thought-patterns
An orchestration engine that selects optimal thinking patterns for difficult tasks.
Install
mkdir -p .claude/skills/thought-patterns && curl -L -o skill.zip "https://agentskills.codes/api/skills/download/318" && unzip -o skill.zip -d .claude/skills/thought-patterns && rm skill.zipInstalls to .claude/skills/thought-patterns
Activation
This is the description your AI agent reads to decide when to run this skill — the better it matches your request, the more reliably it fires.
Orchestrates comprehensive cognitive thinking patterns for complex problem-solving. Analyzes tasks to select optimal pattern(s) from foundational, reasoning, creative, metacognitive, specialized, and neurodivergent categories. Chains multiple patterns when needed and validates outputs before responding.Key capabilities
- →Analyze task requirements to select cognitive patterns
- →Chain multiple thinking patterns for complex problems
- →Integrate neurodivergent cognitive strengths
- →Validate outputs against task objectives
- →Apply metacognitive reflection to improve processes
How it works
It classifies tasks into categories like analytical or creative, then loads specific resource files to orchestrate a sequence of cognitive patterns tailored to the problem.
Inputs & outputs
When to use thought-patterns
- →Breaking down complex system architecture problems
- →Brainstorming innovative solutions
- →Improving self-regulation and learning workflows
About this skill
Thought Patterns Orchestration Skill
This skill provides access to a comprehensive library of human cognitive thinking patterns. It includes an intelligent orchestration system that selects and chains appropriate patterns based on task requirements.
Quick Reference: When to Load Which Resource
| Task Type | Load Resource |
|---|---|
| Debugging, troubleshooting, system analysis | resources/foundational-patterns.md |
| Logic problems, hypothesis generation, learning new concepts | resources/reasoning-patterns.md |
| Brainstorming, innovation, creative ideation | resources/creative-patterns.md |
| Learning from experience, improving processes, self-regulation | resources/metacognitive-patterns.md |
| User-centered design, constrained optimization, iteration | resources/specialized-patterns.md |
| Leveraging ADHD/autism/dyslexia cognitive strengths | resources/neurodivergent-strengths.md |
| Complex multi-pattern examples, pattern chaining | resources/pattern-combinations.md |
Orchestration Protocol
Phase 1: Task Analysis
Before selecting a pattern, analyze the task:
Task Type Classification:
- Analytical: Breaking down complex information, logical reasoning → Load foundational
- Creative: Novel ideas, innovative solutions → Load creative
- Exploratory: Investigating possibilities, understanding relationships → Load reasoning
- Strategic: Planning, decision-making, optimization → Load foundational + metacognitive
- Reflective: Learning from experience, examining assumptions → Load metacognitive
- Explanatory: Root causes, generating hypotheses → Load reasoning
- Integrative: Combining perspectives, synthesis → Load multiple resources
Complexity Indicators:
- Single vs. multiple objectives
- Well-defined vs. ambiguous constraints
- Known vs. unknown solution space
- Independent vs. interdependent components
Phase 2: Pattern Selection
Based on task analysis, load the appropriate resource file(s) and select patterns:
- Single Pattern: When task clearly maps to one approach
- Sequential Chain: When one pattern feeds into another (e.g., divergent → convergent)
- Parallel Patterns: When multiple simultaneous perspectives add value
- Iterative Loop: When refinement through repeated application is needed
Phase 3: Execution & Validation
During Execution:
- Explicitly apply the selected pattern(s)
- Show your work when beneficial to user understanding
- Monitor whether the pattern is yielding progress
- Switch patterns if current approach is ineffective
Before Responding:
- Validate completeness: Did you address all aspects of the task?
- Check coherence: Does the output logically follow from the thinking process?
- Assess quality: Does this meet the standard the user expects?
Pattern Selection Heuristics
By Problem Type
Well-Defined Problems → Load foundational-patterns.md
- Sequential, Analytical, Deductive, Convergent patterns
Ill-Defined Problems → Load creative-patterns.md + reasoning-patterns.md
- Divergent, Lateral, Abductive, Design Thinking patterns
Complex Systems → Load foundational-patterns.md
- Systems Thinking, Holistic/Gestalt, Parallel Processing patterns
Creative Tasks → Load creative-patterns.md
- Divergent, Lateral, Associative, Analogical patterns
Learning/Improvement → Load metacognitive-patterns.md
- Reflective, Metacognitive, Double-Loop Learning patterns
Strategic Decisions → Load foundational-patterns.md + reasoning-patterns.md
- Big-Picture, Systems, Counterfactual, First Principles patterns
Detailed Analysis → Load foundational-patterns.md + neurodivergent-strengths.md
- Analytical, Detail-Oriented Pattern Recognition, Critical Thinking
Quick Responses → No resource load needed
- System 1, Pattern Recognition, Associative
Important/Novel Decisions → Load metacognitive-patterns.md + reasoning-patterns.md
- System 2, Critical, Analytical, First Principles patterns
Neurodivergent Pattern Integration
Always consider whether neurodivergent patterns might enhance the solution:
- ADHD patterns (Hyperfocus, Big-Picture): For engaging problems requiring sustained effort or strategic overview
- Autism patterns (Detail-Oriented): For precision, consistency, pattern finding
- Dyslexia patterns (Spatial/Visual): For spatial problems, visual creativity, 3D reasoning
- Non-Linear Associative: For creative breakthroughs, cross-domain insights
→ Load resources/neurodivergent-strengths.md when these would add value
Common Pattern Chains
For complex tasks requiring multiple patterns, see resources/pattern-combinations.md for detailed examples:
- Creative Problem-Solving: Divergent → Convergent
- Root Cause Analysis: Analytical → Abductive → Systems
- Innovation: First Principles → Lateral → Design Thinking
- Learning: Reflective → Double-Loop → Metacognitive
- Comprehensive Understanding: Analytical → Gestalt → Systems
- Strategic Decision: Big-Picture → Analytical → Counterfactual
Resource Files Summary
resources/foundational-patterns.md
- Sequential/Linear Thinking
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Systems Thinking
- Gestalt/Holistic Perception
resources/reasoning-patterns.md
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Abductive Reasoning
- Analogical Reasoning
- Counterfactual Reasoning
- First Principles Thinking
resources/creative-patterns.md
- Divergent Thinking
- Convergent Thinking
- Lateral Thinking
- Associative Thinking
resources/metacognitive-patterns.md
- Metacognitive Thinking
- Reflective Thinking
- Double-Loop Learning
- Triple-Loop Learning
- System 1 Thinking (Fast, Intuitive)
- System 2 Thinking (Slow, Analytical)
resources/specialized-patterns.md
- Design Thinking
- Constraint-Based Thinking
- Parallel Processing
- Iterative Refinement
resources/neurodivergent-strengths.md
- ADHD-Associated Patterns (Hyperfocus, Big-Picture)
- Autism-Associated Patterns (Detail-Oriented Pattern Recognition)
- Dyslexia-Associated Patterns (Spatial/Visual Thinking)
- Non-Linear Associative Thinking
resources/pattern-combinations.md
- Detailed examples of pattern chaining
- Multi-pattern execution walkthroughs
- Pattern selection decision tree
Remember: This is a tool for enhancing thinking, not a rigid prescription. Stay flexible, monitor effectiveness, and adapt as needed. Load only the resources you need for the current task.
When not to use it
- →For simple, routine tasks where standard pattern recognition suffices
Limitations
- →Requires clear task classification to select optimal patterns
- →Effectiveness depends on the accuracy of the initial task analysis
How it compares
It moves beyond simple prompting by explicitly applying formal cognitive frameworks like first-principles or systems thinking to guide the reasoning process.
Compared to similar skills
thought-patterns side by side with the closest alternatives in the catalog.
| Skill | Installs | Updated | Safety | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| thought-patterns (this skill) | 6 | 8mo | No flags | Advanced |
| openspec-explore | 4 | 6mo | Review | Beginner |
| gathering-requirements | 3 | 8mo | No flags | Intermediate |
| the-fool | 1 | 3mo | No flags | Advanced |
Try saying
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