
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- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads thought-patterns automatically when relevant.
- 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 Type | Load Resource |
|---|---|
| Debugging, troubleshooting, system analysis | resources/foundational-patterns.md |
| Logic problems, hypothesis generation, learning new concepts | resources/reasoning-patterns.md |
| Brainstorming, innovation, creative ideation | resources/creative-patterns.md |
| Learning from experience, improving processes, self-regulation | resources/metacognitive-patterns.md |
| User-centered design, constrained optimization, iteration | resources/specialized-patterns.md |
| Leveraging ADHD/autism/dyslexia cognitive strengths | resources/neurodivergent-strengths.md |
| Complex multi-pattern examples, pattern chaining | resources/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:
- Creative Problem-Solving: Divergent → Convergent
- Root Cause Analysis: Analytical → Abductive → Systems
- Innovation: First Principles → Lateral → Design Thinking
- Learning: Reflective → Double-Loop → Metacognitive
- Comprehensive Understanding: Analytical → Gestalt → Systems
- 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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