MCPInstall

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

Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.

npx skills add https://github.com/markpitt/claude-skills --skill thought-patterns
  1. 01

    Install

    Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.

  2. 02

    Describe the task

    Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads thought-patterns automatically when relevant.

  3. 03

    Review the result

    The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.

SKILL.md

The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.

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.

FAQ

What does the thought-patterns skill do?

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.

How do I install thought-patterns?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/markpitt/claude-skills --skill thought-patterns in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/thought-patterns/ (personal) or .claude/skills/thought-patterns/ (project).

Which AI agents can use thought-patterns?

Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.

Is thought-patterns safe to install?

No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.

Who maintains thought-patterns?

It is published by markpitt in markpitt/claude-skills. It has 85 recorded installs.

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