# Use And Workflows

This page explains how ZoneGaze Matrix is typically used and how the plugins fit together.

## How Matrix Works

ZoneGaze Matrix is the host shell. It owns:

- `Dashboard`
- `Ports`
- `Plugin`
- `Settings`
- plugin tabs and embedded plugin surfaces

The installed plugins provide the actual workflow behavior. Matrix becomes more useful as the right
plugins are combined for the job.

## Plugin Quick Map

| Plugin or module | What it is for | Best current pairings | Detailed doc |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Flow | Project board, tasks, agent orchestration, review, shipping | Git, Code, Chat, Joplin, Research, Open Design | [Flow plugin](../plugins/zonegaze-flow.md) |
| Chat | Workspace AI conversations | Flow, Whispr, Research | [Chat plugin](../plugins/zonegaze-chat.md) |
| Whispr | Dictation and transcript capture | Flow, Chat, Joplin, Code | [Whispr plugin](../plugins/zonegaze-whispr.md) |
| Joplin | Notes and durable knowledge | Whispr, Flow, Research, Chat | [Joplin plugin](../plugins/zonegaze-joplin.md) |
| Git | Device Git setup and repo actions | Flow, Code, Chat, Joplin, Open Design, Research | [Git plugin](../plugins/zonegaze-git.md) |
| ZoneGaze Code | IDE surface | Flow, Whispr, Git | [Code plugin](../plugins/zonegaze-code.md) |
| Research | Deep Research and cited evidence | Chat first, then Flow, Joplin, Open Design, Code | [Research module](../plugins/zonegaze-research.md) |
| Social Studio | Social-media workflow workspace | Whispr, Research, Open Design, Exo | [Social Studio plugin](../plugins/zonegaze-social-studio.md) |
| Open Design | Embedded design workspace | Flow, Chat, Joplin, Research | [Open Design plugin](../plugins/open-design.md) |
| Exo | Local AI cluster/runtime dashboard | Flow, Code, Ports | [Exo plugin](../plugins/exo.md) |

## Recommended Current Workflows

### Flow + Git + Code

Use this when shipping software:

- Flow manages the task and review loop.
- Code provides the editing surface.
- Git provides repository status, history, and sync.

### Flow + Chat + Research

Use this when work needs planning or cited evidence:

- Flow provides project scope and execution.
- Chat provides reasoning and conversation.
- Research provides reusable evidence bundles.

### Whispr + Chat or Joplin

Use this when typing is the bottleneck:

- Whispr captures prompts, notes, or quick fragments.
- Chat turns spoken input into working conversation.
- Joplin keeps the durable record.

### Flow + Open Design + Joplin

Use this when product or design work needs a brief plus execution context:

- Flow tracks the work item.
- Joplin keeps the brief, notes, and references.
- Open Design hosts the actual design workspace.

### Social Studio + Research + Whispr

Use this when planning or producing social work:

- Social Studio owns the workflow.
- Research adds evidence and supporting context.
- Whispr accelerates capture and drafting.

## Current Vs Planned Coordination

Current coordination already documented in source:

- shared project context across several plugins
- shared Cline/provider settings across Flow, Chat, Code, Open Design, and Research
- Git as a shared repository layer
- Whispr quick-note and dictation support in several surfaces
- Research reuse through host plugin workflows

Still planned or still broadening:

- universal voice coverage across every plugin
- fully automatic task-to-code-to-design-to-notes coordination
- broader shared local-model/runtime use across every plugin

Treat future coordination as direction, not as a universal current claim.

## Best Next Docs

- [ZoneGaze Matrix manual](../manual/zonegaze-matrix-manual.md)
- [Plugin catalog](../plugins/README.md)
- [Matrix plugin coordination](../plugins/plugin-coordination.md)
- [How-to guide](../user/how-to.md)
- [FAQ](faq.md)
