MCP server implementing structural tension charts and advancing spiral patterns based on Robert Fritz’s creative methodology
COAIA Spiral extends traditional knowledge graphs with structural tension charts - a powerful framework for organizing creative processes around desired outcomes rather than problem-solving. Based on Robert Fritz’s structural tension methodology, it helps AI assistants maintain creative orientation and support advancing spiral patterns.
Current Version: v2.4.0 (COAIA Project Organization) - Now includes .coaia directory support for organized structural tension chart management
NEW in v2.4.0: Project-specific structural tension chart organization with .coaia directories:
Unlike generic memory storage, COAIA focuses specifically on structural tension charts and creative goal achievement:
.coaia directories: Organize structural tension charts within projectsmy-project/
├── .coaia/
│ ├── active-charts.jsonl # Current structural tension charts
│ ├── completed-charts.jsonl # Successfully achieved charts (learning examples)
│ └── templates/
│ └── common-goals.jsonl # Reusable patterns for desired outcomes
└── src/
npx coaia-spiral --memory-path ./my-charts.jsonl
Minimal Setup (STC Tools Only - Default):
{
"mcpServers": {
"coaia-spiral": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "coaia-spiral", "--memory-path", "/path/to/charts.jsonl"]
}
}
}
Exposes 11 STC tools + init_llm_guidance
Full Setup (STC + Knowledge Graph Tools):
{
"mcpServers": {
"coaia-spiral": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "coaia-spiral", "--memory-path", "/path/to/charts.jsonl"],
"env": {
"COAIA_TOOLS": "STC_TOOLS,KG_TOOLS,PROJECT_TOOLS,init_llm_guidance"
}
}
}
}
Core Tools Only (Minimal):
{
"mcpServers": {
"coaia-spiral": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "coaia-spiral", "--memory-path", "/path/to/charts.jsonl"],
"env": {
"COAIA_TOOLS": "CORE_TOOLS,init_llm_guidance"
}
}
}
}
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
COAIA_TOOLS |
Tool groups/names to enable (comma/space separated) | STC_TOOLS,init_llm_guidance |
COAIA_DISABLED_TOOLS |
Tools to exclude from enabled set | - |
Tool Groups:
STC_TOOLS - Structural tension chart tools (11)KG_TOOLS - Knowledge graph tools (9)CORE_TOOLS - Essential tools only (4): list_active_charts, create_structural_tension_chart, add_action_step, mark_action_completePROJECT_TOOLS - Project organization (3): initialize_coaia_project, list_coaia_projects, move_chart_to_completedgit clone <repository>
cd coaia-spiral
npm install
npm run build
In any project, initialize COAIA organization:
.git, package.json, etc.)initialize_coaia_project.coaia/active-charts.jsonlmove_chart_to_completed to preserve successful patternsBenefits:
create_structural_tension_chart - Create new chart with outcome, reality, and action stepstelescope_action_step - Break down action steps into detailed sub-chartsmark_action_complete - Complete actions and update current realityget_chart_progress - Monitor chart advancementlist_active_charts - Overview of all active chartsinitialize_coaia_project - Set up .coaia directory structure for organized chartslist_coaia_projects - Show project status and chart organizationmove_chart_to_completed - Archive completed charts as learning examplescreate_entities - Add new entities (people, concepts, events)create_relations - Connect entities with relationshipsadd_observations - Record new information about entities// Natural language: "I want to learn Python web development in 6 weeks"
{
"desiredOutcome": "Learn Python web development",
"currentReality": "I know basic Python but no web frameworks",
"dueDate": "2025-09-15T00:00:00Z",
"actionSteps": [
"Complete Django tutorial",
"Build practice project",
"Deploy something live"
]
}
// Natural language: "Break down the Django tutorial step"
{
"actionStepName": "Complete Django tutorial",
"newCurrentReality": "Never used Django, familiar with Python basics"
}
// Natural language: "I finished the Django tutorial"
{
"actionStepName": "Complete Django tutorial"
}
Note: Action step names accept both human-readable descriptions (e.g., “Complete Django tutorial”) and technical IDs (e.g., “chart_123_desired_outcome”). The system automatically matches the closest action step for you.
npm install
npm run build
cd test-environment
claude-code # Launch with pre-configured MCP setup
Guided Chart Creation: Transform from passive storage to active coaching system that helps users create meaningful structural tension charts with proper creative orientation validation.
structural_tension_chart - Container for chart componentsdesired_outcome - What you want to createcurrent_reality - Where you are nowaction_step - Strategic actions with due datescreates_tension_with - Between current reality and desired outcomeadvances_toward - Action steps advancing toward outcomestelescopes_into - Hierarchical chart relationshipsflows_into - Completed actions updating realityCOAIA Spiral embodies the principle that structure determines behavior. By organizing memory around structural tension rather than problem-solving patterns, it naturally supports creative advancement and helps users build the life they want to create.
The system recognizes that structural tension is the fundamental organizing principle of the creative process - not a problem to be solved, but a generative force to be harnessed.