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Creative Ideation — Setup Guide

Source: nousresearch/hermes-agent (111 installs) Category: Creative / Productivity License: MIT · Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows Dependencies: Hermes Agent

Generate project ideas through creative constraints. The philosophy: constraint + direction = creativity. When you have tools but no direction, this skill picks a constraint from its library, interprets it broadly, and generates three concrete project ideas. If you pick one, it builds it.


What It Does

Step Action
1. Pick constraint Selects from a library of creative constraints (random or matched to domain)
2. Interpret broadly A coding constraint can become hardware; an art constraint can become a CLI tool
3. Generate 3 ideas Concrete, buildable project ideas that satisfy the constraint
4. Build it If you pick one, Hermes creates the project, writes the code, ships it

The Constraint Library (Examples)

Constraint Example Ideas It Produces
"Only uses the terminal" TUI game, CLI dashboard, terminal-based art tool
"Must work offline" Local-first note app, offline map viewer, P2P file share
"Under 100 lines" Micro-CLI tool, single-page web toy, one-function library
"Opposite of your last project" If you built a REST API → build a real-time WebSocket app
"For a non-technical user" Grandma-friendly photo organizer, business owner dashboard
"Uses AI in an unexpected way" AI recipe generator from fridge photos, AI plant disease detector

Installation

npx skills add https://github.com/nousresearch/hermes-agent --skill ideation

Direct from Hermes Agent Repo

git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/nousresearch/hermes-agent.git /tmp/hermes-agent
cp -r /tmp/hermes-agent/skills/creative/ideation ~/.hermes/skills/

Basic Usage

Get unstuck

> I want to build something but don't know what

Domain-specific ideation

> Give me project ideas for a CLI tool
> I have a Raspberry Pi and sensors — what should I build?

Pick and build

> I'll take idea #2. Build it.

Hermes switches from ideation mode to execution mode, creating the project structure and implementing the idea.


When to Use

✅ Use When ❌ Skip When
"I want to build something" You already have a spec
Learning a new tool/framework Production deadline looming
Hackathon/prototype brainstorming You need a specific solution
Creative block / boredom Task is clearly defined
Exploring what's possible with your stack Working from a ticket

Tips

  • The constraint is the spark, not the cage: Interpret loosely
  • Say "more" to get fresh ideas: The skill generates 3 at a time but can keep going
  • Mix constraints: "Under 100 lines AND uses AI" produces tighter ideas
  • Save good ideas: The skill doesn't persist — note the ones you might revisit
  • Domain matters: Mention your stack/interests for more relevant ideas

How It Differs from creative-ideation

The ideation skill focuses on buildable project ideas with a constraint-first approach and "pick one and build it" workflow. The creative-ideation skill (26 installs) is a lighter brainstorming tool without the build-execution phase. Use ideation when you want to actually ship something.


Skills Catalog | nousresearch/hermes-agent on skills.sh

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