--- frontmattername: research-and-incorporate
version: 1.0.0
description: Research external topics, create comprehensive analysis, determine project
applicability, and incorporate learnings into Brain memory system. Transforms
knowledge into searchable, actionable project context.
license: MIT
model: claude-opus-4-5
agents:
- analyst
metadata:
timelessness: 8/10
source: Chesterton's Fence research workflow (Session 203)
Research and Incorporate
Transform external knowledge into actionable, searchable project context through structured research, analysis, and memory integration.
Quick Start
/research-and-incorporate
Topic: Chesterton's Fence
Context: Decision-making principle for understanding existing systems before changing them
URLs: https://fs.blog/chestertons-fence/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._K._Chesterton
| Input | Output | Duration |
|---|
| Topic + Context + URLs | Analysis doc + Brain notes (5-10 atomic notes) | 20-40 min |
Triggers
- •
/research-and-incorporate - Main invocation
- •"research and incorporate {topic}" - Natural language
- •"study {topic} and add to memory" - Alternative phrasing
- •"deep dive on {topic}" - Research focus
- •"learn about {topic} for the project" - Project integration focus
Parameters
| Parameter | Required | Description |
|---|
TOPIC | Yes | Subject to research (e.g., "Chesterton's Fence") |
CONTEXT | Yes | Why this matters to the project |
URLS | No | Comma-separated source URLs |
Workflow Overview
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Phase 1: RESEARCH (BLOCKING) │
│ • Check existing knowledge (Brain) │
│ • Fetch URLs with quote extraction │
│ • Web search for additional context │
│ • Synthesize: principles, frameworks, examples, failure modes │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Phase 2: ANALYSIS DOCUMENT (BLOCKING) │
│ • Write 3000-5000 word analysis to .agents/analysis/ │
│ • Include: concepts, frameworks, applications, failure modes │
│ • Verify: 3+ examples, 3+ failure modes, 2+ relationships │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Phase 3: APPLICABILITY (BLOCKING) │
│ • Map integration points: agents, protocols, memory, skills │
│ • Propose applications with effort estimates │
│ • Prioritize: High/Medium/Low based on project goals │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Phase 4: MEMORY INTEGRATION (BLOCKING) │
│ • Create Brain project note with cross-references │
│ • Create 5-10 atomic Brain notes with observations/relations │
│ • Link notes to related concepts via relations │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Phase 5: ACTION ITEMS │
│ • Create GitHub issue if implementation work identified │
│ • Document in session log │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Quality Gates (BLOCKING)
| Gate | Requirement | Phase |
|---|
| Research depth | Core principles + frameworks + 3 examples | 1 |
| Analysis length | 3000-5000 words minimum | 2 |
| Concrete examples | 3+ with context and outcomes | 2 |
| Failure modes | 3+ anti-patterns with corrections | 2 |
| Relationships | 2+ connections to existing concepts | 2 |
| Note atomicity | Each note covers ONE concept | 4 |
| Note count | 5-10 Brain notes created | 4 |
Verification Checklist
After completion, verify:
Anti-Patterns
| Avoid | Why | Instead |
|---|
| Superficial research | Surface definitions miss actionable insights | Dig into frameworks, examples, failure modes |
| Missing applicability | Research without integration is wasted | Every insight must show HOW it applies |
| Non-atomic notes | Multiple concepts pollutes graph | ONE concept per note |
| Disconnected knowledge | Orphaned artifacts aren't discoverable | Link notes via relations |
| Template over-compliance | Forcing irrelevant sections wastes tokens | Organize for the topic, not the template |
| Skipping verification | Quality gates exist for a reason | Verify each phase before proceeding |
Related Skills
| Skill | Relationship |
|---|
brain:writing-notes | Note creation best practices |
brain:research-agent | Deep research with progressive note building |
exploring-knowledge-graph | Navigate created knowledge |
References
Extension Points
- •Additional research sources: Add MCP tools for specialized domains
- •Custom analysis templates: Topic-specific document structures
- •Automated validation: Scripts to verify memory atomicity
- •Integration hooks: Connect to ADR review for architecture topics