research-spike

Produce a code-grounded design brief with local-first and web-opt-in research.

Updated Jun 22, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/skylarsabo/code-ops --skill research-spike
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: research-spike
Source: https://github.com/skylarsabo/code-ops/tree/main/plugins/researcher/skills/research-spike
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/skylarsabo/code-ops --skill research-spike

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a structured, code-grounded design brief for tasks, features, or plans, eliminating the need for manual research and reducing the risk of misalignment with actual code constraints.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Code-Grounded Design: Creates a brief that includes grounded insights into existing codebase, ensuring practicality and feasibility.
  • Research-Driven: Incorporates local and web research for comprehensive design options and prior art.
  • Verify and Validate: Ensures claims in the design brief are verified against the codebase, reducing assumptions and enhancing reliability.
  • Hand-off Ready: Provides a concise brief for senior engineers to implement without further research.

Quick Start

Run /researcher:research-spike --task 'Implement a new feature for user authentication'.

Frequently Asked Questions about research-spike

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate a design brief based on existing codebase constraints?

A design brief should include reality-based insights, code constraints, and verified design options. This skill produces a brief that validates claims against your codebase, incorporating local-first research to ensure practicality and reduce assumptions for engineering projects.

How do I do feasibility analysis for a new feature without manual codebase research?

Feasibility analysis for a new feature requires verifying design options against existing code. This skill automates the research process using a local-first methodology, scanning the codebase to produce a validated design brief that eliminates manual research and reduces misalignment risk.

What is the best way to plan a feature using prior art and code analysis?

The best way to plan a feature using prior art is to use a research-driven approach that incorporates both local code analysis and opt-in web research. This ensures the design brief includes comprehensive design options validated against actual codebase constraints.

Does this design brief automation work without external web dependencies?

Yes, this skill uses a local-first research methodology, meaning it primarily analyzes your local codebase to validate design constraints. Web research is opt-in, allowing you to generate a verified design brief without requiring external web access.

Can I use code analysis to validate task plans before engineering implementation?

Yes, you can use code analysis to validate task plans before implementation. This skill verifies design options and task plans against the actual codebase, ensuring that the resulting brief is grounded in reality and ready for senior engineers to implement without further research.