---
name: skill_dream
description: "Ideation phase for APC plugins; defines concept, parameters, and initial status."
---

Title: SKILL: IDEATION & DREAMING
Document Type: Skill
Author: APC Codex
Created Date: 2026-02-18
Last Modified Date: 2026-02-18


# SKILL: IDEATION & DREAMING

**Goal:** Define the plugin concept and initialize the project state.
**Trigger:** `/dream [Name]`
**Output Location:** `plugins/[Name]/`

## ⛔ OUTPUT RESTRICTIONS (MANDATORY)
*   **NO C++ Code.**
*   **NO Build Scripts.**
*   **NO CMake configurations.**

## STEP 1: THE INTERVIEW
**Do NOT generate files yet.**
If the user prompt is vague, ask 3 clarifying questions:
1.  **Sonic Goal:** What is the character? (e.g., "Dirty Tape Delay", "Clean EQ")
2.  **Controls:** What are the top 3 parameters?
3.  **Vibe:** Visual aesthetic?

**STOP and WAIT for the user's response.**

## STEP 2: CONCEPT GENERATION
*Only after the user answers, generate these files:*

### 1. `plugins/[Name]/.ideas/creative-brief.md`
The vision statement.
*   **Hook:** Marketing pitch.
*   **Description:** Detailed behavior.

### 2. `plugins/[Name]/.ideas/parameter-spec.md`
The definitive list of controls.
| ID | Name | Type | Range | Default | Unit |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| `gain` | Gain | Float | 0.0 - 1.0 | 0.5 | dB |

### 3. `plugins/[Name]/status.json` (ROOT)
Initialize the project tracking file in the plugin root using the standardized schema.

**Use the state management system:**
```powershell
# Import state management
. "$PSScriptRoot\..\scripts\state-management.ps1"

# Initialize state
New-PluginState -PluginName "[Name]" -PluginPath "plugins\[Name]"
```

**Schema structure:**
```json
{
  "plugin_name": "[Name]",
  "version": "v0.0.0",
  "current_phase": "ideation",
  "ui_framework": "pending",
  "complexity_score": 0,
  "created_at": "2026-01-04T20:20:00Z",
  "last_modified": "2026-01-04T20:20:00Z",
  "phase_history": [],
  "validation": {
    "creative_brief_exists": true,
    "parameter_spec_exists": true,
    "architecture_defined": false,
    "ui_framework_selected": false,
    "design_complete": false,
    "code_complete": false,
    "tests_passed": false,
    "ship_ready": false
  },
  "framework_selection": {
    "decision": "pending",
    "rationale": "",
    "implementation_strategy": "pending"
  },
  "error_recovery": {
    "last_backup": null,
    "rollback_available": false,
    "error_log": []
  }
}
```

**Update state after completion:**
```powershell
# Use standardized phase completion function
Complete-Phase -PluginPath "plugins\[Name]" -Phase "ideation" -Updates @{
  "validation.creative_brief_exists" = $true
  "validation.parameter_spec_exists" = $true
}
```

## STEP 3: TERMINATION
1. Confirm files are created.
2. STOP.
3. Ask: "Concept defined. Type /plan [Name] to architecture the DSP and UI."