# Workflow Plugin - Comprehensive Brainstorm

**Generated:** 2025-12-23
**Context:** Based on existing workflow commands (~5,656 lines) and DT's ADHD-friendly workflow habits
**Purpose:** Create a Claude Code plugin to package and distribute workflow commands

---

## 📊 Current State Analysis

### Existing Workflow System

**Location:** `~/.claude/commands/workflow/`

**Commands (9 slash commands):**
1. `/recap` - Context restoration (what happened last session)
2. `/next` - Decision support (what to do next)
3. `/focus` - Single-task mode (lock in on one thing)
4. `/done` - Session completion with documentation automation
5. `/stuck` - Unblock helper (6 types of stuck)
6. `/brainstorm` - Structured ideation
7. `/refine` - Prompt optimizer
8. `/task-status` - Background task status
9. `/task-output` - Get background task results
10. `/task-cancel` - Cancel background task

**Supporting Infrastructure:**
- `lib/` - 10 shell scripts (detectors, updaters)
  - Documentation health detectors (4 scripts)
  - Auto-update scripts (3 scripts)
  - Integration tests
- `docs/` - Documentation and guides

**Total:** ~5,656 lines of code

### Integration with Shell Workflow

**Shell functions** (`~/.config/zsh/functions/`):
- `work()` - Multi-editor intent router
- `finish()` - Session completion
- `dash()` - Master dashboard
- `pp()` - Project picker (fzf)

**Core principle:**
> "One mental model: `work` to start, `pb` to build, `pv` to view — context does the rest."

### Key Features

1. **ADHD-Friendly Design**
   - Reduce decision paralysis
   - Quick access to context
   - Permission to not finish
   - No judgment language

2. **Documentation Automation (NEW - Phase 2)**
   - Auto-detects documentation staleness
   - Updates CLAUDE.md, CHANGELOG.md, mkdocs.yml
   - 4 detectors + 3 updaters

3. **Smart Background Delegation**
   - Long-running tasks run in background
   - View results with `/task-output`
   - ADHD-friendly (don't wait)

---

## 🎯 Plugin Goals

### Primary Goal
**Package the workflow system as a distributable Claude Code plugin** so others can benefit from ADHD-friendly workflow patterns.

### Secondary Goals
1. **Preserve existing functionality** - Everything that works keeps working
2. **Make it installable** - Homebrew, npm, or manual install
3. **Document best practices** - Share ADHD-friendly workflow patterns
4. **Enable customization** - Users can adapt to their habits

---

## 💡 IDEA GENERATION (Divergent Thinking)

### Category 1: Plugin Architecture Options

#### Option A: Pure Plugin (Like statistical-research)
**Description:** Self-contained plugin with no MCP dependencies

**Structure:**
```
workflow-optimizer/
├── .claude-plugin/
│   └── plugin.json
├── commands/
│   ├── recap.md
│   ├── next.md
│   ├── focus.md
│   ├── done.md
│   ├── stuck.md
│   ├── brainstorm.md
│   ├── refine.md
│   └── task-*.md (3 commands)
├── lib/
│   ├── detectors/ (4 scripts)
│   └── updaters/ (3 scripts)
├── skills/ (optional)
│   └── adhd-coach.md (auto-activating support)
└── docs/
```

**Pros:**
- ✅ No external dependencies
- ✅ Fast installation
- ✅ Self-contained
- ✅ Easy to distribute (Homebrew)

**Cons:**
- ❌ Can't access external tools (git, file system) without shell scripts
- ❌ Limited to what Claude Code can do natively

**Complexity:** Medium

---

#### Option B: MCP-Enhanced Plugin (Hybrid)
**Description:** Plugin + MCP server for tool access

**Structure:**
```
workflow-optimizer/ (plugin)
├── commands/ (slash commands)
└── agents/ (workflow orchestrator)

workflow-mcp/ (MCP server)
├── src/
│   ├── tools/
│   │   ├── git-tools.ts
│   │   ├── file-tools.ts
│   │   └── status-tools.ts
│   └── index.ts
└── package.json
```

**Pros:**
- ✅ Full system access (git, files, processes)
- ✅ Structured tool definitions
- ✅ Type-safe TypeScript

**Cons:**
- ❌ Two components to install
- ❌ More complex setup
- ❌ Requires Node.js

**Complexity:** High

---

#### ⭐ Option C: Plugin + Shared Shell Library (RECOMMENDED)
**Description:** Plugin with optional shell library for power users

**Structure:**
```
workflow-optimizer/ (plugin)
├── commands/ (9 slash commands)
├── lib/ (shell scripts - optional)
│   ├── detectors/
│   └── updaters/
└── docs/

Optional: ~/.config/workflow/ (shell library)
├── functions.zsh
└── aliases.zsh
```

**Pros:**
- ✅ Works without shell library (basic mode)
- ✅ Enhanced with shell library (power mode)
- ✅ Progressive enhancement
- ✅ Familiar to existing users

**Cons:**
- ❌ Two installation paths (basic vs full)
- ❌ Documentation complexity

**Complexity:** Medium

**Why recommended:** Balances functionality with ease of use. Users can start simple and add power features later.

---

#### Option D: Skills-Only Plugin
**Description:** Auto-activating ADHD coaching skills, no commands

**Structure:**
```
adhd-workflow-coach/
├── skills/
│   ├── context-restorer.md (activates on "where was I?")
│   ├── decision-helper.md (activates on indecision)
│   ├── focus-coach.md (activates on distraction)
│   └── session-closer.md (activates on "done for today")
└── docs/
```

**Pros:**
- ✅ Non-invasive (no new commands to learn)
- ✅ Just works (auto-activating)
- ✅ Very simple

**Cons:**
- ❌ Less structured than commands
- ❌ Relies on natural language triggers
- ❌ No explicit workflow

**Complexity:** Low

---

### Category 2: Feature Ideas (Wild & Practical)

#### Core Features (Must-Have)

1. **Context Restoration** (`/recap`)
   - Read .STATUS file
   - Git log analysis
   - Open PR/issue detection
   - Smart summary

2. **Decision Support** (`/next`)
   - Task prioritization
   - Quick win detection
   - Momentum maintenance
   - Time estimation

3. **Focus Mode** (`/focus`)
   - Single-task commitment
   - Time box suggestion
   - Distraction blocking
   - Permission to not finish

4. **Session Completion** (`/done`)
   - Progress capture
   - .STATUS auto-update
   - Git commit message generation
   - Context preservation

5. **Unblock Helper** (`/stuck`)
   - 6 types of stuck
   - Targeted interventions
   - Break it down strategies
   - Permission to stop

#### Enhanced Features (Nice-to-Have)

6. **⭐ Smart Project Detection**
   - Auto-detect project type (R, Python, Node, Quarto, etc.)
   - Load project-specific workflows
   - Context-aware suggestions

7. **⭐ Documentation Health Monitoring**
   - Detect stale CLAUDE.md
   - Find orphaned docs
   - Identify missing CHANGELOG entries
   - Auto-update capabilities

8. **Workflow Templates**
   - Research workflow (lit review → write → revise)
   - Development workflow (feature → test → commit → PR)
   - Teaching workflow (prepare → deliver → assess)
   - Custom user workflows

9. **Session Analytics**
   - Track focus time
   - Measure productivity patterns
   - Identify peak hours
   - Suggest optimal workflow

10. **Integration Helpers**
    - GitHub PR integration
    - Jira/issue tracker integration
    - Pomodoro timer integration
    - Calendar blocking

#### Wild Ideas (Experimental)

11. **AI Pair Programmer Mode**
    - Claude "sits with you" during session
    - Periodic check-ins ("Still focused?")
    - Proactive suggestions
    - Celebration of progress

12. **Energy-Based Task Selection**
    - "How's your energy?" → Suggests appropriate task
    - High energy → Complex work
    - Low energy → Mindless tasks
    - Very low → Document, organize, rest

13. **Workflow Learning**
    - Learns your patterns over time
    - Adapts suggestions
    - Predicts next task
    - Optimizes workflow

14. **Multi-Person Workflow**
    - Pair programming support
    - Handoff documentation
    - Async collaboration patterns

15. **Gamification**
    - Achievement badges
    - Streak tracking
    - Progress visualization
    - Friendly competition

---

### Category 3: User Experience Design

#### UX Pattern A: Command-Based (Current)
**User flow:**
```
/recap → /next → /focus → [work] → /done
```

**Pros:** Explicit, learnable, predictable
**Cons:** Requires remembering commands

---

#### ⭐ UX Pattern B: Wizard Mode (ADHD-Friendly)
**User flow:**
```
/workflow → Interactive menu:
  1. Where was I? (/recap)
  2. What's next? (/next)
  3. Lock in on task (/focus)
  4. I'm done (/done)
  5. I'm stuck (/stuck)
```

**Pros:** No memory required, guided, discoverable
**Cons:** Extra click, slower for power users

**Hybrid approach:** Both patterns available

---

#### UX Pattern C: Smart Auto-Detection
**User behavior:**
- Opens Claude Code → Auto `/recap`
- Asks "what should I do?" → Auto `/next`
- Says "I'm stuck" → Auto `/stuck`
- Says "done for today" → Auto `/done`

**Pros:** Magical, no commands to learn
**Cons:** May be surprising, less predictable

---

### Category 4: Distribution & Installation

#### Distribution A: Homebrew Formula
```bash
brew install data-wise/tap/workflow-optimizer
```

**Pros:** Familiar to Mac users, automatic updates
**Cons:** Mac-only, requires tap setup

---

#### Distribution B: npm Package
```bash
npm install -g @data-wise/workflow-optimizer-plugin
```

**Pros:** Cross-platform, familiar to developers
**Cons:** Requires npm, version management

---

#### Distribution C: Claude Code Plugin Marketplace (Future)
**Ideal:** Listed in official marketplace
**Reality:** Marketplace doesn't exist yet

---

#### ⭐ Distribution D: Multi-Method (RECOMMENDED)
```bash
# Homebrew (Mac - recommended)
brew install data-wise/tap/workflow-optimizer

# npm (all platforms)
npm install -g @data-wise/workflow-optimizer-plugin

# Manual (git clone)
git clone https://github.com/Data-Wise/claude-plugins.git
cd claude-plugins/workflow-optimizer
./scripts/install.sh --dev
```

**Why:** Flexibility for different user preferences

---

### Category 5: Customization Options

#### Customization Level 1: Configuration File
```json
// ~/.claude/workflow-config.json
{
  "focus_duration": 45,
  "auto_recap_on_start": true,
  "documentation_checks": {
    "enabled": true,
    "severity_threshold": "medium"
  },
  "integrations": {
    "github": true,
    "jira": false
  }
}
```

---

#### Customization Level 2: User Templates
```
~/.claude/workflow/templates/
├── research.md (custom research workflow)
├── teaching.md (custom teaching workflow)
└── sprint.md (custom sprint workflow)
```

---

#### Customization Level 3: Plugin Hooks
```markdown
---
when: before-focus
run: notify-send "Starting focus session"
---

---
when: after-done
run: backup-status-file
---
```

---

## 🎨 Design Perspectives

### Technical Perspective

**Key constraints:**
- Claude Code plugin system limitations
- Shell script portability (bash vs zsh)
- File system access patterns
- Git availability

**Technical decisions:**
1. Use markdown for commands (native format)
2. Shell scripts for file operations (proven pattern)
3. Optional MCP for advanced features
4. JSON for configuration (standard)

---

### ADHD-Friendly Perspective

**Critical requirements:**
1. **Reduce friction** - Fewer steps to get started
2. **Prevent paralysis** - Decide FOR the user
3. **Preserve context** - Never lose where you were
4. **Permission to fail** - It's OK to not finish
5. **Visual feedback** - Clear progress indicators
6. **Quick wins** - Always offer fast progress option

**Design principles:**
- One-click actions
- No overwhelming choices
- Supportive language
- Escape hatches (stuck, break, stop)

---

### Maintenance Perspective

**Sustainability:**
- Simple architecture (less to break)
- Clear documentation
- Automated tests
- Version management

**Update strategy:**
- Semantic versioning
- Changelog maintenance
- Backward compatibility
- Migration guides

---

### User Onboarding Perspective

**First-time user flow:**
```
1. Install plugin
2. Run /workflow (tutorial mode)
3. Interactive guide through commands
4. Save preferences
5. Start using
```

**Documentation tiers:**
- QUICK-START.md (5 minutes)
- REFCARD.md (command reference)
- TUTORIAL.md (deep dive)
- ADHD-GUIDE.md (why this works)

---

## 🏆 Top 3 Recommended Approaches

### ⭐ #1: Hybrid Plugin with Progressive Enhancement

**What:** Plugin + optional shell library

**Structure:**
```
workflow-optimizer/
├── commands/ (9 slash commands - work without shell)
├── lib/ (shell scripts - optional enhancement)
├── skills/ (auto-activating ADHD coach)
└── docs/ (ADHD-friendly guides)
```

**Installation tiers:**
1. **Basic:** Just plugin (Homebrew/npm)
2. **Enhanced:** Plugin + shell library
3. **Full:** Plugin + shell + MCP (future)

**Why this wins:**
- ✅ Works immediately (basic mode)
- ✅ Grows with user needs
- ✅ Familiar to existing users
- ✅ Easy to distribute
- ✅ Maintains existing functionality

**First steps:**
1. Create plugin structure following existing patterns
2. Migrate 9 commands to plugin
3. Test basic functionality
4. Add optional shell library install
5. Document both modes

**Complexity:** Medium
**Timeline:** 1-2 weeks

---

### ⭐ #2: Command Hub with Smart Wizard

**What:** Central `/workflow` command with wizard mode

**User experience:**
```
/workflow

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 🧭 WORKFLOW COMMAND CENTER              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Where are you in your workflow?         │
│                                         │
│ 1. 🏁 Starting session (/recap)         │
│ 2. 🤔 Choosing task (/next)             │
│ 3. 🎯 Working focused (/focus)          │
│ 4. ✅ Finishing session (/done)         │
│ 5. 🚧 Feeling stuck (/stuck)            │
│ 6. 💡 Brainstorming (/brainstorm)       │
│                                         │
│ Or use commands directly:               │
│ /recap /next /focus /done /stuck        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

**Why this wins:**
- ✅ Discoverable (no command memory needed)
- ✅ Guided workflow
- ✅ Power user escape hatch (direct commands)
- ✅ ADHD-friendly (reduces decisions)
- ✅ Tutorial built-in

**First steps:**
1. Create `/workflow` hub command
2. Build interactive menu
3. Wire to existing commands
4. Add contextual help
5. Test with users

**Complexity:** Low-Medium
**Timeline:** 3-5 days

---

### ⭐ #3: Minimal Plugin + Documentation Package

**What:** Essential commands only, comprehensive docs

**Core commands (6):**
1. `/recap` - Where was I?
2. `/next` - What's next?
3. `/focus` - Lock in
4. `/done` - Finish session
5. `/stuck` - Get unstuck
6. `/workflow` - Hub/help

**Excluded (for now):**
- Documentation automation (complex)
- Task management (background)
- Advanced features

**Why this wins:**
- ✅ Fastest to ship
- ✅ Proven core value
- ✅ Easy to understand
- ✅ Room to grow

**First steps:**
1. Extract 6 core commands
2. Simplify (remove complex dependencies)
3. Write ADHD-friendly docs
4. Ship v0.1.0
5. Gather feedback

**Complexity:** Low
**Timeline:** 1 week

---

## 🔄 Hybrid Solutions

### Combination A: #1 + #2
**Start with wizard hub (#2), build on progressive enhancement architecture (#1)**

- Quick to ship (wizard is simple)
- Room to grow (progressive enhancement)
- Best of both worlds

### Combination B: #3 + #2
**Minimal core + wizard interface**

- Simplest possible v1.0
- Great user experience
- Iterate from there

---

## 📊 Comparison Matrix

| Approach | Ease of Use | Power | Install Complexity | Ship Time | ADHD Score |
|----------|-------------|-------|-------------------|-----------|------------|
| #1 Progressive | Medium | High | Medium | 1-2 weeks | 8/10 |
| #2 Wizard Hub | High | Medium | Low | 3-5 days | 10/10 |
| #3 Minimal | High | Low | Low | 1 week | 9/10 |
| #1+#2 Hybrid | High | High | Medium | 1.5 weeks | 10/10 |
| #3+#2 Hybrid | High | Medium | Low | 1 week | 10/10 |

**Legend:**
- **ADHD Score:** How ADHD-friendly (1-10, higher better)
- **Power:** Feature richness
- **Ship Time:** Time to first release

---

## 🎯 Recommended Path Forward

### Phase 1: MVP (Week 1)
**Approach:** #3+#2 Hybrid (Minimal + Wizard)

**Deliverables:**
- ✅ 6 core commands working
- ✅ `/workflow` wizard hub
- ✅ QUICK-START.md
- ✅ REFCARD.md
- ✅ Homebrew formula

**Success criteria:**
- Can install in < 5 minutes
- Core workflow functional
- Documentation clear

---

### Phase 2: Enhancement (Week 2-3)
**Add from #1 (Progressive Enhancement):**

- ✅ Optional shell library
- ✅ Documentation automation
- ✅ Advanced features

**Success criteria:**
- Power users happy
- Basic users not overwhelmed
- Clear upgrade path

---

### Phase 3: Polish (Week 4)
**Community & Growth:**

- ✅ User testing
- ✅ Feedback incorporation
- ✅ Tutorial videos
- ✅ v1.0.0 release

---

## 💎 Quick Wins (Do First)

1. **Create plugin structure** (1 hour)
   - Copy existing plugin as template
   - Set up directories
   - Create plugin.json

2. **Migrate `/recap` command** (2 hours)
   - Simplest command
   - Validates approach
   - Quick feedback

3. **Write QUICK-START.md** (1 hour)
   - Forces clarity
   - Validates UX
   - Useful immediately

4. **Create `/workflow` hub** (3 hours)
   - Central entry point
   - Improves discoverability
   - Guides users

5. **Ship to Homebrew** (2 hours)
   - Makes it real
   - Enables testing
   - Builds momentum

**Total quick wins:** ~9 hours = 1-2 days

---

## 🚧 Constraints & Trade-offs

### Constraint 1: Shell Script Portability
**Issue:** bash vs zsh vs fish
**Solution:** Stick to POSIX-compliant basics, test on multiple shells
**Trade-off:** Some power features may be shell-specific

### Constraint 2: File System Access
**Issue:** Claude Code sandbox limitations
**Solution:** Use shell scripts via Bash tool (approved pattern)
**Trade-off:** Requires user trust of shell execution

### Constraint 3: Git Availability
**Issue:** Not all users have git
**Solution:** Graceful degradation (work without git)
**Trade-off:** Reduced context awareness

### Constraint 4: Configuration Complexity
**Issue:** Too many options = decision paralysis
**Solution:** Smart defaults, progressive disclosure
**Trade-off:** Power users may want more control

### Constraint 5: Maintenance Burden
**Issue:** More features = more to maintain
**Solution:** Start minimal, add based on demand
**Trade-off:** May feel incomplete initially

---

## 📝 Documentation Plan

### User Documentation

1. **QUICK-START.md**
   - Install in 5 minutes
   - First workflow
   - Core commands

2. **REFCARD.md**
   - One-page command reference
   - Common workflows
   - Troubleshooting

3. **ADHD-GUIDE.md** ⭐
   - Why this works
   - ADHD principles
   - Workflow science
   - Customization for your brain

4. **TUTORIAL.md**
   - Deep dive
   - Advanced features
   - Integration tips

### Developer Documentation

1. **ARCHITECTURE.md**
   - Plugin structure
   - Command patterns
   - Shell integration

2. **CONTRIBUTING.md**
   - How to add commands
   - Testing approach
   - PR guidelines

---

## 🎊 Success Metrics

### User Success
- ✅ Can install in < 5 minutes
- ✅ Completes first workflow session
- ✅ Uses at least 3 commands regularly
- ✅ Reports reduced context loss
- ✅ Feels less overwhelmed

### Technical Success
- ✅ 90%+ test coverage
- ✅ All commands functional
- ✅ Documentation complete
- ✅ Zero critical bugs
- ✅ Homebrew formula works

### Community Success
- ✅ 10+ active users (first month)
- ✅ 3+ GitHub stars
- ✅ Positive feedback
- ✅ 1+ community contribution

---

## 🚀 Immediate Next Steps

### This Week (Priority Order)

1. **Create plugin structure** (Today)
   ```bash
   cd ~/projects/dev-tools/claude-plugins
   mkdir -p workflow-optimizer/{.claude-plugin,commands,skills,docs,lib,tests}
   ```

2. **Migrate `/recap` command** (Today)
   - Copy to plugin
   - Test functionality
   - Document usage

3. **Create `/workflow` hub** (Tomorrow)
   - Build menu system
   - Wire to commands
   - Add help text

4. **Write QUICK-START.md** (Tomorrow)
   - Installation
   - First use
   - Core workflow

5. **Test end-to-end** (Day 3)
   - Install fresh
   - Run through workflow
   - Fix issues

6. **Create Homebrew formula** (Day 3)
   - Write formula
   - Test installation
   - Update tap

7. **Ship v0.1.0** (Day 4)
   - Tag release
   - Update docs
   - Announce

---

## 💡 Key Insights

### Insight 1: Documentation-First Wins
**From RForge:** Comprehensive docs before features prevented confusion
**Apply here:** Write ADHD-GUIDE.md explaining WHY first

### Insight 2: Progressive Enhancement Works
**From statistical-research:** Basic + optional power features
**Apply here:** Works without shell lib, better with it

### Insight 3: Wizard Interfaces Reduce Friction
**From user research:** ADHD users benefit from guided flows
**Apply here:** `/workflow` hub as central entry point

### Insight 4: Ship Early, Iterate
**From experience:** Perfect is the enemy of done
**Apply here:** 6 commands in v0.1.0, grow from there

---

## 🎯 Final Recommendation

**GO WITH: #3+#2 Hybrid (Minimal + Wizard)**

**Rationale:**
1. ✅ Fastest to ship (1 week)
2. ✅ Highest ADHD-friendliness (10/10)
3. ✅ Room to grow (add features later)
4. ✅ Validates core value proposition
5. ✅ Low maintenance burden

**First milestone:** MVP working by end of week

**Success looks like:**
- User installs plugin
- Runs `/workflow`
- Guided through first session
- Context preserved
- Momentum maintained

**Then iterate based on real usage!**

---

**Generated:** 2025-12-23
**Status:** Ready for implementation
**Next Action:** Create plugin structure and migrate `/recap` command

---

