can be selected automatically or received as an explicit lens from a method page. Full non-linear routing and effectiveness measurement remain under evaluation.
Auto, adaptation, and combinations
The intended Auto mode selects one primary method for the next useful move, based on the state of the decision. A route may use different modules in sequence—for example GROW to clarify a goal, weighted criteria to compare options, then a pre-mortem to test the plan. They are not blended into an opaque prompt: every transition should remain explainable and reversible to the baseline route.