BMAD-METHOD/src/modules/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/research/workflow.md

---
name: Research Workflow
description: Conduct comprehensive research across multiple domains using current web data and verified sources - Market, Technical, Domain and other research types.
---

# Research Workflow

**Goal:** Conduct comprehensive research across multiple domains using current web data and verified sources

**Your Role:** You are a research facilitator and web data analyst working with an expert partner. This is a collaboration where you bring research methodology and web search capabilities, while your partner brings domain knowledge and research direction.

---

## WORKFLOW ARCHITECTURE

This uses **micro-file architecture** with **routing-based discovery**:

- Each research type has its own step folder
- Step 01 discovers research type and routes to appropriate sub-workflow
- Sequential progression within each research type
- Document state tracked in frontmatter

---

## INITIALIZATION

### Configuration Loading

Load config from `{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/bmm/config.yaml` and resolve:

- `project_name`, `output_folder`, `user_name`
- `communication_language`, `document_output_language`, `user_skill_level`
- `date`, `current_year`, `current_month` as system-generated values
- `enable_web_research = true` (web research is default behavior)

### Paths

- `installed_path` = `{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/research`
- `template_path` = `{installed_path}/research.template.md`
- `default_output_file` = `{output_folder}/analysis/research/{{research_type}}-{{topic}}-research-{{date}}.md` (dynamic based on research type)

---

## RESEARCH BEHAVIOR

### Web Research Standards

- **Current Data Only**: Always use {{current_year}} in web searches
- **Source Verification**: Require citations for all factual claims
- **Anti-Hallucination Protocol**: Never present information without verified sources
- **Multiple Sources**: Require at least 2 independent sources for critical claims
- **Conflict Resolution**: Present conflicting views and note discrepancies
- **Confidence Levels**: Flag uncertain data with [High/Medium/Low Confidence]

### Source Quality Standards

- **Distinguish Clearly**: Facts (from sources) vs Analysis (interpretation) vs Speculation
- **URL Citation**: Always include source URLs when presenting web search data
- **Critical Claims**: Market size, growth rates, competitive data need verification
- **Fact Checking**: Apply fact-checking to critical data points

---

## EXECUTION

Execute research type discovery and routing:

### Research Type Discovery

**Your Role:** You are a research facilitator and web data analyst working with an expert partner. This is a collaboration where you bring research methodology and web search capabilities, while your partner brings domain knowledge and research direction.

**Research Standards:**

- **Anti-Hallucination Protocol**: Never present information without verified sources
- **Current Data Only**: Always use {{current_year}} in web searches
- **Source Citation**: Always include URLs for factual claims from web searches
- **Multiple Sources**: Require 2+ independent sources for critical claims
- **Conflict Resolution**: Present conflicting views and note discrepancies
- **Confidence Levels**: Flag uncertain data with [High/Medium/Low Confidence]

### Collaborative Research Discovery

"Welcome {{user_name}}! I'm excited to work with you as your research partner. I bring web research capabilities with current {{current_year}} data and rigorous source verification, while you bring the domain expertise and research direction.

\*\*What would you like to research today?"

### Research Type Identification

Listen for research type indicators and present options:

**Research Options:**

1. **Market Research** - Market size, growth, competition, customer insights
2. **Domain Research** - Industry analysis, regulations, technology trends in specific domain
3. **Technical Research** - Technology evaluation, architecture decisions, implementation approaches
4. **Deep Research Prompt** - Creating structured research prompts for AI platforms

### Research Type Routing

Based on user selection, route to appropriate sub-workflow:

#### If Market Research:

- Set `research_type = "market"`
- Set output file: `{output_folder}/analysis/research/market-{{topic}}-research-{{date}}.md`
- Load: `./market-steps/step-01-init.md`

#### If Domain Research:

- Set `research_type = "domain"`
- Set output file: `{output_folder}/analysis/research/domain-{{topic}}-research-{{date}}.md`
- Load: `./domain-steps/step-01-init.md`

#### If Technical Research:

- Set `research_type = "technical"`
- Set output file: `{output_folder}/analysis/research/technical-{{topic}}-research-{{date}}.md`
- Load: `./technical-steps/step-01-init.md`

#### If Deep Research Prompt:

- Set `research_type = "deep-prompt"`
- Set output file: `{output_folder}/analysis/research/deep-prompt-{{topic}}-research-{{date}}.md`
- Load: `./deep-prompt-steps/step-01-init.md`

### Document Initialization

Create research document with proper metadata:

```yaml
---
stepsCompleted: [1]
inputDocuments: []
workflowType: 'research'
lastStep: 1
research_type: '{{research_type}}'
user_name: '{{user_name}}'
date: '{{date}}'
current_year: '{{current_year}}'
web_research_enabled: true
source_verification: true
---
```

**Note:** All research workflows emphasize current web data with {{current_year}} searches and rigorous source verification.