From f775d2f137e1bb0a71dbc4a6169d940dadf99f5d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Mai Development Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:50:55 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] docs(05): capture phase context Phase 05: conversation-engine - Implementation decisions documented - Conversation flow patterns established - Thinking transparency approach defined - Response timing preferences captured - Clarification handling strategy set --- .../05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md | 75 +++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 75 insertions(+) create mode 100644 .planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md diff --git a/.planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md b/.planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..47f652c --- /dev/null +++ b/.planning/phases/05-conversation-engine/05-CONTEXT.md @@ -0,0 +1,75 @@ +# Phase 5: Conversation Engine - Context + +**Gathered:** 2026-01-28 +**Status:** Ready for planning + + +## Phase Boundary + +Build Mai's conversational intelligence - how she handles multi-turn conversations, thinks through problems, and communicates naturally. Focus on conversation flow, thinking transparency, response timing, and clarification handling. + + + + +## Implementation Decisions + +### Conversation flow patterns +- Break down complex requests and confirm each part before proceeding +- Always reference specific previous exchanges 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?") +- 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 + +### Response timing and pacing +- Use variable timing based on context rather than fixed response times +- 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 +- 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 + +### Claude's Discretion +- Exact timing algorithms for response generation +- Specific wording for clarification questions +- Thresholds for detecting ambiguity vs confidence +- Progress indicator designs for long processes + + + + +## 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" +- "Natural conversation flow means responses should feel like someone is actually thinking, not just processing" + + + + +## 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 + + + +--- + +*Phase: 05-conversation-engine* +*Context gathered: 2026-01-28* \ No newline at end of file