disciplined-research

Generate a formal Research Document for Phase 1 of disciplined development.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/terraphim/terraphim-skills --skill disciplined-research
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: disciplined-research
Source: https://github.com/terraphim/terraphim-skills/tree/main/skills/disciplined-research
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/terraphim/terraphim-skills --skill disciplined-research

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Phase 1 of disciplined development ensures deep problem understanding before any design or implementation. It produces a Research Document for human approval before proceeding, maps existing systems, surfaces constraints and risks, and aligns stakeholders on the path forward.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Provides a structured Research Document with Problem Understanding, Existing System Analysis, Constraints, Risks, and Recommendations.
  • Enforces explicit assumptions, essential questions, and risk assessment to reduce ambiguity.
  • Serves as a decision-ready artifact for project scoping, resourcing, and prioritization across engineering, product, and research teams.

Quick Start

  1. Start a new Research Document draft outlining the problem, objectives, and success criteria.
  2. Complete the Problem Understanding, Existing System Analysis, Constraints, and Risks sections using the guiding prompts in the skill.
  3. Review with stakeholders and obtain approval before moving to design.

Frequently Asked Questions about disciplined-research

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What is a research document for Phase 1 disciplined development?

A research document for Phase 1 disciplined development is a formal artifact that captures problem understanding, existing system analysis, constraints, and risks to align stakeholders before design begins. It ensures deep problem comprehension and produces decision-ready project scoping.

How do I start writing a research document for problem understanding and risk assessment?

To start writing a research document, draft the problem outline, objectives, and success criteria. Then complete Problem Understanding, Existing System Analysis, Constraints, and Risks sections using guiding prompts to capture explicit assumptions and open questions.

When do I need to map constraints and assess risks before moving to design?

You need to map constraints and assess risks before moving to design when engineering, product, or research initiatives require stakeholder-facing decision readiness. Phase 1 disciplined development enforces this upfront risk assessment to reduce ambiguity and secure human approval prior to design.

Can I use a structured research template for project scoping and resourcing across product teams?

Yes, you can use a structured research template for project scoping and resourcing across engineering, product, and research teams. It serves as a decision-ready artifact by providing checklists for recommendations and risk assessment to guide prioritization.

What is the best way to capture assumptions and open questions during early project research?

The best way to capture assumptions and open questions during early project research is to use a structured Phase 1 research document template. It enforces explicit documentation of uncertainties alongside constraint mapping and risk assessment to reduce ambiguity before design.