| name | spool-research |
| description | Conduct structured research for feature development, technology evaluation, or problem investigation. Use when the user needs to explore options, analyze trade-offs, or investigate technical approaches. |
Spool Research
Structured research skill for feature development, technology evaluation, and problem investigation.
When to Use
Use this skill when you need to:
- Evaluate technology stacks or library choices
- Research architecture patterns for a new feature
- Analyze competitive features and prioritize
- Identify pitfalls and anti-patterns to avoid
- Review a change for security, scale, or edge cases
- Synthesize research findings into recommendations
Research Templates
This skill includes templates for different research and review activities. Use the appropriate template based on the research goal.
Research Templates (for new features/technologies)
| Template | Use When |
|---|
| @research-stack.md | Evaluating technology choices, libraries, frameworks |
| @research-features.md | Mapping feature landscape, competitor analysis |
| @research-architecture.md | Designing system architecture, patterns |
| @research-pitfalls.md | Identifying common mistakes and anti-patterns |
| @research-synthesize.md | Combining all research into recommendations |
Review Templates (for change proposals)
| Template | Use When |
|---|
| @review-security.md | Security audit of a change proposal |
| @review-scale.md | Performance and scaling analysis |
| @review-edge.md | Edge case and error handling review |
Workflow
For New Feature/Technology Research
- Start with stack analysis - Use @research-stack.md to evaluate technology options
- Map the feature landscape - Use @research-features.md to understand what's needed
- Design the architecture - Use @research-architecture.md for patterns and decisions
- Identify pitfalls - Use @research-pitfalls.md to learn from others' mistakes
- Synthesize findings - Use @research-synthesize.md to create actionable recommendations
For Change Proposal Review
- Security review - Use @review-security.md to find vulnerabilities
- Scale review - Use @review-scale.md to identify bottlenecks
- Edge case review - Use @review-edge.md to find error handling gaps
Output Location
Save research outputs to:
.spool/research/{{topic}}/ for feature/technology research.spool/changes/{{change_id}}/reviews/ for change reviews
Example Usage
Technology Research
User: Research options for implementing real-time notifications
Agent: I'll use the spool-research skill to evaluate options.
1. First, I'll use @research-stack.md to compare:
- WebSockets vs SSE vs Polling
- Library options (socket.io, ws, etc.)
2. Then @research-architecture.md for:
- Pub/sub patterns
- Scaling considerations
3. Finally @research-synthesize.md to recommend an approach.
Change Review
User: Review the auth refactor change for security issues
Agent: I'll use @review-security.md to audit the change:
- Map attack surface
- Check for auth bypasses
- Verify input validation
- Review cryptographic usage
Integration with Spool Workflow
Research outputs can feed into change proposals:
- Complete research using templates above
- Save findings to
.spool/research/{{topic}}/
- Reference research in
proposal.md or design.md
- Use research to inform
tasks.md prioritization
