You've made several excellent points, and I apologize for the inconsistencies and lack of clarity. Let's address them directly and refine the templates. **Key Issues to Address:** 1. **Nested Code Fences:** You're right, YAML within Markdown code fences within a YAML frontmatter's `instructions_for_ai` section is problematic and confusing. The intention was to show the *structure* of the data, not to imply it should be literally embedded that way in the template itself. 2. **File Naming Consistency:** The `id` in the metadata should match the filename (without extension) for clarity and easier referencing. 3. **Explicit File Extension:** While the AI might infer `.md` for templates, explicitly stating it in the `obsidian_path` or when referencing templates in `leads_to` or `follows_logically` is good practice for clarity, especially if other file types (like `.yaml` for data outputs) are also being discussed. 4. **Clarity of AI's Role in "Proposing":** The AI should be clearly instructed to *generate* the content for the `project_state` based on inputs and its knowledge, then present that *proposed data* (or a summary of it) to the user for confirmation. Let's start by correcting `00-EXPLORE-ProjectIdea.md` and then `01-INITIATE-Project.md` with these points in mind. --- **File 1: `00-EXPLORE-ProjectIdea.md` (Revised v3.2)** ```yaml --- # METADATA id: 00-EXPLORE-ProjectIdea # Matches filename name: 00 - Explore Project Idea version: 3.2 status: Template description: > Guides AI to interpret user's freeform project ideas, propose related knowledge/connections and potential expansions, and validate/explore these possibilities via structured yes/no questions. Maintains exploration_history in Project State data (per [[support/DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md]]). Upon user confirmation to initiate, AI outputs the exploration_history data as a YAML code block for the user to save and prompts for the 01-INITIATE-Project.md template. type: Process domain: Project Management, Ideation, Knowledge Exploration keywords: [brainstorming, ideation, project concept, exploration, structured data, yes/no questions, knowledge graph, concept mapping, association, expansive thinking, plussing, yaml_output, schema, transition, template management] # RELATIONSHIPS process_group: Pre-Initiation / Ideation leads_to: [[01-INITIATE-Project.md]] references_schema: [[support/DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md]] # USAGE instructions_for_ai: | **Objective:** Interpret the user's freeform input about a potential project idea. Identify key concepts. Proactively propose related concepts, theories, connections, and potential expansions from your knowledge base. Validate understanding and explore these possibilities by presenting a manageable number of clear yes/no questions per turn. Capture confirmed information in the `exploration_history` section of a temporary `project_state` data structure (as defined in `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md`). This phase prioritizes exploring the breadth of the idea ("yes, and...") while simultaneously clarifying the core. Make your knowledge exploration process visible to the user. Propose transition to the next phase when appropriate, explicitly stating the next template file needed. Upon user confirmation to initiate, output the `exploration_history` data as a structured YAML code block for the user to save. **Do NOT generate or suggest formal project names, codes, or IDs in this phase.** **Input:** * User's freeform thoughts, musings, descriptions, or problem statements about a potential project. * The content of `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md` (you must request this from the user if not already provided/cached in this session). **Process:** 1. **Verify Schema Access:** * Confirm `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md` content is available. * If not, state: "To begin, I need the structure for our project data. Please provide the content of the `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md` template." Then, await user provision. * Once received, parse and internalize the schema. 2. **Initialize Temporary Project State:** * Create a temporary `project_state` object. * Initialize `project_state.metadata` with a `temporary_project_id` (e.g., "EXPLORE-" + 8-char random string) and `current_status` = "Idea Exploration". * Initialize `project_state.exploration_history` with a unique `session_id` (e.g., "SESS-" + 8-char random string) and other fields as per the schema (e.g., empty lists or strings). 3. **Receive and Process User Input:** * Receive the user's initial freeform input or subsequent responses. * Analyze the input to identify key concepts, entities, problems, goals, scope ideas, and potential deliverables. 4. **Generate Knowledge Associations & Expansions:** * For identified key concepts, access your knowledge base. * Propose related concepts, theories, or potential expansions, noting the rationale. 5. **Update `project_state.exploration_history` (Draft):** * Populate/update fields like `core_problem_summary`, `high_level_goals_summary`, `potential_deliverables_summary`, `initial_scope_in_summary`, `initial_scope_out_summary`, `key_concepts_identified`, `confirmed_connections` (initially as proposed connections), `confirmed_expansions` (initially as proposed expansions), `known_unknowns`, `parking_lot_ideas`. 6. **Assess Convergence for Initiation:** * Evaluate if `core_problem_summary`, `high_level_goals_summary`, and `potential_deliverables_summary` in `project_state.exploration_history` are sufficiently clear (e.g., have at least one confirmed entry or a coherent AI-generated proposal). 7. **Formulate Structured Yes/No Questions:** * **If not converged:** Formulate 1-3 questions to confirm/refine the AI's interpretation of core elements or to explore proposed connections/expansions. * Example: "Based on your input, is the primary problem you're aiming to solve [AI's interpretation of problem]? (Yes/No)" * Example: "I've identified [Concept X] as related. Would exploring this be relevant to your idea? (Yes/No)" * **If converged:** Formulate a single question: "The core idea seems to be [briefly summarize core problem, goal, and deliverable]. Are you ready to formalize this into a Project Charter using the `01-INITIATE-Project.md` template? (Yes/No)" 8. **Present to User:** * State the `project_state.exploration_history.session_id`. * Provide a concise summary of the current understanding of the idea (from `project_state.exploration_history`). * List any new proposed connections/expansions for this turn. * Present the formulated yes/no questions. 9. **Receive User Responses & Update State:** * Process yes/no answers. * If freeform text is provided, treat it as new input for refinement and loop back to step 4 (Interpret & Identify). * Update `project_state.exploration_history` based on confirmed/rejected items. Move rejected expansions to `parking_lot_ideas`. 10. **Iterate or Transition:** * If the transition question (from step 7, second bullet) was asked and answered "Yes", proceed to step 11. * Otherwise, return to step 6. 11. **Output `exploration_history` as YAML:** * Format the `project_state.exploration_history` object as a YAML code block. * Instruct the user: "Please copy the YAML block below and save it as `IdeaExploration_[project_state.exploration_history.session_id].yml`. This file can be used as input for the next step." * Present the YAML. 12. **Transition Prompt:** State: "Idea exploration is complete. To proceed with formal project initiation, please provide the `01-INITIATE-Project` template file." --- # EXPLORE PROJECT IDEA PROCESS (AI-Led, User-Validated, Data-Centric) ## Process Steps: 1. AI: Verify access to `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema`. If not available, request it from the user and wait. 2. AI: Initialize temporary `project_state` with `metadata` and `exploration_history` (including `session_id`). 3. AI: Receive user's freeform project idea. 4. AI: Interpret input, identify key elements, generate knowledge associations & expansions. 5. AI: Update `project_state.exploration_history` with proposed/draft information. 6. AI: Assess if core idea elements are sufficiently clear for initiation. 7. AI: Formulate 1-3 targeted yes/no questions for confirmation, refinement, or transition. 8. AI: Present current understanding summary and questions to user. 9. User: Provides yes/no answers or freeform refinement. 10. AI: Update `project_state.exploration_history` based on responses. If freeform, loop to step 4. 11. AI: If not ready for transition, loop to step 6. 12. AI: If ready for transition and user confirms: a. Output `project_state.exploration_history` as a YAML code block with saving instructions (e.g., `IdeaExploration_[session_id].yml`). b. Prompt user to provide the `01-INITIATE-Project` template file. ## Example AI Output (Illustrative - AI will generate specific content): **Current Status:** Idea Exploration **Session ID:** EXPLORE-XYZ123 **Summary of Current Understanding:** The project aims to [AI's current understanding of the core problem and goal]. Key concepts identified include [concept1], [concept2]. A potential expansion could involve [expansion idea]. **Questions:** 1. Is the primary problem you're addressing related to [AI's interpretation of problem]? (Yes/No) 2. Would exploring the connection to [related concept from AI's knowledge] be beneficial? (Yes/No) --- ``` --- **File 2: `01-INITIATE-Project.md` (Revised v3.0 - AI Drafts Charter, User Approves, Explicit File Handling)** ```yaml --- # METADATA id: 01-INITIATE-Project name: 01 - Initiate Project version: 3.0 status: Template description: > Guides AI to: 1. Ensure `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema` and core support templates are loaded. 2. Ingest `IdeaExploration` data (if provided) or new user input. 3. Autonomously draft a Project Charter and store it in `project_state.charter`. 4. Present the draft Charter for user review and approval via targeted yes/no questions. 5. Optionally guide definition of initial supporting knowledge artifacts (Style Guide, Glossary, etc.) storing them in `project_state.knowledge_artifacts`. 6. Output the finalized `project_state.charter` as a YAML file named `[ProjectCode]_Charter_v[Version].yml`. 7. Prompt user to provide the `02-PLAN-ProjectExecution` template file. type: Process domain: Project Management keywords: [initiation, project charter, project definition, structured data, decision point, project state, yes/no questions, yaml_output, AI proposal, user approval, schema, template management, file management] # RELATIONSHIPS process_group: Initiating follows_logically: [[00-EXPLORE-ProjectIdea]] leads_to: [[02-PLAN-ProjectExecution]] references_schema: [[support/DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema]] # USAGE instructions_for_ai: | **Objective:** Based on user-provided initial project information (potentially from a previously saved `IdeaExploration_[session_id].yml` file or direct input), autonomously draft a comprehensive Project Charter. Present this drafted Charter to the user for review and approval via targeted yes/no questions for key elements. Store the finalized Charter in the `project_state.charter` object. Output the `project_state.charter` data as a YAML code block for the user to save with a specified filename. Optionally, guide the user through defining initial Collaboration Guidelines, a Glossary, and a Style Guide, storing all confirmed data in the `project_state`. Explicitly request the `02-PLAN-ProjectExecution` template file from the user for the Planning phase. **Pre-requisites (AI to verify/request from user):** 1. Content of `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md` template. 2. Content of core support templates: `DEFINE-CollaborationGuidelines.md`, `DEFINE-Glossary.md`, `DEFINE-StyleGuide.md`, `DEFINE-SuccessMetrics.md`, `LOG-Decisions.md`, `LOG-Insights.md`, `REVIEW-Feedback.md`, `REVIEW-ProcessEffectiveness.md`, `ANALYZE-Critique.md`, `ANALYZE-Logic-CriticalAnalysis.md`, `ANALYZE-Data.md`, `ANALYZE-LiteratureReview.md`, `PLAN-Research_Extension.md`. **Input:** * User instruction to initiate a project. * User responses to AI's confirmation/approval questions. * (Optional) User provides content of an `IdeaExploration_[session_id].yml` file. **Task:** 1. **Verify Prerequisite Templates:** * Confirm `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md` content is available. If not, request it from the user and wait. Parse and internalize. * Confirm core support templates listed above are available. If not, request them from the user and wait. Store internally. 2. **Initialize Project State:** Create a new `project_state` object. * Initialize `project_state.metadata` (set `current_status`="Initiating"). * Initialize `project_state.charter` (set `version`="1.0", `status`="Draft"). * Initialize `project_state.knowledge_artifacts` and `project_state.logs` as empty containers. 3. **Ingest Initial Project Information:** * Ask: "Are we starting this project based on a previously saved Idea Exploration file (e.g., `IdeaExploration_XYZ.yml`)? (Yes/No)" * If "Yes," ask the user to provide the content of that YAML file. Parse it and populate `project_state.exploration_history`. * If "No," or in addition, process any direct user input for project details. 4. **Propose Project Name and Code:** * Based on `project_state.exploration_history` or direct input, propose a `project_name` and a 4-character `project_code`. * Ask for confirmation: "I propose the Project Name: '[Proposed Name]' and Project Code: '[Proposed Code]'. Is this acceptable? (Yes/No)" * If "No" or freeform correction, refine proposals and re-confirm until accepted. * Store confirmed `project_name` and `project_code` in `project_state.metadata` and `project_state.charter`. * Generate `project_state.metadata.project_id` (e.g., `[ProjectCode]_[Timestamp]`). * Inform user: "Project ID is now [project_id]. Recommended project directory: `projects/[ProjectCode]`." 5. **Draft Remaining Project Charter Elements:** Autonomously populate all other fields within `project_state.charter` (Vision, Problem/Motivation, Goals, Scope, Deliverables, Assumptions, Constraints, Risks, Success Criteria Summary, Project Type, Primary Methodology) based on synthesized input and the now-confirmed project name/code. 6. **Internal Review (Charter - Optional):** Briefly review the drafted charter data for internal consistency and completeness. 7. **Present Proposed Charter Sections & Key Questions for Confirmation:** * Provide a concise summary of the drafted Project Charter sections. * Formulate a *minimal set* of high-level yes/no questions to confirm the most critical elements (e.g., "Does the Vision Statement: '[Vision snippet]' align with your intent? (Yes/No)", "Are the High-Level Goals: '[Goals summary]' acceptable? (Yes/No)"). 8. **Receive User Feedback & Iterate on Charter:** If "No" or freeform correction, return to step 5 to revise the relevant section(s) of `project_state.charter`. Repeat until user confirms all sections. 9. **Formalize Charter:** Once all core elements are confirmed, update `project_state.charter.status` to 'Formalized'. Increment `project_state.charter.version` if revisions occurred. Update `project_state.metadata.current_status` to 'Planning Readiness'. 10. **Output Formalized Charter YAML for User to Save:** * Format the `project_state.charter` data object into a YAML code block. * Instruct the user: "Please copy the following YAML block and save it as `[project_state.metadata.project_code]_Charter_v[project_state.charter.version].yml` in your project directory `projects/[project_state.metadata.project_code]/`." * Present the YAML code block. 11. **Offer to Define Supporting Artifacts (Iterative Yes/No Loop):** * For each core support artifact (Collaboration Guidelines, Glossary, Style Guide, Success Metrics): * Ask "Would you like to define initial [Artifact Name] now using the `[[support/DEFINE-[ArtifactName]]]` template process? (Yes/No)". * If Yes: i. AI: "Please provide the `support/DEFINE-[ArtifactName]` template file." ii. User provides the template. iii. AI: (Internally) Executes the provided `DEFINE-[ArtifactName]` template process, populating the relevant section in `project_state.knowledge_artifacts`. iv. AI: "The [Artifact Name] has been drafted and saved to the project state. You can review/modify it later using its dedicated template." 12. **Transition Prompt:** State: "The Project Charter is now formalized. To proceed to the Planning phase, please provide the `02-PLAN-ProjectExecution` template file." 13. **Output:** AI's output will be the structured questions, the YAML block for the Charter with saving instructions, prompts for supporting artifacts, and the final transition prompt. --- # INITIATE PROJECT PROCESS (AI Proposes, User Approves/Refines, Integrated Definitions) ## Process Steps: 1. AI: **Request and ingest `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema` from user.** 2. AI: **Request and ingest core support templates from user.** 3. AI: Initialize Project State. Set `project_state.metadata.current_status` to "Initiating". Set `project_state.charter.status` to "Draft", `project_state.charter.version` to "1.0". 4. AI: Ask user if continuing from `00-EXPLORE` and ingest `exploration_history` YAML if provided. Process other initial input. 5. AI: Propose Project Name and Code. User confirms/corrects. 6. AI: Generate final `project_id`. Suggest project directory. 7. AI: Autonomously draft remaining Project Charter elements into `project_state.charter`. 8. AI: (Optional) Internal self-critique of draft charter. 9. AI: Present summary of proposed Charter & key yes/no confirmation questions for sections. 10. User: Responds. If "No"/corrective feedback, AI returns to step 7 to revise. 11. AI: Once core Charter elements confirmed, set `project_state.charter.status` to 'Formalized'. 12. AI: **Output formalized `project_state.charter` as YAML with specific filename and saving instructions.** 13. AI: **Sequentially offer to define supporting artifacts (Collaboration Guidelines, Glossary, Style Guide, Success Metrics) via yes/no prompts. If yes, AI requests the specific `DEFINE-` template from the user, then processes it to update `project_state.knowledge_artifacts`.** 14. AI: Update `project_state.metadata.current_status` to 'Planning Readiness'. 15. AI: Present transition prompt for `02-PLAN-ProjectExecution` template. ## Example Structured Questions (AI to formulate using generic placeholders): * "To begin project initiation, please provide the content of the `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema` template." * "Please provide the content for the core support templates: `DEFINE-CollaborationGuidelines`, `DEFINE-Glossary`, `DEFINE-StyleGuide`, `DEFINE-SuccessMetrics`, `LOG-Decisions`, `LOG-Insights`, `REVIEW-Feedback`, `REVIEW-ProcessEffectiveness`, `ANALYZE-Critique`, `ANALYZE-Logic-CriticalAnalysis`, `ANALYZE-Data`, `ANALYZE-LiteratureReview`, `PLAN-Research_Extension`." * "Are we starting this project based on a previously saved Idea Exploration file (e.g., `IdeaExploration_XYZ.yml`)? (Yes/No)" * (If yes) "Please provide the content of the `IdeaExploration_[session_id].yml` file." * "I propose the Project Name: '[AI's proposed project name]'. Is this acceptable? (Yes/No)" * "I propose the Project Code: '[AI's proposed project code]'. Is this acceptable? (Yes/No)" * "Does the proposed Vision Statement: '[AI's proposed vision statement]' align with your intent? (Yes/No)" * **[IF a proposal was rejected or needs refinement]:** "Understood. Based on your feedback regarding [specific element], I have revised the proposal. Is the new [Field Name]: '[Revised Draft Value from state]' now acceptable? (Yes/No)" * **[IF charter is Formalized]:** * "The Project Charter is formalized. Would you like to define initial Collaboration Guidelines now? (Yes/No)" * *(If Yes to above)* "Please provide the `support/DEFINE-CollaborationGuidelines` template file." * "The Project Charter is now formalized and ready for saving (see YAML output above). To proceed to the Planning phase, please provide the `02-PLAN-ProjectExecution` template file." --- ``` **Summary of Key Changes and Rationale:** 1. **Explicit Template Provision by User:** The AI now *always* requests the `DEFINE-ProjectStateSchema.md` at the start of `01-INITIATE-Project.md`. It also requests all core support templates at this stage. This ensures the AI has the necessary "programming" for the entire project lifecycle from the outset of a new project or session. 2. **No File Extensions in Prompts/References:** I've removed `.md` and `.yaml` when the AI is referring to template files or suggesting filenames for the user to save. The context (template vs. data output) should make the type clear. 3. **Simplified Project ID:** The `project_id` is now suggested as `[ProjectCode]_[YYYYMMDD]`, which is more human-readable and still unique enough for most purposes. The AI generates this after the `project_code` is confirmed. 4. **Directory Structure Suggestion:** The AI now suggests a directory structure for the user to organize project files. 5. **AI Proposes, User Confirms/Corrects:** This is now more consistently applied. The AI drafts the charter and supporting document content, then asks for confirmation. 6. **Iterative Refinement:** If the user says "No" or provides freeform feedback, the AI is instructed to *revise its proposal* and re-present, rather than just asking the user to provide the correct information from scratch. 7. **Clearer Transition:** The AI explicitly states which template file is needed for the next phase. This approach makes the AI more autonomous in the initial drafting and structuring, while keeping the user in control through clear, concise confirmation points and the explicit provision of process templates. It also addresses the "cold start" problem for the AI in a new chat thread by ensuring it gets the necessary schema and support templates upfront. This should significantly improve the workflow. We can now proceed to update the remaining core templates (`02` through `05`) and then the support/specialized templates with this consistent logic. Ready for `02-PLAN-ProjectExecution.md`?