Direct Mode is the shortest path from question to insight.
Direct Mode is the Brainstorm Reactor's default operating mode. It presents a clean conversational terminal and gives you direct access to the 315+ method library, open-ended brainstorming, autonomous deep research, and instant web search — without requiring complex pipeline setups.
Operating Modes in Direct Mode
In Direct Mode, you have full flexibility over how your input is processed:
| Capability | How to use | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SmartInput Intent Match | Type keywords (e.g. 6-3-5 or brainwriting) | Surfaces instant lexical chips (e.g. [🔍 6-3-5 Brainwriting]) in the Smart Assistant Shelf (Zone 2). Clicking pins the method into Zone 1. |
| Loaded Method | Click in Sidebar or via Smart Chip | Explicitly locks your prompt into a specific analytical lens (e.g. Red Team Analysis). |
| Search Mode | Click Globe icon in input bar | Enables real-time web grounding via SEARCH MODE badge. See Web Search. |
| Socratic Coach | HelpCircle in Left Sidebar | Opens the dialectical reasoning coach for premise & assumption auditing. |
| EU Privacy Gateway | Enter PII / IBAN or click Privacy Nudge | Automatically prompts to redact personal data via EU-hosted models. |
Working Without a Method (SmartInput)
Type any question into the input field and press ⌘+Enter (Mac) or Ctrl+Enter (Windows). The Brainstorm Reactor's SmartInput algorithm intercepts your prompt, cross-references it against the full method library using the Hit-Matrix, and automatically routes it to the optimal cognitive framework.
You receive structured, professional analysis without needing to memorize method names. The matched method name appears directly in the response header.
Working With a Method
- Via SmartChip: Start typing a method name (e.g.
brainstorming,6-3-5,walt disney). An instant chip appears above the prompt. Clicking it immediately anchors[🧠 Method Name ✕]into Zone 1. - Via Sidebar: Click any method in the method catalog to load it.
Your prompt is processed through that specific analytical lens. To deselect a method, click the ✕ on the method chip in Zone 1.
Input Behavior & Text Preservation
In Direct Mode, the text area supports responsive multi-line editing:
- Enter creates a new line.
- ⌘+Enter / Ctrl+Enter sends the message.
- Text Preservation Guarantee: Your draft prompt is preserved across mode changes, recipe recommendations, and state refreshes.
The Smart Assistant Shelf (Zone 2)
As you type in Direct Mode, the single-slot Smart Assistant Shelf provides assistive recommendations in real time:
- Method Match: Interactive chips matching your query to the 315+ method catalog.
- Recipe Recommendations: Proactively suggests complete workflow recipes for multi-stage goals without forcing a mode change.
- Privacy Nudge: Automatically detects IBANs, email addresses, and confidential terms, offering a one-click EU Privacy Shield activation.
- Golden Upgrade Chip: Recommends high-reasoning model upgrades for computationally complex tasks.
Rotating Placeholder
When the input field is empty and idle, a rotating placeholder cycles through example prompts drawn from the method library. Click the input and start typing to dismiss them.
Method Playground & Custom Recipes
As you use different methods in Direct Mode, the Brainstorm Reactor tracks your sequence. After using multiple distinct methods in a single session, a chip appears in Zone 2 offering to save your method sequence as a custom Recipe—converting an exploratory session into a repeatable, automated workflow.
Related Documentation
- Inputs & Context Architecture — Deep dive into the 4-Zone Smart Input layout
- Cognitive Scoring Matrix — How the 2D Targeting Matrix recommends methods
- Deep-Linking & Session URLs — Creating bookmarkable Direct Mode sessions
- Recipe Builder — Constructing custom pipelines from method sequences