Oblique Strategies

Inspired by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt's Oblique Strategies deck - a set of cards offering creative prompts to break through creative blocks and introduce unexpected directions.

Workflow

Step 1: Get Random Strategies

Run the script to get 4 random strategies:

./scripts/pick-strategies.sh -n 4

Step 2: Present Strategies to User

Use AskUserQuestion to present the 4 strategies as options. Each strategy becomes a selectable option.

Format:

• header: "Strategy"
• question: "Which oblique strategy would you like to apply to this session?"
• options: The 4 strategies from the script output
• multiSelect: false

Step 3: Ask How to Apply

After the user selects a strategy, use another AskUserQuestion to ask how they'd like to apply it.

Format:

• header: "Application"
• question: "How would you like to apply '[selected strategy]'?"
• options:
  • "Apply to current task" - Focus this strategy on whatever I'm working on right now
  • "Use as session mindset" - Let this strategy color the entire session's approach
  • "Help me interpret it" - Explain what this strategy might mean in a coding context
• multiSelect: false

Step 4: Acknowledge and Incorporate

Based on the user's choice:

• Apply to current task: Reframe the current work through the lens of the strategy. Offer specific suggestions for how the strategy might change the approach.

• Use as session mindset: Acknowledge the strategy and naturally reference it throughout the session when relevant. Let it influence suggestions and perspectives.

• Help me interpret it: Explain the strategy's origin and meaning, then offer interpretations for how it might apply to software development, debugging, architecture, or creative coding challenges.

Example Interaction

User: /oblique

Claude: [Runs ./scripts/pick-strategies.sh -n 4]
        Output:
        - Honor thy error as a hidden intention
        - Emphasise the flaws
        - Do nothing for as long as possible
        - Use an old idea

Claude: [AskUserQuestion #1]
        "Which oblique strategy would you like to apply to this session?"
        Options presented to user...

User: Selects "Honor thy error as a hidden intention"

Claude: [AskUserQuestion #2]
        "How would you like to apply 'Honor thy error as a hidden intention'?"
        Options presented to user...

User: Selects "Apply to current task"

Claude: Interesting choice! "Honor thy error as a hidden intention" suggests that
        mistakes aren't accidents - they might be revealing something your
        conscious mind missed.

        For your current work, this could mean:
        - That bug you found might actually be a feature in disguise
        - The "wrong" approach might lead somewhere interesting
        - Instead of fixing, explore what the error is trying to tell you

        What are you working on? Let's see what hidden intentions might be lurking.

Notes

• The script uses POSIX tools (awk, sort, head, cut) for cross-platform compatibility
• All 113 original Oblique Strategies are embedded in the script
• Each invocation is independent - no state is tracked between uses