How to Conduct Research
Use the research workflow to perform comprehensive multi-type research for validating ideas, understanding markets, and making informed decisions.
When to Use This
Section titled “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
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”- BMad Method installed
- Analyst agent available
1. Load the Analyst Agent
Section titled “1. Load the Analyst Agent”Start a fresh chat and load the Analyst agent.
2. Run the Research Workflow
Section titled “2. Run the Research Workflow”*research3. Choose Research Type
Section titled “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 (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) | Need deeper AI-assisted research |
4. Provide Context
Section titled “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
Section titled “5. Set Research Depth”Choose your depth level:
- Quick - Fast overview
- Standard - Balanced depth
- Comprehensive - Deep analysis
What You Get
Section titled “What You Get”Market Research Example
Section titled “Market Research Example”TAM: $50BSAM: $5BSOM: $50M
Top Competitors:- Asana- Monday- etc.
Positioning Recommendation: ...Technical Research Example
Section titled “Technical Research Example”Technology evaluation with:
- Comparison matrix
- Trade-off analysis
- Recommendations with rationale
Key Features
Section titled “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
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”After research:
- Product Brief - Capture strategic vision informed by research
- PRD - Use findings as context for requirements
- Architecture - Use technical research in ADRs
- Use market research early for new products
- Technical research helps with architecture decisions
- Competitive research informs positioning
- Domain research is valuable for specialized industries
Related
Section titled “Related”- Run Brainstorming Session - Explore ideas before research
- Create Product Brief - Capture strategic vision
- Create PRD - Move to formal planning