thought-patterns

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.

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Install skill "thought-patterns" with this command: npx skills add markpitt/claude-skills/markpitt-claude-skills-thought-patterns

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 TypeLoad Resource
Debugging, troubleshooting, system analysisresources/foundational-patterns.md
Logic problems, hypothesis generation, learning new conceptsresources/reasoning-patterns.md
Brainstorming, innovation, creative ideationresources/creative-patterns.md
Learning from experience, improving processes, self-regulationresources/metacognitive-patterns.md
User-centered design, constrained optimization, iterationresources/specialized-patterns.md
Leveraging ADHD/autism/dyslexia cognitive strengthsresources/neurodivergent-strengths.md
Complex multi-pattern examples, pattern chainingresources/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:

  1. Creative Problem-Solving: Divergent → Convergent
  2. Root Cause Analysis: Analytical → Abductive → Systems
  3. Innovation: First Principles → Lateral → Design Thinking
  4. Learning: Reflective → Double-Loop → Metacognitive
  5. Comprehensive Understanding: Analytical → Gestalt → Systems
  6. 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.

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