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Intentions

Intentions are Clay’s first-class input for direction. An intention captures what someone is trying to become and the constraints, timing, and readiness that surround that direction.
Looking for the vocabulary? The Glossary defines intention, fit signal, and related terms in one place.

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On this page

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What an intention captures

Goals

What the person is trying to achieve — a role, a project, a learning outcome, a creative direction.

Constraints

Hard limits such as geography, time, money, family obligations, or non-negotiable commitments.

Timing

When the opportunity needs to land — now, in three months, next quarter, or open-ended.

Readiness

How prepared the person is to act — blocked, exploring, ready, or in motion.

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How Clay uses intentions

Intentions are translated into fit signals, not stored as raw private reflections. When Clay recommends an opportunity, the explanation refers back to the intention it satisfies.
Consent matters. Clay shares translated fit signals and constraints with collaborators and opportunity sources only when the user explicitly permits it.

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Mobile capture

The first mobile flow asks for one concise intention, one opportunity lane, one readiness signal, and one consent boundary. See Mobile capture flow for the current iOS contract.

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Worked example

{
  "goal": "Ship a side project with one collaborator",
  "constraints": ["weekends only", "remote", "no paid work"],
  "timing": "next 8 weeks",
  "readiness": "ready"
}

Personalities

The complementary fit signal — communication, rhythm, motivation, taste, and social energy.

Opportunities

The taxonomy of what Clay can route toward and how opportunity relevance is explained.

Consent

How translated fit signals leave Clay only with explicit user permission.

Companion experience

How Clay proactively follows up on intentions without nagging or violating trust.

Mobile capture flow

The first iOS screen that captures one intention, lane, readiness, and consent boundary.