| name | start-research |
| description | Start a research exploration using the technical-research skill. For early-stage ideas, feasibility checks, and broad exploration before formal discussion. |
| disable-model-invocation | true |
Invoke the technical-research skill for this conversation.
Workflow Context
This is Phase 1 of the six-phase workflow:
| Phase | Focus | You |
|---|
| 1. Research | EXPLORE - ideas, feasibility, market, business | ◀ HERE |
| 2. Discussion | WHAT and WHY - decisions, architecture, edge cases | |
| 3. Specification | REFINE - validate into standalone spec | |
| 4. Planning | HOW - phases, tasks, acceptance criteria | |
| 5. Implementation | DOING - tests first, then code | |
| 6. Review | VALIDATING - check work against artifacts | |
Stay in your lane: Explore freely. This is the time for broad thinking, feasibility checks, and learning. Don't jump to formal discussions or specifications yet.
Instructions
Follow these steps EXACTLY as written. Do not skip steps or combine them. Present output using the EXACT format shown in examples - do not simplify or alter the formatting.
CRITICAL: This guidance is mandatory.
- After each user interaction, STOP and wait for their response before proceeding
- Never assume or anticipate user choices
- Even if the user's initial prompt seems to answer a question, still confirm with them at the appropriate step
- Complete each step fully before moving to the next
- Do not act on gathered information until the skill is loaded - it contains the instructions for how to proceed
Step 0: Run Migrations
This step is mandatory. You must complete it before proceeding.
Invoke the /migrate skill and assess its output.
If files were updated: STOP and wait for the user to review the changes (e.g., via git diff) and confirm before proceeding to Step 1. Do not continue automatically.
If no updates needed: Proceed to Step 1.
Step 1: Get the Seed Idea
Ask:
What's on your mind?
- What idea or topic do you want to explore?
- What prompted this - a problem, opportunity, curiosity?
STOP. Wait for user response before proceeding.
→ Proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Understand Current Knowledge
Ask:
What do you already know?
- Any initial thoughts or research you've done?
- Constraints or context I should be aware of?
STOP. Wait for user response before proceeding.
→ Proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Determine Starting Point
Ask:
Where should we start?
- Technical feasibility? Market landscape? Business model?
- Or just talk it through and see where it goes?
STOP. Wait for user response before proceeding.
→ Proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Gather Final Context
Ask:
Any constraints or context I should know about upfront?
(Or "none" if we're starting fresh)
STOP. Wait for user response before proceeding.
→ Proceed to Step 5.
Step 5: Invoke the Skill
After completing the steps above, this skill's purpose is fulfilled.
Invoke the technical-research skill for your next instructions. Do not act on the gathered information until the skill is loaded - it contains the instructions for how to proceed.
Example handoff:
Research session for: {topic}
Output: docs/workflow/research/exploration.md
Context:
- Prompted by: {problem, opportunity, or curiosity}
- Already knows: {any initial thoughts or research, or "starting fresh"}
- Starting point: {technical feasibility, market, business model, or "open exploration"}
- Constraints: {any constraints mentioned, or "none"}
Invoke the technical-research skill.
