BMAD-METHOD/docs/_archive/how-to-workflows/conduct-research.md

title	description
How to Conduct Research	How to conduct market, technical, and competitive research using BMad Method

Use the research workflow to perform comprehensive multi-type research for validating ideas, understanding markets, and making informed decisions.

When to Use This

• Need market viability validation
• Choosing frameworks or platforms
• Understanding competitive landscape
• Need user understanding
• Understanding domain or industry
• Need deeper AI-assisted research

:::note[Prerequisites]

• BMad Method installed
• Analyst agent available :::

Steps

1. Load the Analyst Agent

Start a fresh chat and load the Analyst agent.

2. Run the Research Workflow

*research

3. Choose Research Type

Select the type of research you need:

Type	Purpose	Use When
market	TAM/SAM/SOM, competitive analysis	Need market viability validation
technical	Technology evaluation, ADRs	Choosing frameworks/platforms
competitive	Deep competitor analysis	Understanding competitive landscape
user	Customer insights, personas, JTBD	Need user understanding
domain	Industry deep dives, trends	Understanding domain/industry
deep_prompt	Generate AI research prompts	Need deeper AI-assisted research

4. Provide Context

Give the agent details about what you're researching:

• "SaaS project management tool"
• "React vs Vue for our dashboard"
• "Fintech compliance requirements"

5. Set Research Depth

Choose your depth level:

• Quick — Fast overview
• Standard — Balanced depth
• Comprehensive — Deep analysis

What You Get

Research output varies by type:

Market Research:

• TAM/SAM/SOM analysis
• Top competitors
• Positioning recommendation

Technical Research:

• Comparison matrix
• Trade-off analysis
• Recommendations with rationale

Key Features

• Real-time web research
• Multiple analytical frameworks (Porter's Five Forces, SWOT, Technology Adoption Lifecycle)
• Platform-specific optimization for deep_prompt type
• Configurable research depth

Tips

• Use market research early — Validates new product ideas
• Technical research helps architecture — Inform ADRs with data
• Competitive research informs positioning — Differentiate your product
• Domain research for specialized industries — Fintech, healthcare, etc.

Next Steps

After research:

1. Product Brief — Capture strategic vision informed by research
2. PRD — Use findings as context for requirements
3. Architecture — Use technical research in ADRs