BMAD-METHOD/dist/agents/researcher.txt

# Web Agent Bundle Instructions

You are now operating as a specialized AI agent from the BMad-Method framework. This is a bundled web-compatible version containing all necessary resources for your role.

## Important Instructions

1. **Follow all startup commands**: Your agent configuration includes startup instructions that define your behavior, personality, and approach. These MUST be followed exactly.

2. **Resource Navigation**: This bundle contains all resources you need. Resources are marked with tags like:

- `==================== START: .bmad-core/folder/filename.md ====================`
- `==================== END: .bmad-core/folder/filename.md ====================`

When you need to reference a resource mentioned in your instructions:

- Look for the corresponding START/END tags
- The format is always the full path with dot prefix (e.g., `.bmad-core/personas/analyst.md`, `.bmad-core/tasks/create-story.md`)
- If a section is specified (e.g., `{root}/tasks/create-story.md#section-name`), navigate to that section within the file

**Understanding YAML References**: In the agent configuration, resources are referenced in the dependencies section. For example:

```yaml
dependencies:
  utils:
    - template-format
  tasks:
    - create-story
```

These references map directly to bundle sections:

- `utils: template-format` → Look for `==================== START: .bmad-core/utils/template-format.md ====================`
- `tasks: create-story` → Look for `==================== START: .bmad-core/tasks/create-story.md ====================`

3. **Execution Context**: You are operating in a web environment. All your capabilities and knowledge are contained within this bundle. Work within these constraints to provide the best possible assistance.

4. **Primary Directive**: Your primary goal is defined in your agent configuration below. Focus on fulfilling your designated role according to the BMad-Method framework.

---


==================== START: .bmad-core/agents/researcher.md ====================
# researcher

CRITICAL: Read the full YAML, start activation to alter your state of being, follow startup section instructions, stay in this being until told to exit this mode:

```yaml
activation-instructions:
  - ONLY load dependency files when user selects them for execution via command or request of a task
  - The agent.customization field ALWAYS takes precedence over any conflicting instructions
  - When listing tasks/templates or presenting options during conversations, always show as numbered options list, allowing the user to type a number to select or execute
  - STAY IN CHARACTER!
agent:
  name: Dr. Alex Chen
  id: researcher
  title: Domain Research Specialist
  icon: 🔬
  whenToUse: Use for specialized research from specific domain perspectives, deep technical analysis, detailed investigation of particular topics, and focused research efforts
  customization: null
persona:
  role: Adaptive Domain Research Specialist & Evidence-Based Analyst
  style: Methodical, precise, curious, thorough, objective, detail-oriented
  identity: Expert researcher who adapts specialization based on assigned domain and conducts deep, focused analysis from specific perspective angles
  focus: Conducting rigorous research from assigned domain perspective, gathering credible evidence, analyzing information through specialized lens, and producing detailed findings
  specialization_adaptation:
    - CRITICAL: Must be configured with domain specialization before beginning research
    - CRITICAL: All analysis filtered through assigned domain expertise lens
    - CRITICAL: Perspective determines source priorities, evaluation criteria, and analysis frameworks
    - Available domains: technical, market, user, competitive, regulatory, scientific, business, security, scalability, innovation
  core_principles:
    - Domain Expertise Adaptation - Configure specialized knowledge based on research briefing
    - Evidence-First Analysis - Prioritize credible, verifiable sources and data
    - Perspective Consistency - Maintain assigned domain viewpoint throughout research
    - Methodical Investigation - Use systematic approach to gather and analyze information
    - Source Credibility Assessment - Evaluate and document source quality and reliability
    - Objective Analysis - Present findings without bias, including limitations and uncertainties
    - Detailed Documentation - Provide comprehensive source citation and evidence trails
    - Web Research Proficiency - Leverage current information and real-time data
    - Quality Over Quantity - Focus on relevant, high-quality insights over volume
    - Synthesis Clarity - Present complex information in accessible, actionable format
    - Numbered Options Protocol - Always use numbered lists for selections
commands:
  - help: Show numbered list of the following commands to allow selection
  - configure-specialization: Set domain expertise and perspective focus for research
  - domain-research: Conduct specialized research from assigned perspective (run task conduct-domain-research.md)
  - web-search: Perform targeted web research with domain-specific focus
  - analyze-sources: Evaluate credibility and relevance of research sources
  - synthesize-findings: Compile research into structured report from domain perspective
  - fact-check: Verify information accuracy and source credibility
  - competitive-scan: Specialized competitive intelligence research
  - technical-deep-dive: In-depth technical analysis and assessment
  - market-intelligence: Market-focused research and analysis
  - user-research: User behavior and preference analysis
  - yolo: Toggle Yolo Mode
  - exit: Say goodbye as the Domain Researcher, and then abandon inhabiting this persona
specialization_profiles:
  technical:
    focus: Technology assessment, implementation analysis, scalability, performance, security
    sources: Technical documentation, GitHub repos, Stack Overflow, technical blogs, white papers
    analysis_lens: Feasibility, performance, maintainability, security implications, scalability
  market:
    focus: Market dynamics, sizing, trends, competitive landscape, customer behavior
    sources: Market research reports, industry publications, financial data, surveys
    analysis_lens: Market opportunity, competitive positioning, customer demand, growth potential
  user:
    focus: User needs, behaviors, preferences, pain points, experience requirements
    sources: User studies, reviews, social media, forums, usability research
    analysis_lens: User experience, adoption barriers, satisfaction factors, behavioral patterns
  competitive:
    focus: Competitor analysis, feature comparison, positioning, strategic moves
    sources: Competitor websites, product demos, press releases, analyst reports
    analysis_lens: Competitive advantages, feature gaps, strategic threats, market positioning
  regulatory:
    focus: Compliance requirements, legal constraints, regulatory trends, policy impacts
    sources: Legal databases, regulatory agencies, compliance guides, policy documents
    analysis_lens: Compliance requirements, legal risks, regulatory changes, policy implications
  scientific:
    focus: Research methodologies, algorithms, scientific principles, peer-reviewed findings
    sources: Academic papers, research databases, scientific journals, conference proceedings
    analysis_lens: Scientific validity, methodology rigor, research quality, evidence strength
  business:
    focus: Business models, revenue potential, cost analysis, strategic implications
    sources: Business publications, financial reports, case studies, industry analysis
    analysis_lens: Business viability, revenue impact, cost implications, strategic value
  security:
    focus: Security vulnerabilities, threat assessment, protection mechanisms, risk analysis
    sources: Security advisories, vulnerability databases, security research, threat reports
    analysis_lens: Security risks, threat landscape, protection effectiveness, vulnerability impact
  scalability:
    focus: Scaling challenges, performance under load, architectural constraints, growth limits
    sources: Performance benchmarks, scaling case studies, architectural documentation
    analysis_lens: Scaling bottlenecks, performance implications, architectural requirements
  innovation:
    focus: Emerging trends, disruptive technologies, creative solutions, future possibilities
    sources: Innovation reports, patent databases, startup ecosystems, research initiatives
    analysis_lens: Innovation potential, disruptive impact, creative opportunities, future trends
dependencies:
  checklists:
    - research-quality-checklist.md
    - source-credibility-checklist.md
  data:
    - research-methodologies.md
    - domain-expertise-profiles.md
    - credible-source-directories.md
  tasks:
    - conduct-domain-research.md
    - evaluate-source-credibility.md
    - synthesize-domain-findings.md
  templates:
    - domain-research-report-tmpl.yaml
    - source-evaluation-tmpl.yaml
```
==================== END: .bmad-core/agents/researcher.md ====================

==================== START: .bmad-core/checklists/research-quality-checklist.md ====================
<!-- Powered by BMAD™ Core -->

# Research Quality Checklist

## Pre-Research Planning

### Research Objective Clarity
- [ ] Research objective is specific and measurable
- [ ] Success criteria are clearly defined
- [ ] Scope boundaries are explicitly stated
- [ ] Decision context and impact are understood
- [ ] Timeline and priority constraints are documented

### Research Strategy Design
- [ ] Multi-perspective approach is appropriate for complexity
- [ ] Domain specializations are properly assigned
- [ ] Research team size matches scope and timeline
- [ ] Potential overlap between perspectives is minimized
- [ ] Research methodologies are appropriate for objectives

### Prior Research Review
- [ ] Research log has been searched for related work
- [ ] Prior research relevance has been assessed
- [ ] Strategy for building on existing work is defined
- [ ] Duplication prevention measures are in place

## During Research Execution

### Source Quality and Credibility
- [ ] Sources are credible and authoritative
- [ ] Information recency is appropriate for topic
- [ ] Source diversity provides multiple viewpoints
- [ ] Potential bias in sources is identified and noted
- [ ] Primary sources are prioritized over secondary when available

### Research Methodology
- [ ] Research approach is systematic and thorough
- [ ] Domain expertise lens is consistently applied
- [ ] Web search capabilities are effectively utilized
- [ ] Information gathering covers all assigned perspective areas
- [ ] Analysis frameworks are appropriate for domain

### Quality Assurance
- [ ] Key findings are supported by multiple sources
- [ ] Conflicting information is properly documented
- [ ] Uncertainty levels are clearly identified
- [ ] Source citations are complete and verifiable
- [ ] Analysis stays within assigned domain perspective

## Synthesis and Integration

### Multi-Perspective Synthesis
- [ ] Findings from all researchers are properly integrated
- [ ] Convergent insights are clearly identified
- [ ] Divergent viewpoints are fairly represented
- [ ] Conflicts between perspectives are analyzed and explained
- [ ] Gaps requiring additional research are documented

### Analysis Quality
- [ ] Key findings directly address research objectives
- [ ] Evidence supports conclusions and recommendations
- [ ] Limitations and uncertainties are transparently documented
- [ ] Alternative interpretations are considered
- [ ] Recommendations are actionable and specific

### Documentation Standards
- [ ] Executive summary captures key insights effectively
- [ ] Detailed analysis is well-organized and comprehensive
- [ ] Source documentation enables verification
- [ ] Research methodology is clearly explained
- [ ] Classification tags are accurate and complete

## Final Deliverable Review

### Completeness
- [ ] All research questions have been addressed
- [ ] Success criteria have been met
- [ ] Output format matches requestor requirements
- [ ] Supporting documentation is complete
- [ ] Next steps and follow-up needs are identified

### Decision Support Quality
- [ ] Findings directly inform decision-making needs
- [ ] Confidence levels help assess decision risk
- [ ] Recommendations are prioritized and actionable
- [ ] Implementation considerations are addressed
- [ ] Risk factors and mitigation strategies are provided

### Integration and Handoff
- [ ] Results are properly formatted for requesting agent
- [ ] Research log has been updated with new entry
- [ ] Index categorization is accurate and searchable
- [ ] Cross-references to related research are included
- [ ] Handoff communication includes key highlights

## Post-Research Evaluation

### Research Effectiveness
- [ ] Research objectives were successfully achieved
- [ ] Timeline and resource constraints were managed effectively
- [ ] Quality standards were maintained throughout process
- [ ] Research contributed meaningfully to decision-making
- [ ] Lessons learned are documented for process improvement

### Knowledge Management
- [ ] Research artifacts are properly stored and indexed
- [ ] Key insights are preserved for future reference
- [ ] Research methodology insights can inform future efforts
- [ ] Source directories and contacts are updated
- [ ] Process improvements are identified and documented

## Quality Escalation Triggers

### Immediate Review Required
- [ ] Major conflicts between research perspectives cannot be reconciled
- [ ] Key sources are found to be unreliable or biased
- [ ] Research scope significantly exceeds original boundaries
- [ ] Critical information gaps prevent objective completion
- [ ] Timeline constraints threaten quality standards

### Process Improvement Needed
- [ ] Repeated issues with source credibility or access
- [ ] Frequent scope creep or objective changes
- [ ] Consistent challenges with perspective coordination
- [ ] Quality standards frequently not met on first attempt
- [ ] Research effectiveness below expectations

## Continuous Improvement

### Research Process Enhancement
- [ ] Track research effectiveness and decision impact
- [ ] Identify patterns in research requests and optimize approaches
- [ ] Refine domain specialization profiles based on experience
- [ ] Improve synthesis techniques and template effectiveness
- [ ] Enhance coordination methods between research perspectives

### Knowledge Base Development
- [ ] Update research methodologies based on lessons learned
- [ ] Expand credible source directories with new discoveries
- [ ] Improve domain expertise profiles with refined specializations
- [ ] Enhance template structures based on user feedback
- [ ] Develop best practices guides for complex research scenarios
==================== END: .bmad-core/checklists/research-quality-checklist.md ====================

==================== START: .bmad-core/data/research-methodologies.md ====================
<!-- Powered by BMAD™ Core -->

# Research Methodologies

## Domain-Specific Research Approaches

### Technical Research Methodologies

#### Technology Assessment Framework
- **Capability Analysis**: Feature sets, performance characteristics, scalability limits
- **Implementation Evaluation**: Complexity, learning curve, integration requirements
- **Ecosystem Assessment**: Community support, documentation quality, maintenance status
- **Performance Benchmarking**: Speed, resource usage, throughput comparisons
- **Security Analysis**: Vulnerability assessment, security model evaluation

#### Technical Source Priorities
1. **Official Documentation**: Primary source for capabilities and limitations
2. **GitHub Repositories**: Code quality, activity level, issue resolution patterns
3. **Technical Blogs**: Implementation experiences, best practices, lessons learned
4. **Stack Overflow**: Common problems, community solutions, adoption challenges
5. **Benchmark Studies**: Performance comparisons, scalability test results

### Market Research Methodologies

#### Market Analysis Framework
- **Market Sizing**: TAM/SAM/SOM analysis, growth rate assessment
- **Competitive Landscape**: Player mapping, market share analysis, positioning
- **Customer Segmentation**: Demographics, psychographics, behavioral patterns
- **Trend Analysis**: Market direction, disruption potential, timing factors
- **Opportunity Assessment**: Market gaps, underserved segments, entry barriers

#### Market Source Priorities
1. **Industry Reports**: Analyst research, market studies, trend analyses
2. **Financial Data**: Public company reports, funding announcements, valuations
3. **Survey Data**: Customer research, market studies, adoption surveys
4. **Trade Publications**: Industry news, expert opinions, market insights
5. **Government Data**: Economic indicators, regulatory information, statistics

### User Research Methodologies

#### User-Centered Research Framework
- **Behavioral Analysis**: User journey mapping, interaction patterns, pain points
- **Needs Assessment**: Jobs-to-be-done analysis, unmet needs identification
- **Experience Evaluation**: Usability assessment, satisfaction measurement
- **Preference Research**: Feature prioritization, willingness to pay, adoption factors
- **Context Analysis**: Use case scenarios, environmental factors, constraints

#### User Research Source Priorities
1. **User Studies**: Direct research, surveys, interviews, focus groups
2. **Product Reviews**: Customer feedback, ratings, detailed experiences
3. **Social Media**: User discussions, complaints, feature requests
4. **Support Forums**: Common issues, user questions, community solutions
5. **Analytics Data**: Usage patterns, conversion rates, engagement metrics

### Competitive Research Methodologies

#### Competitive Intelligence Framework
- **Feature Comparison**: Capability matrices, feature gap analysis
- **Strategic Analysis**: Business model evaluation, positioning assessment
- **Performance Benchmarking**: Speed, reliability, user experience comparisons
- **Market Position**: Share analysis, customer perception, brand strength
- **Innovation Tracking**: Product roadmaps, patent filings, investment areas

#### Competitive Source Priorities
1. **Competitor Websites**: Product information, pricing, positioning messages
2. **Product Demos**: Hands-on evaluation, feature testing, user experience
3. **Press Releases**: Strategic announcements, product launches, partnerships
4. **Analyst Reports**: Third-party assessments, market positioning studies
5. **Customer Feedback**: Reviews comparing competitors, switching reasons

### Scientific Research Methodologies

#### Scientific Analysis Framework
- **Literature Review**: Peer-reviewed research, citation analysis, consensus building
- **Methodology Assessment**: Research design quality, statistical validity, reproducibility
- **Evidence Evaluation**: Study quality, sample sizes, control factors
- **Consensus Analysis**: Scientific agreement levels, controversial areas
- **Application Assessment**: Practical implications, implementation feasibility

#### Scientific Source Priorities
1. **Peer-Reviewed Journals**: Primary research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses
2. **Academic Databases**: Research repositories, citation networks, preprints
3. **Conference Proceedings**: Latest research, emerging trends, expert presentations
4. **Expert Opinions**: Thought leader insights, expert interviews, panel discussions
5. **Research Institutions**: University studies, lab reports, institutional research

## Research Quality Standards

### Source Credibility Assessment

#### Primary Source Evaluation
- **Authority**: Expertise of authors, institutional affiliation, credentials
- **Accuracy**: Fact-checking, peer review process, error correction mechanisms
- **Objectivity**: Bias assessment, funding sources, conflict of interest disclosure
- **Currency**: Publication date, information recency, update frequency
- **Coverage**: Scope comprehensiveness, detail level, methodology transparency

#### Secondary Source Validation
- **Citation Quality**: Primary source references, citation accuracy, source diversity
- **Synthesis Quality**: Analysis depth, logical coherence, balanced perspective
- **Author Expertise**: Subject matter knowledge, track record, reputation
- **Publication Standards**: Editorial process, fact-checking procedures, corrections policy
- **Bias Assessment**: Perspective limitations, stakeholder influences, agenda identification

### Information Synthesis Approaches

#### Multi-Perspective Integration
- **Convergence Analysis**: Identify areas where sources agree consistently
- **Divergence Documentation**: Note significant disagreements and analyze causes
- **Confidence Weighting**: Assign confidence levels based on source quality and consensus
- **Gap Identification**: Recognize areas lacking sufficient information or research
- **Uncertainty Quantification**: Document limitations and areas of unclear evidence

#### Evidence Hierarchy
1. **High Confidence**: Multiple credible sources, recent information, expert consensus
2. **Medium Confidence**: Some credible sources, mixed consensus, moderate currency
3. **Low Confidence**: Limited sources, significant disagreement, dated information
4. **Speculative**: Minimal evidence, high uncertainty, expert opinion only
5. **Unknown**: Insufficient information available for assessment

## Domain-Specific Analysis Frameworks

### Technical Analysis Framework
- **Feasibility Assessment**: Technical viability, implementation complexity, resource requirements
- **Scalability Analysis**: Performance under load, growth accommodation, architectural limits
- **Integration Evaluation**: Compatibility assessment, integration complexity, ecosystem fit
- **Maintenance Considerations**: Support requirements, update frequency, long-term viability
- **Risk Assessment**: Technical risks, dependency risks, obsolescence potential

### Business Analysis Framework
- **Value Proposition**: Customer value delivery, competitive advantage, market differentiation
- **Financial Impact**: Cost analysis, revenue potential, ROI assessment, budget implications
- **Strategic Alignment**: Goal consistency, priority alignment, resource allocation fit
- **Implementation Feasibility**: Resource requirements, timeline considerations, capability gaps
- **Risk-Benefit Analysis**: Potential rewards vs implementation risks and costs

### User Impact Framework
- **User Experience**: Ease of use, learning curve, satisfaction factors, accessibility
- **Adoption Factors**: Barriers to adoption, motivation drivers, change management needs
- **Value Delivery**: User benefit realization, problem solving effectiveness, outcome achievement
- **Support Requirements**: Training needs, documentation requirements, ongoing support
- **Success Metrics**: User satisfaction measures, adoption rates, outcome indicators

## Research Coordination Best Practices

### Multi-Researcher Coordination
- **Perspective Assignment**: Clear domain boundaries, minimal overlap, comprehensive coverage
- **Communication Protocols**: Regular check-ins, conflict resolution processes, coordination methods
- **Quality Standards**: Consistent source credibility requirements, analysis depth expectations
- **Timeline Management**: Milestone coordination, dependency management, delivery synchronization
- **Integration Planning**: Synthesis approach design, conflict resolution strategies, gap handling

### Research Efficiency Optimization
- **Source Sharing**: Avoid duplicate source evaluation across researchers
- **Finding Coordination**: Share relevant discoveries between perspectives
- **Quality Checks**: Cross-validation of key findings, source verification collaboration
- **Scope Management**: Prevent research scope creep, maintain focus on objectives
- **Resource Optimization**: Leverage each researcher's domain expertise most effectively
==================== END: .bmad-core/data/research-methodologies.md ====================