diff --git a/.planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md b/.planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md
index 47f652c..3bfcb10 100644
--- a/.planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md
+++ b/.planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Phase 5: Conversation Engine - Context
 
-**Gathered:** 2026-01-28
+**Gathered:** 2026-01-29
 **Status:** Ready for planning
 
 <domain>
@@ -14,37 +14,33 @@ Build Mai's conversational intelligence - how she handles multi-turn conversatio
 ## Implementation Decisions
 
 ### Conversation flow patterns
-- Break down complex requests and confirm each part before proceeding
-- Always reference specific previous exchanges for follow-up questions
+- Handle complex requests in one comprehensive response (rather than breaking down)
+- Use conversational references ("earlier you mentioned...") for follow-up questions
 - Ask for clarification when requests are ambiguous (don't make assumptions)
 - Track state and reference previous steps in multi-step conversations
-- Handle topic changes naturally without explicit acknowledgment
-- Wait for users to finish incomplete thoughts before responding
-- Use user's level of terminology for technical discussions
-- Offer to start over when user seems frustrated or confused
 
 ### Thinking transparency
-- Offer thinking on demand (explain reasoning when users ask "how did you decide?")
+- Keep reasoning hidden by default (not show internal thinking process)
 - Explain limitations only when relevant to the current answer
 - Be confident unless specifically unsure about an answer
-- Explain why asking questions only when the request is unusual
+- Keep clarification questions concise without extensive explanation
 
 ### Response timing and pacing
-- Use variable timing based on context rather than fixed response times
+- Use consistent timing always (similar response time regardless of complexity)
 - Use natural conversation flow for thinking indicators (no explicit "thinking..." messages)
 - Stream long, complex responses as they're generated in real-time
 - Offer pacing preference for multi-step processes (step-by-step vs continuous)
 
 ### Clarification handling
-- Proactively analyze user input to detect ambiguity and unclear requests
+- Use pattern-based detection to identify ambiguity (common patterns of unclear requests)
 - Phrase clarification questions gently and conversationally
 - Work with available information when users provide insufficient data (note assumptions)
-- Ask users which information is correct when detecting conflicting input
+- Choose most recent information when detecting conflicting input
 
 ### Claude's Discretion
-- Exact timing algorithms for response generation
+- Exact patterns for ambiguity detection
 - Specific wording for clarification questions
-- Thresholds for detecting ambiguity vs confidence
+- Timing algorithms for response generation
 - Progress indicator designs for long processes
 
 </decisions>
@@ -53,8 +49,8 @@ Build Mai's conversational intelligence - how she handles multi-turn conversatio
 ## Specific Ideas
 
 - "I want Mai to feel like a thoughtful conversation partner, not just a Q&A machine"
-- "When users are frustrated, offering a fresh start is better than trying to fix the current approach"
-- "Complex requests should feel collaborative - Mai breaks them down and gets buy-in on each part"
+- "Consistent timing helps users know what to expect from Mai"
+- "Complex requests should feel comprehensive - Mai handles everything at once"
 - "Natural conversation flow means responses should feel like someone is actually thinking, not just processing"
 
 </specifics>
@@ -62,14 +58,11 @@ Build Mai's conversational intelligence - how she handles multi-turn conversatio
 <deferred>
 ## Deferred Ideas
 
-- Voice interaction patterns - separate phase for voice interface
-- Emotional intelligence and mood detection - future enhancement
-- Multi-language conversation handling - later phase
-- Conversation analytics and insights - separate phase
+None — discussion stayed within phase scope
 
 </deferred>
 
 ---
 
 *Phase: 05-conversation-engine*
-*Context gathered: 2026-01-28*
\ No newline at end of file
+*Context gathered: 2026-01-29*
\ No newline at end of file