Iterating Code

Use for complex, multi-faceted topics requiring deep understanding, abstract/theoretical concepts, historical/academic subjects, or progressive knowledge building where synthesis is the goal.

3-Round Pattern

Round 1: Foundation

• Goal: Establish baseline understanding
• Explore: Core concepts, historical context, key figures
• Focus: Breadth over depth
• Output: Mental map

Round 2: Deep Dive

• Goal: Understand relationships and nuances
• Explore: How concepts relate, perspectives, debates
• Focus: Connections between Round 1 findings
• Output: Integrated understanding

Round 3: Synthesis

• Goal: Advanced understanding, critical evaluation
• Explore: Implications, contradictions, scholarly debates
• Focus: Evaluate competing interpretations
• Output: Sophisticated, multi-layered comprehension

Subagent Coordination

Parallel within rounds:

Round Goal
    ├─→ Agent 1: Aspect A
    ├─→ Agent 2: Aspect B
    └─→ Agent 3: Aspect C
    └─→ Synthesis

Sequential between rounds:

Round 1: Foundation
    ↓ (synthesize)
Round 2: Connections
    ↓ (synthesize)
Round 3: Analysis
    ↓ (final synthesis)
Final Understanding

Example: Chinese Women's History

Round 1 - Foundation:

• Agent 1: Historical context (Ming-Qing)
• Agent 2: Confucian patriarchy framework
• Agent 3: Women's educational access

Round 2 - Connections:

• Agent 1: Revisionist vs modernization narrative
• Agent 2: Ko's footbinding & agency reinterpretation
• Agent 3: Mann's "moral wives" & state ideology

Round 3 - Synthesis:

• Agent 1: Modernization vs revisionist debate
• Agent 2: Why "tradition" doesn't explain China's path
• Agent 3: Implications for patriarchy and agency

Implementation Steps

1. Define topic and angles

   • Round 1: 3 foundational aspects
   • Round 2: 3 connection/debate aspects
   • Round 3: 3 analytical/critical aspects

2. Launch Round 1 (parallel agents)

3. Synthesize Round 1 (patterns, connections)

4. Launch Round 2 (refined by Round 1)

5. Synthesize Round 2 (identify gaps)

6. Launch Round 3 (critical analysis)

7. Final synthesis (integrate all rounds)

Benefits

• Progressive complexity (Foundation → Connections → Analysis)
• Reduced cognitive load (focused rounds)
• Better retention (step-by-step mental models)
• Identifies gaps (each round reveals next steps)
• Parallel efficiency (simultaneous investigation)
• Synthesis moments (deliberate integration)

Key Principles

1. Clear round objectives (one goal per round)
2. Parallel within, sequential between
3. Synthesize after each round
4. Refine based on findings
5. Document connections (Round 1 → 2 → 3)