HVE Core - Design Thinking

Design Thinking coaching identity, quality constraints, and methodology instructions for AI-enhanced design thinking across nine methods

⚠️ Experimental — This collection is experimental and available only in the Pre-Release channel. Contents may change or be removed without notice.

Coaching identity, quality constraints, and methodology instructions for AI-enhanced design thinking across nine methods. The collection supports the HVE Design Thinking pyramid structure spanning Problem, Solution, and Implementation spaces.

This collection includes agents, prompts, and instructions for:

DT Start Project — Initializes a new Design Thinking coaching project with state file creation, frozen/fluid classification, and first Method 1 coaching interaction
DT Resume Coaching — Resumes an existing coaching session from saved state, restoring context from the project's coaching state file
DT Method Next — Assesses current coaching state and recommends the next method with sequencing validation, handling edge cases for no project, all methods complete, and iteration loops
DT Handoff Implementation Space — Implementation Space exit handoff that compiles DT Methods 7-9 outputs into an RPI-ready artifact with tiered routing to task-planner or task-implementor, handoff lineage from all nine methods, content sanitization, and a completion ceremony
DT Handoff Problem Space — Problem Space exit handoff that compiles DT Methods 1-3 outputs into an RPI-ready artifact targeting task-researcher, with readiness assessment and quality markers
DT Method 4: Ideation — Divergent idea generation with constraint-informed creativity for Method 4b brainstorming
DT Method 4: Convergence — Theme discovery through philosophy-based clustering for Method 4c brainstorming
DT Method 5: Concepts — Concept articulation from brainstorming themes for Method 5b user concepts
DT Method 5: Evaluation — Stakeholder alignment and three-lens evaluation for Method 5c user concepts
DT Method 6: Planning — Concept analysis and prototype approach design for Method 6a lo-fi prototyping
DT Method 6: Building — Scrappy prototype building with fidelity enforcement for Method 6b
DT Method 6: Testing — Hypothesis-driven testing and constraint validation for Method 6c
DT Coaching Identity — Defines the coach's interaction philosophy (Think, Speak, Empower), progressive hint engine, psychological safety patterns, and hat-switching framework for consistent behavior across all nine methods
DT Coach: Conversational coaching agent that guides teams through all 9 methods with Think/Speak/Empower philosophy
DT Coaching State — Session persistence schema, method progress tracking, and session recovery protocol enabling the coach to resume seamlessly across conversations
DT Method Sequencing — Governs the nine-method sequence across three spaces, space boundary transition protocols with readiness signals, non-linear iteration patterns, method routing logic, and coaching state tracking
DT Quality Constraints — Quality constraints, fidelity rules, and output standards for Design Thinking coaching across all nine methods
DT Method 01: Scope Conversations — Frozen vs fluid assessment, stakeholder discovery, constraint patterns, and conversation navigation for transforming initial customer requests into genuine understanding of business challenges
DT Method 01 Deep — Advanced stakeholder analysis, power dynamics, and scope negotiation expertise loaded on-demand for complex Method 1 coaching scenarios
DT Method 02: Design Research — Interview techniques, research planning, environmental observation, and insight extraction patterns for systematic discovery of end-user needs through direct engagement across three phases: planning, execution, and documentation
DT Method 02 Deep: Advanced Design Research — On-demand deep reference covering advanced interview techniques, ethnographic observation methods, evidence triangulation, and manufacturing research patterns; loaded by the coach for complex research scenarios requiring specialist guidance
DT Method 03: Input Synthesis — Pattern recognition, theme development, synthesis validation, and Problem-to-Solution Space transition readiness for transforming fragmented research data into unified problem understanding
DT Method 03 Deep — Advanced affinity analysis with multi-pass clustering, insight frameworks with observation-inference-insight formula, HMW question scaffolding, problem statement articulation, and manufacturing synthesis patterns
DT Method 04 Deep: Advanced Brainstorming Techniques — Advanced facilitation techniques (brainwriting, morphological analysis, provocation), creative block recovery, convergence frameworks (impact/effort matrix, weighted D/F/V scoring), and cross-pollination from analogous industries loaded on-demand for complex Method 4 coaching scenarios
DT Industry: Healthcare — Healthcare-specific vocabulary mapping, constraints (HIPAA, patient safety, clinical workflow), empathy tools (patient journey mapping, clinician shadow), and an ED wait-time reference scenario for on-demand industry context loading
DT→RPI Handoff Contract — Exit-point definitions, artifact schemas, per-agent input contracts, graduation awareness behavior, and quality markers for lateral transitions from Design Thinking coaching into the RPI workflow
DT RPI Implementation Context — DT-aware task-implementor augmentation that enforces space-appropriate fidelity constraints, stakeholder validation against handoff maps, confidence-marker handling, and return path triggers when operating on DT artifacts
DT RPI Planning Context — DT-aware task-planner augmentation that shapes implementation planning around fidelity constraints, iteration support, confidence-informed risk assessment, and stakeholder-segmented success criteria when operating on DT artifacts
DT RPI Research Context — DT-aware task-researcher augmentation that frames research around stakeholder needs, quality-marked findings, assumption validation, and return path triggers when operating on DT artifacts
DT RPI Review Context — DT-aware task-reviewer augmentation that defines quality criteria per artifact type (coaching, method, deep, industry, handoff, agent, output), review checklist additions for coaching tone and fidelity enforcement, anti-patterns to flag, and severity mapping for Design Thinking artifacts
DT Method 07: High-Fidelity Prototypes — Technical translation, functional prototypes, and specifications for Implementation Space entry with three-hat architecture and progressive fidelity modeling
DT Method 07: Deep Expertise — On-demand fidelity translation, architecture trade-off analysis, specification writing patterns, and manufacturing-specific prototyping guidance for complex Method 7 coaching scenarios
DT Method 08: User Testing — Evidence-based evaluation, test protocols, and non-linear iteration support for structured user testing of hi-fi prototypes with leap-enabling questioning and loop decision coaching
DT Method 08 Deep — Advanced test design, small-sample analysis, iteration triggers, and bias mitigation expertise loaded on-demand for complex Method 8 coaching scenarios
DT Method 09: Iteration at Scale — Continuous optimization through telemetry-driven enhancement, systematic refinement cycles, and organizational deployment planning covering change management, training, and adoption metrics
DT Method 09 Deep — Advanced organizational change management (ADKAR framework), scaling patterns, adoption measurement systems, scaling anti-patterns, and manufacturing deployment strategies loaded on-demand for complex Method 9 coaching scenarios
DT Industry: Manufacturing — On-demand industry context providing manufacturing vocabulary mapping, operational constraints (safety culture, shift patterns, union dynamics), empathy tools (gemba walk, shift-handoff observation, operator shadow), and a reference scenario for contextualizing Design Thinking coaching in manufacturing environments
DT Industry: Energy — On-demand energy-sector context providing vocabulary mapping (NERC/FERC/SCADA terminology), critical infrastructure constraints (regulatory weight, long asset lifecycles, security classification), empathy tools (control room observation, field ride-along, regulatory timeline mapping), and a renewable integration reference scenario
DT Curriculum Module 1: Scope Conversations — Key concepts (frozen vs fluid requests, stakeholder mapping, constraint discovery), progressive questioning techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 1
DT Curriculum Module 2: Design Research — Key concepts (genuine need discovery, environmental context, universal discovery sequence), contextual inquiry techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 2
DT Curriculum Module 3: Synthesis — Key concepts (multi-source pattern recognition, theme development, context preservation), affinity clustering techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 3
DT Curriculum Module 4: Brainstorming — Key concepts (divergent vs convergent phases, constraint-driven creativity, philosophy-based clustering), AI spring-boarding techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 4
DT Curriculum Module 5: User Concepts — Key concepts (minimum viable visuals, understanding speed, interaction vs value concepts), stick figure approach and silent review techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 5
DT Curriculum Module 6: Low-Fidelity Prototypes — Key concepts (scrappy principle, instant failure as instant win, single-assumption testing), simple material prototyping techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 6
DT Curriculum Module 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes — Key concepts (technical feasibility validation, stripped-down functional focus, multiple implementation comparison), hardware and integration testing techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 7
DT Curriculum Module 8: User Testing — Key concepts (leap-enabling vs leap-killing questions, non-linear iteration loops, behavior over opinions), task-based testing techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 8
DT Curriculum Module 9: Iteration at Scale — Key concepts (telemetry-driven enhancement, high-frequency pattern focus, incremental enhancement), production telemetry techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 9
DT Curriculum Scenario: Manufacturing — Factory floor improvement reference scenario (Meridian Components) with interview excerpts, observation data points, and test results used across all 9 curriculum modules for progressive learning exercises

Included Artifacts

Chat Agents

Name	Description
dt-coach	Design Thinking coach guiding teams through the 9-method HVE framework with Think/Speak/Empower philosophy
dt-learning-tutor	Design Thinking learning tutor providing structured curriculum, comprehension checks, and adaptive pacing

Prompts

Name	Description
dt-handoff-implementation-space	Compiles DT Methods 7-9 outputs into RPI-ready handoff artifact targeting task-researcher
dt-handoff-problem-space	Problem Space exit handoff — compiles DT Methods 1-3 outputs into RPI-ready artifact targeting task-researcher
dt-handoff-solution-space	Solution Space exit handoff — compiles DT Methods 4-6 outputs into RPI-ready artifact targeting task-researcher
dt-method-04-convergence	Theme discovery for Design Thinking Method 4c through philosophy-based clustering
dt-method-04-ideation	Divergent ideation for Design Thinking Method 4b with constraint-informed solution generation
dt-method-05-concepts	Concept articulation for Design Thinking Method 5b from brainstorming themes
dt-method-05-evaluation	Stakeholder alignment and three-lens evaluation for Design Thinking Method 5c
dt-method-06-building	Scrappy prototype building with fidelity enforcement for Design Thinking Method 6b
dt-method-06-planning	Concept analysis and prototype approach design for Design Thinking Method 6a
dt-method-06-testing	Hypothesis-driven testing and constraint validation for Design Thinking Method 6c
dt-method-next	Assess DT project state and recommend next method with sequencing validation
dt-resume-coaching	Resume a Design Thinking coaching session — reads coaching state and re-establishes context
dt-start-project	Start a new Design Thinking coaching project with state initialization and first coaching interaction

Instructions

Name	Description
design-thinking/dt-coaching-identity	Required instructions when working with or doing any Design Thinking (DT); Contains instructions for the Design Thinking coach identity, philosophy, and user interaction and communication requirements for consistent coaching behavior.
design-thinking/dt-coaching-state	Coaching state schema for Design Thinking session persistence, method progress tracking, and session recovery
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-01-scoping	DT Curriculum Module 1: Scope Conversations — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-02-research	DT Curriculum Module 2: Design Research — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-03-synthesis	DT Curriculum Module 3: Synthesis — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-04-brainstorming	DT Curriculum Module 4: Brainstorming — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-05-concepts	DT Curriculum Module 5: User Concepts — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-06-prototypes	DT Curriculum Module 6: Low-Fidelity Prototypes — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-07-testing	DT Curriculum Module 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-08-iteration	DT Curriculum Module 8: User Testing — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-09-handoff	DT Curriculum Module 9: Iteration at Scale — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises
design-thinking/dt-curriculum-scenario-manufacturing	Manufacturing reference scenario for DT learning — factory floor improvement project used across all 9 curriculum modules
design-thinking/dt-image-prompt-generation	M365 Copilot image prompt generation techniques for Design Thinking Method 5 concept visualization with lo-fi enforcement
design-thinking/dt-industry-energy	Energy industry context for DT coaching — vocabulary, constraints, empathy tools, and reference scenarios
design-thinking/dt-industry-healthcare	Healthcare industry context for DT coaching — vocabulary, constraints, empathy tools, and reference scenarios
design-thinking/dt-industry-manufacturing	Manufacturing industry context for DT coaching — vocabulary, constraints, empathy tools, and reference scenarios
design-thinking/dt-method-01-deep	Deep expertise for Method 1: Scope Conversations, covering advanced stakeholder analysis, power dynamics, and scope negotiation
design-thinking/dt-method-01-scope	Method 1 Scope Conversations coaching knowledge for Design Thinking: frozen vs fluid assessment, stakeholder discovery, constraint patterns, and conversation navigation
design-thinking/dt-method-02-deep	Deep expertise for Method 2: Design Research, covering advanced interview techniques, ethnographic observation, and evidence triangulation
design-thinking/dt-method-02-research	Method 2 Design Research coaching knowledge: interview techniques, research planning, environmental observation, and insight extraction patterns
design-thinking/dt-method-03-deep	Deep expertise for Method 3: Input Synthesis — advanced affinity analysis, insight frameworks, and problem statement articulation
design-thinking/dt-method-03-synthesis	Method 3 Input Synthesis coaching knowledge: pattern recognition, theme development, synthesis validation, and Problem-to-Solution Space transition readiness
design-thinking/dt-method-04-brainstorming	Design Thinking Method 4: AI-assisted brainstorming with divergent ideation and convergent clustering for solution space entry
design-thinking/dt-method-04-deep	Deep expertise for Method 4: Brainstorming — advanced facilitation techniques, creative block recovery, and convergence frameworks
design-thinking/dt-method-05-concepts	Design Thinking Method 5: User Concepts coaching with concept articulation, three-lens evaluation, and stakeholder alignment for Solution Space development
design-thinking/dt-method-05-deep	Deep expertise for Method 5: User Concepts, covering advanced D/F/V analysis, image prompt crafting, concept stress-testing, and portfolio management
design-thinking/dt-method-06-deep	Deep expertise for Method 6: Low-Fidelity Prototypes; advanced paper prototyping, service blueprinting, and experience prototyping
design-thinking/dt-method-06-lofi-prototypes	Design Thinking Method 6: Lo-fi prototyping techniques, scrappy enforcement, feedback planning, and constraint discovery for Solution Space exit
design-thinking/dt-method-07-deep	Deep expertise for Method 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes; fidelity translation, architecture, and specification writing
design-thinking/dt-method-07-hifi-prototypes	Design Thinking Method 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes; technical translation, functional prototypes, and specifications
design-thinking/dt-method-08-deep	Deep expertise for Method 8: Test and Validate — advanced test design, small-sample analysis, iteration triggers, and bias mitigation
design-thinking/dt-method-08-testing	Design Thinking Method 8: User Testing - evidence-based evaluation, test protocols, and non-linear iteration support
design-thinking/dt-method-09-deep	Deep expertise for Method 9: Iteration at Scale — change management, scaling, and adoption measurement
design-thinking/dt-method-09-iteration	Design Thinking Method 9: Iteration at Scale — systematic refinement, scaling patterns, and organizational deployment
design-thinking/dt-method-sequencing	Method transition rules, nine-method sequence, space boundaries, and non-linear iteration support for Design Thinking coaching
design-thinking/dt-quality-constraints	Quality constraints, fidelity rules, and output standards for Design Thinking coaching across all nine methods
design-thinking/dt-rpi-handoff-contract	DT-to-RPI handoff contract defining exit points, artifact schemas, and per-agent input requirements for lateral transitions from Design Thinking to RPI workflow
design-thinking/dt-rpi-implement-context	DT-aware task-implementor context: fidelity constraints, stakeholder validation, and iteration support
design-thinking/dt-rpi-planning-context	DT-aware task-planner context: fidelity constraints, iteration support, and confidence-informed planning for DT artifacts
design-thinking/dt-rpi-research-context	DT-aware task-researcher context — frames research around DT methods, stakeholder needs, and empathy-driven inquiry
design-thinking/dt-rpi-review-context	DT-aware task-reviewer context: quality criteria for Design Thinking artifacts
design-thinking/dt-subagent-handoff	DT subagent handoff workflow: readiness assessment, artifact compilation, and handoff validation via subagent dispatch
shared/hve-core-location	Important: hve-core is the repository containing this instruction file; Guidance: if a referenced prompt, instructions, agent, or script is missing in the current directory, fall back to this hve-core location by walking up this file's directory tree.

Getting Started

After installing this extension, the chat agents are available in GitHub Copilot Chat:

Use custom agents by selecting the custom agent from the agent picker drop-down list in Copilot Chat
Apply prompts through the Copilot Chat interface
Reference instructions — they are automatically applied based on file patterns

Post-Installation Setup

Some chat agents create workflow artifacts in your project directory. See the installation guide for recommended .gitignore configuration and other setup details.

Pre-release Channel

HVE Core offers two installation channels:

Channel	Description	Maturity Levels
Stable	Production-ready artifacts only	`stable`
Pre-release	Early access to new features and experimental artifacts	`stable`, `preview`, `experimental`

To install the pre-release version, select Install Pre-Release Version from the extension page in VS Code.

Full Edition

Looking for more agents covering additional domains? Check out the full HVE Core extension.

Requirements

VS Code version 1.106.1 or higher
GitHub Copilot extension

License

MIT License - see LICENSE for details

Support

For issues, questions, or contributions, visit the GitHub repository.

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