Deep Research

Comprehensive investigation that informs major decisions. Produces structured reports for stakeholders.

Deep Research vs Spike

Spike Deep Research

Duration Hours Days

Scope Single question Multiple questions

Output GO/NO-GO decision Comprehensive report

Depth Proof of concept Full evaluation

When NOT to Use

• Single focused question answerable in hours — Use spike for quick GO/NO-GO decisions

• Reviewing existing code/architecture — Use architecture-review for structural analysis of what's already built

• Known technology, just need implementation guidance — Read docs or use relevant skill directly

Key Principles

• Define research questions and success criteria upfront

• Evaluate multiple options against consistent criteria

• Synthesize findings into actionable recommendations

• Track progress through ohno for multi-session continuity

Quick Start Checklist

• Define research questions (what decisions need data?)

• Set evaluation criteria (what matters for comparison?)

• Gather sources (docs, benchmarks, case studies, experiments)

• Compare options against criteria systematically

• Synthesize findings and form recommendations

• Present report with clear decision guidance

References

Reference Description

research-types.md Technology evaluation, competitive analysis, best practices

source-quality.md Evaluating source reliability and relevance

synthesis-patterns.md Comparison matrices, decision frameworks

research-report-template.md Template for comprehensive research reports

comparison-matrix-template.md Template for multi-option comparison scoring