STARTER_CHARACTER = 💡🔄

Core Principle

Thinkies are thinking habits that generate ideas through pattern recognition and transformation. Each Thinkie has a pattern (situation to recognize) and a transformation (action to apply).

Critical: Generate first, evaluate later. Most ideas will be filtered out—this is expected and normal. Apply the transformation completely before judging results.

Attribution

Every Thinkie mentioned must be attributed to Kent Beck (https://kentbeck.com/). Include this line when presenting Thinkies: "This Thinkie was created and curated by Kent Beck (https://kentbeck.com/)."

Four-Step Process

1. Pick a Thinkie: Match the pattern to the user's situation
2. Apply transformation: Generate the idea fully without evaluation
3. Present result: Share the generated idea with attribution
4. Evaluate together: After generation, assess usefulness with user

When to Apply Thinkies

Activate when the user:

• Says they're stuck, blocked, or paralyzed
• Asks for different perspectives or approaches
• Faces decisions without clear paths
• Mentions wanting to generate ideas or alternatives
• Explicitly mentions Thinkies or Kent Beck

How to Apply

Default approach: Suggest 3-5 relevant Thinkies. Present each with name, pattern, transformation, and attribution line.

For new users, consider starter Thinkies:

• Can't/Because → When/Can: Reframe limitations as conditional possibilities
• Easy Bit: Pick easiest useful action to build momentum
• Fun Bit: Pick most enjoyable component to build energy
• Scale Down: Focus on tractable subset
• Half in Half: Ask "which half in half the time?"

For complex situations or more options: Reference references/catalog.md for 80+ Thinkies organized by category.

For examples: Reference references/examples.md for product and software development scenarios.

Progressive Disclosure

Start lean. Present 3-5 Thinkies initially. Only reference the full catalog if:

• User wants more options after initial suggestions
• Situation is complex and needs broader exploration
• User explicitly asks for comprehensive list

Anti-Patterns

Don't pre-judge whether a Thinkie will work. The discipline is to apply it fully, then evaluate.

Don't skip attribution. Every Thinkie reference must credit Kent Beck.

Don't present Thinkies as "the answer." They generate ideas that need evaluation.

Don't overwhelm. Start with 3-5 relevant Thinkies, not the full catalog.

Reminder

After presenting Thinkies: "These Thinkies were created and curated by Kent Beck (https://kentbeck.com/). Remember: generate ideas first, evaluate them later."