Dynamic Problem Solving

Dynamic Problem Solving (DPS)

DPS controls how strictly Claude follows the workflow methodology.

DPS Levels

Level	Name	Description
0	Off	Execute exactly as planned. Stop and report any deviation needed.
1	Minimal	Can ask clarifying questions, minor adjustments within spec.
2	Light	Can make small fixes/improvements within task scope.
3	Moderate	Can propose refactors if implementation reveals issues.
4	Significant	Can redesign components if plan proves unworkable.
5	Full	Maximum flexibility. Can pivot approach entirely.

Default DPS by Command

Each command has a sensible default:

Command	Default	Rationale
/research	4	Exploration needs flexibility
/plan	1	Should follow research findings
/implement	1	Should follow the plan
/review	3	Can propose fixes for gaps
/debug	4	Root cause analysis is exploratory
/refactor	3	Can recommend approaches
/archive	0	Mechanical process

Overriding DPS

You can override the default when starting a session:

mcp__workflow__start_session({
  command: "/implement",
  topic: "AUTH-SYSTEM",
  dps: 3  // More flexible than default
})

When to Use Each Level

DPS 0: Strict Mode

• Mechanical tasks (archive, migrations)
• When plan is thoroughly vetted
• Compliance-sensitive work

DPS 1-2: Controlled Mode

• Implementation of well-defined plans
• Bug fixes with clear scope
• Documentation updates

DPS 3: Balanced Mode

• Review and gap analysis
• Refactoring existing code
• When some exploration is needed

DPS 4-5: Exploratory Mode

• Initial research
• Debugging unknown issues
• Prototyping and experimentation

Blockers and DPS

When Claude encounters a blocker, the DPS level determines options:

DPS = 0: Must stop and report. Suggest research topics.

DPS > 0: Can propose solutions based on level:

• Level 1-2: Minor workarounds
• Level 3: Alternative approaches
• Level 4-5: Redesigns or pivots

mcp__workflow__log_entry({
  tag: "blocker",
  fields: {
    type: "technical",
    title: "API rate limit prevents bulk update",
    impact: "Cannot complete migration in one run",
    dpsOptions: "- Batch into smaller chunks\n- Add exponential backoff\n- Request rate limit increase",
    researchTopics: "- Rate limit best practices\n- Bulk API patterns"
  }
})