diff --git a/src/core/module.yaml b/src/core/module.yaml
index 10596d862..c45a302b7 100644
--- a/src/core/module.yaml
+++ b/src/core/module.yaml
@@ -23,3 +23,13 @@ output_folder:
prompt: "Where should output files be saved?"
default: "_bmad-output"
result: "{project-root}/{value}"
+
+interaction_style:
+ prompt: "How should agents ask you questions?"
+ default: "structured"
+ result: "{value}"
+ single-select:
+ - value: "structured"
+ label: "Structured - Numbered option lists (recommended)"
+ - value: "open"
+ label: "Open - Natural conversational questions"
diff --git a/src/utility/agent-components/activation-steps.txt b/src/utility/agent-components/activation-steps.txt
index 9ead0e01c..5d0393805 100644
--- a/src/utility/agent-components/activation-steps.txt
+++ b/src/utility/agent-components/activation-steps.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
Load persona from this current agent file (already in context)
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED - BEFORE ANY OUTPUT:
- Load and read {project-root}/_bmad/{{module}}/config.yaml NOW
- - Store ALL fields as session variables: {user_name}, {communication_language}, {output_folder}
+ - Store ALL fields as session variables: {user_name}, {communication_language}, {output_folder}, {interaction_style}
- VERIFY: If config not loaded, STOP and report error to user
- DO NOT PROCEED to step 3 until config is successfully loaded and variables stored
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/agent-command-template.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/agent-command-template.md
index 897136317..c2c2f44f2 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/agent-command-template.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/agent-command-template.md
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ description: '{{description}}'
You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. Do NOT ask open-ended inline questions. No exceptions.
+
1. LOAD the FULL agent file from @_bmad/{{module}}/agents/{{path}}
2. READ its entire contents - this contains the complete agent persona, menu, and instructions
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/antigravity.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/antigravity.md
index 88e806e9d..d6c9b09b7 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/antigravity.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/antigravity.md
@@ -6,3 +6,5 @@ description: '{{description}}'
Read the entire workflow file at: {project-root}/_bmad/{{workflow_path}}
Follow all instructions in the workflow file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-agent.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-agent.md
index f8ad93801..bc6f0e6ab 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-agent.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-agent.md
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ description: '{{description}}'
You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the AskUserQuestion tool. Do NOT write questions as plain text. No exceptions.
+
1. LOAD the FULL agent file from {project-root}/_bmad/{{path}}
2. READ its entire contents - this contains the complete agent persona, menu, and instructions
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-task.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-task.md
index b865d6ffb..8d07ad96d 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-task.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-task.md
@@ -8,3 +8,5 @@ description: '{{description}}'
Read the entire task file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
Follow all instructions in the task file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the AskUserQuestion tool. Do NOT write questions as plain text. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-tool.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-tool.md
index 11c6aac8d..01c0acc97 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-tool.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-tool.md
@@ -8,3 +8,5 @@ description: '{{description}}'
Read the entire tool file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
Follow all instructions in the tool file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the AskUserQuestion tool. Do NOT write questions as plain text. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow-yaml.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow-yaml.md
index eca904370..d7d72098b 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow-yaml.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow-yaml.md
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ name: '{{name}}'
description: '{{description}}'
---
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the AskUserQuestion tool. Do NOT write questions as plain text. No exceptions.
+
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE STEPS - while staying in character as the current agent persona you may have loaded:
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow.md
index afb0dea58..97db910c3 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow.md
@@ -3,4 +3,6 @@ name: '{{name}}'
description: '{{description}}'
---
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the AskUserQuestion tool. Do NOT write questions as plain text. No exceptions.
+
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS COMMAND: LOAD the FULL @{project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}, READ its entire contents and follow its directions exactly!
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-agent.toml b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-agent.toml
index ae5f791cf..0a8fcc75d 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-agent.toml
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-agent.toml
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST:
2. [ ] IMMEDIATE ACTION: Read and internalize the full agent definition at {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}.
3. [ ] CONFIRM: The user's name from config is {user_name}.
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
+
Only after all checks are complete, greet the user by name and display the menu.
Acknowledge this checklist is complete in your first response.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-task.toml b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-task.toml
index 7d15e2164..a9ab4d15b 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-task.toml
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-task.toml
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ TASK INSTRUCTIONS:
1. LOAD the task file from {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
2. READ its entire contents
3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
+4. RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
TASK FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
"""
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-tool.toml b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-tool.toml
index fc78c6b72..9927fbe4c 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-tool.toml
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-tool.toml
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ TOOL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. LOAD the tool file from {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
2. READ its entire contents
3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
+4. RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
TOOL FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
"""
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow-yaml.toml b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow-yaml.toml
index bc6c8da39..e3ca1180f 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow-yaml.toml
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow-yaml.toml
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ CRITICAL: This is a structured YAML workflow. Follow these steps precisely:
- Dependencies between steps
3. EXECUTE each step in order
4. VALIDATE outputs before proceeding to next step
+5. RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_path}}
"""
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow.toml b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow.toml
index 3306cce04..63b20c572 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow.toml
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow.toml
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ WORKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
2. READ its entire contents
3. FOLLOW every step precisely as specified
4. DO NOT skip or modify any steps
+5. RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_path}}
"""
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-agent.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-agent.md
index e2c2a83fa..33d9f93c1 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-agent.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-agent.md
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ inclusion: manual
You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. Do NOT ask open-ended inline questions. No exceptions.
+
1. LOAD the FULL agent file from #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]]
2. READ its entire contents - this contains the complete agent persona, menu, and instructions
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-task.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-task.md
index 8952e5ee2..7a7454fe6 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-task.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-task.md
@@ -7,3 +7,5 @@ inclusion: manual
Read the entire task file at: #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]]
Follow all instructions in the task file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-tool.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-tool.md
index cd903217a..5a45b0b3b 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-tool.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-tool.md
@@ -7,3 +7,5 @@ inclusion: manual
Read the entire tool file at: #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]]
Follow all instructions in the tool file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow-yaml.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow-yaml.md
index 4ee4e0824..1db8829e6 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow-yaml.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow-yaml.md
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ inclusion: manual
# {{name}}
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. Do NOT ask open-ended inline questions. No exceptions.
+
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE STEPS - while staying in character as the current agent persona you may have loaded:
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow.md
index e1847f414..5966c0c72 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow.md
@@ -4,4 +4,6 @@ inclusion: manual
# {{name}}
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. Do NOT ask open-ended inline questions. No exceptions.
+
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS COMMAND: LOAD the FULL #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]], READ its entire contents and follow its directions exactly!
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-agent.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-agent.md
index 828d673ac..a58aae109 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-agent.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-agent.md
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ description: '{{description}}'
You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. Do NOT ask open-ended inline questions. No exceptions.
+
1. LOAD the FULL agent file from {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
2. READ its entire contents - this contains the complete agent persona, menu, and instructions
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-task.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-task.md
index 772f9c9eb..ee26a3c3a 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-task.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-task.md
@@ -10,4 +10,6 @@ TASK INSTRUCTIONS:
2. READ its entire contents
3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
+
TASK FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-tool.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-tool.md
index 88c317e63..c726d3eec 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-tool.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-tool.md
@@ -10,4 +10,6 @@ TOOL INSTRUCTIONS:
2. READ its entire contents
3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
+
TOOL FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow-yaml.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow-yaml.md
index 88838cc1c..5e4182627 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow-yaml.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow-yaml.md
@@ -12,5 +12,6 @@ WORKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
2. READ its entire contents
3. FOLLOW every step precisely as specified
4. DO NOT skip or modify any steps
+5. RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow.md
index 88838cc1c..5e4182627 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow.md
@@ -12,5 +12,6 @@ WORKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
2. READ its entire contents
3. FOLLOW every step precisely as specified
4. DO NOT skip or modify any steps
+5. RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/rovodev.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/rovodev.md
index 066945ee5..4e16682c6 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/rovodev.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/rovodev.md
@@ -7,3 +7,5 @@
Read the entire workflow file at: {project-root}/_bmad/{{workflow_path}}
Follow all instructions in the workflow file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/trae.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/trae.md
index b4d43d7af..73adae9a6 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/trae.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/trae.md
@@ -7,3 +7,5 @@
Read the entire workflow file at: {project-root}/_bmad/{{workflow_path}}
Follow all instructions in the workflow file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/windsurf-workflow.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/windsurf-workflow.md
index 6366425c7..154fddbc9 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/windsurf-workflow.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/windsurf-workflow.md
@@ -8,3 +8,5 @@ auto_execution_mode: "iterate"
Read the entire workflow file at {project-root}/_bmad/{{workflow_path}}
Follow all instructions in the workflow file exactly as written.
+
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. No exceptions.
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-command-template.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-command-template.md
index 5c9e436c7..f5caa9948 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-command-template.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-command-template.md
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
description: '{{description}}'
---
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. Do NOT ask open-ended inline questions. No exceptions.
+
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE STEPS - while staying in character as the current agent persona you may have loaded:
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-commander.md b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-commander.md
index 3645c1a2f..5ab0d99a8 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-commander.md
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-commander.md
@@ -2,4 +2,6 @@
description: '{{description}}'
---
+RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list. Do NOT ask open-ended inline questions. No exceptions.
+
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS COMMAND: LOAD the FULL @{{workflow_path}}, READ its entire contents and follow its directions exactly!