research

name	research
mode	agent
description	Conduct systematic multi-phase research on a topic and produce a documented findings report
argument-hint	[topic]

Research

Overview

Conduct systematic research on a topic using structured phases that build upon each other, creating actionable todos and leveraging web search capabilities. Produces a documented research report in .code-captain/research/.

When to Use

• Investigating new technologies, frameworks, or tools
• Understanding problem domains before solution design
• Competitive analysis and market research
• Technical feasibility studies
• Learning about best practices in unfamiliar areas

Process

Phase 1: Define Research Scope

Objective: Establish clear research boundaries and questions

Actions:

1. Create todos for the research phases using TodoWrite:

   - Phase 1: Define scope and questions [in_progress]
   - Phase 2: Initial discovery [pending]
   - Phase 3: Deep dive analysis [pending]
   - Phase 4: Synthesis and recommendations [pending]
   

2. Define primary research question(s) based on the provided topic
3. Identify key stakeholders and their information needs
4. Set success criteria for the research

Phase 2: Initial Discovery

Objective: Gather broad understanding of the topic landscape

Actions:

1. Use WebSearch with broad search terms related to the topic
2. Search for:
   • Overview articles and introductory content
   • Current trends and recent developments
   • Key players and thought leaders
   • Common terminology and concepts
3. Document initial findings and emerging themes
4. Identify knowledge gaps that need deeper investigation
5. Update TodoWrite: mark Phase 2 in_progress

Search Strategy:

• Start with general terms: "[topic] overview", "[topic] 2024", "[topic] trends"
• Look for authoritative sources: documentation, whitepapers, industry reports
• Note recurring themes and terminology for Phase 3

Phase 3: Deep Dive Analysis

Objective: Investigate specific aspects identified in Phase 2

Actions:

1. Use WebSearch with specific, targeted queries based on Phase 2 findings
2. Research specific sub-topics:
   • Technical implementation details
   • Pros and cons of different approaches
   • Real-world case studies and examples
   • Performance metrics and benchmarks
3. Compare alternatives and trade-offs
4. Validate claims from multiple sources
5. Update TodoWrite: mark Phase 3 in_progress

Search Strategy:

• Use specific terminology discovered in Phase 2
• Search for: "[specific approach] vs [alternative]", "[topic] case study", "[topic] performance"
• Look for criticism and limitations, not just benefits

Phase 4: Synthesis and Recommendations

Objective: Transform research into actionable insights and document findings

Actions:

1. Synthesize findings into key insights
2. Create recommendations based on research
3. Identify next steps or areas requiring further investigation
4. Document sources and evidence for claims
5. Get current date:

   date +%Y-%m-%d
   

6. Create research document using Write: .code-captain/research/[DATE]-[topic-name]-research.md
7. Update TodoWrite: mark all phases complete

Deliverables:

• Executive summary of key findings
• Pros/cons analysis of options
• Specific recommendations with rationale
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Further research needs
• Research document: .code-captain/research/[DATE]-[topic-name]-research.md

Research Document Template

Create the file at .code-captain/research/[YYYY-MM-DD]-[topic-name]-research.md:

# [Topic Name] Research

**Date:** [YYYY-MM-DD]
**Status:** Complete

## Research Question(s)

[Primary questions this research aimed to answer]

## Executive Summary

[2-3 paragraph overview of key findings and recommendations]

## Background & Context

[Why this research was needed, current situation, stakeholders involved]

## Methodology

[How the research was conducted, sources used, timeframe]

## Key Findings

### Finding 1: [Title]

- **Evidence:** [Supporting data/sources]
- **Implications:** [What this means for the project/decision]

### Finding 2: [Title]

- **Evidence:** [Supporting data/sources]
- **Implications:** [What this means for the project/decision]

## Options Analysis

### Option 1: [Name]

- **Pros:** [Benefits and advantages]
- **Cons:** [Drawbacks and limitations]
- **Cost/Effort:** [Implementation requirements]
- **Risk Level:** [High/Medium/Low with explanation]

### Option 2: [Name]

- **Pros:** [Benefits and advantages]
- **Cons:** [Drawbacks and limitations]
- **Cost/Effort:** [Implementation requirements]
- **Risk Level:** [High/Medium/Low with explanation]

## Recommendations

### Primary Recommendation

[Specific recommended course of action with rationale]

### Alternative Approaches

[Secondary options if primary recommendation isn't feasible]

### Implementation Considerations

[Key factors to consider when moving forward]

## Risks & Mitigation

- **Risk 1:** [Description] → **Mitigation:** [How to address]
- **Risk 2:** [Description] → **Mitigation:** [How to address]

## Further Research Needed

- [Question/area that needs additional investigation]

## Sources

- [Source 1 with URL and access date]
- [Source 2 with URL and access date]

## Appendix

[Additional detailed information, raw data, extended quotes, etc.]

Output Summary

At the end, present a summary in chat:

• Research Question(s): [What you set out to learn]
• Key Findings: [3-5 bullet points of most important discoveries]
• Recommendations: [Actionable next steps based on research]
• Document saved: .code-captain/research/[DATE]-[topic-name]-research.md

Best Practices

Search Strategy

• Start broad, then narrow down
• Use multiple search terms and phrasings
• Look for recent content (last 1-2 years) for rapidly evolving topics
• Cross-reference information from multiple sources
• Search for both benefits AND criticisms

Critical Thinking

• Question assumptions and biases in sources
• Look for evidence, not just opinions
• Consider the source's credibility and potential conflicts of interest
• Distinguish between correlation and causation
• Identify what information is missing

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Confirmation bias (only seeking information that supports preconceived notions)
• Stopping research too early when findings seem obvious
• Not considering implementation challenges
• Ignoring edge cases or limitations
• Failing to consider stakeholder perspectives beyond your own