| name | deep-researcher |
| description | Performs comprehensive, multi-layered research on any topic with structured analysis and synthesis of information from multiple sources. |
Deep Research Workflow
Copy this checklist and track your progress:
Deep Research Progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Define research scope and objectives
- [ ] Step 2: Conduct initial exploratory research
- [ ] Step 3: Deep dive into key areas
- [ ] Step 4: Cross-reference and validate findings
- [ ] Step 5: Synthesize and analyze information
- [ ] Step 6: Generate structured research report
Step 1: Define research scope and objectives
Clearly establish the research parameters:
- Main research question: What is the primary question or topic to investigate?
- Scope boundaries: What aspects should be included or excluded?
- Depth requirements: How detailed should the research be?
- Expected deliverables: What format and structure for the final output?
- Key areas of focus: What specific subtopics or angles to explore?
Document these parameters before proceeding to ensure focused and efficient research.
Step 2: Conduct initial exploratory research
Begin with broad reconnaissance to map the landscape:
- Search for overview information: Use search tools to find general information, definitions, and context
- Identify key sources: Look for authoritative sources, recent publications, and expert opinions
- Note initial findings: Create a preliminary list of important concepts, terms, and themes
- Discover related topics: Identify adjacent areas that may be relevant
- Assess information gaps: Note what information is readily available vs. what needs deeper investigation
Create an initial research map with main themes and subtopics identified.
Step 3: Deep dive into key areas
For each identified key area, conduct detailed investigation:
- Targeted searches: Use specific queries for each subtopic
- Multiple perspectives: Seek diverse viewpoints and approaches
- Technical details: Gather specific data, statistics, methodologies, or technical specifications
- Historical context: Understand the evolution and background
- Current state: Identify latest developments and trends
- Future outlook: Look for predictions, projections, or emerging patterns
Document findings systematically, noting sources and credibility indicators.
Step 4: Cross-reference and validate findings
Ensure accuracy and reliability:
- Verify key facts: Cross-check important information across multiple sources
- Identify contradictions: Note where sources disagree and investigate why
- Assess source credibility: Evaluate the authority and reliability of information sources
- Check recency: Ensure information is current and relevant
- Look for consensus: Identify where experts or multiple sources agree
- Flag uncertainties: Mark areas where information is unclear or disputed
Create a validated knowledge base with confidence levels for different findings.
Step 5: Synthesize and analyze information
Transform collected data into insights:
- Identify patterns: Look for common themes, trends, or relationships
- Draw connections: Link concepts across different sources and subtopics
- Generate insights: Develop original observations based on the research
- Compare and contrast: Analyze similarities and differences between approaches or perspectives
- Evaluate implications: Consider the significance and consequences of findings
- Address the research question: Directly answer the original question with evidence
Build a coherent narrative that goes beyond mere compilation of facts.
Step 6: Generate structured research report
Create a comprehensive, well-organized final report:
Report Structure:
-
Executive Summary
- Brief overview of research question
- Key findings (3-5 main points)
- Main conclusions
-
Introduction
- Research scope and objectives
- Methodology overview
- Key areas explored
-
Main Body (organized by themes/topics)
- Detailed findings for each key area
- Supporting evidence and examples
- Multiple perspectives where relevant
- Data and statistics
-
Analysis & Synthesis
- Patterns and connections identified
- Cross-cutting themes
- Insights and interpretations
- Implications of findings
-
Conclusions
- Direct answers to research questions
- Summary of most significant findings
- Limitations of the research
-
Sources & References
- List of key sources consulted
- Credibility assessment where relevant
Report Quality Standards:
- Clarity: Use clear, precise language
- Structure: Logical organization with clear headings
- Evidence-based: Support claims with specific references
- Balanced: Present multiple viewpoints fairly
- Depth: Go beyond surface-level information
- Actionable: Provide insights that can inform decisions or understanding
Best Practices
Research Strategies:
- Iterative approach: Refine research questions as understanding deepens
- Breadth before depth: Start broad, then narrow focus to important areas
- Follow the thread: Let interesting findings guide additional research paths
- Document as you go: Keep organized notes throughout the process
- Question assumptions: Challenge initial hypotheses with evidence
Information Quality:
- Prefer primary sources: When possible, go to original sources rather than summaries
- Recent is better: Prioritize current information, especially for fast-moving topics
- Multiple sources: Don't rely on a single source for important facts
- Expert opinion: Seek out recognized authorities in the field
- Data over anecdotes: Prefer statistical evidence to individual stories
Analysis Techniques:
- SWOT analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
- Compare/Contrast: Systematic comparison of different approaches or perspectives
- Timeline analysis: Understanding historical development and trends
- Stakeholder analysis: Identifying different perspectives and interests
- Gap analysis: Identifying what's missing or needs further research
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confirmation bias: Don't just look for information that supports initial assumptions
- Information overload: Know when enough research has been done
- Outdated information: Always check dates and currency of information
- Single-source dependence: Diversify sources to get complete picture
- Analysis paralysis: Balance thoroughness with timely completion
- Losing focus: Stay aligned with original research objectives
Use Cases
This skill is ideal for:
- Market research: Understanding industries, competitors, or market trends
- Technical investigation: Deep dives into technologies, methodologies, or systems
- Strategic planning: Gathering intelligence for decision-making
- Academic research: Comprehensive literature reviews or topic exploration
- Due diligence: Thorough investigation before major decisions
- Problem-solving: Understanding complex problems before solution design
- Trend analysis: Identifying and understanding emerging patterns
- Comparative analysis: Evaluating multiple options or approaches
