name: thought-patterns
description: 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.
version: 2.0

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

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.