brycewang-stanford/web-research

Web Research Skill

Research Process

Step 1: Create and Save Research Plan

Before delegating to subagents, you MUST:

1. Create a research folder - Organize all research files in a dedicated folder relative to the current working directory:

   mkdir research_[topic_name]
   

   This keeps files organized and prevents clutter in the working directory.

2. Analyze the research question - Break it down into distinct, non-overlapping subtopics

3. Write a research plan file - Use the write_file tool to create research_[topic_name]/research_plan.md containing:

   • The main research question
   • 2-5 specific subtopics to investigate
   • Expected information from each subtopic
   • How results will be synthesized

Planning Guidelines:

• Simple fact-finding: 1-2 subtopics
• Comparative analysis: 1 subtopic per comparison element (max 3)
• Complex investigations: 3-5 subtopics

Step 2: Delegate to Research Subagents

For each subtopic in your plan:

1. Use the task tool to spawn a research subagent with:

   • Clear, specific research question (no acronyms)
   • Instructions to write findings to a file: research_[topic_name]/findings_[subtopic].md
   • Budget: 3-5 web searches maximum

2. Run up to 3 subagents in parallel for efficient research

Subagent Instructions Template:

Research [SPECIFIC TOPIC]. Use the web_search tool to gather information.
After completing your research, use write_file to save your findings to research_[topic_name]/findings_[subtopic].md.
Include key facts, relevant quotes, and source URLs.
Use 3-5 web searches maximum.

Step 3: Synthesize Findings

After all subagents complete:

1. Review the findings files that were saved locally:

   • First run list_files research_[topic_name] to see what files were created
   • Then use read_file with the file paths (e.g., research_[topic_name]/findings_*.md)
   • Important: Use read_file for LOCAL files only, not URLs

2. Synthesize the information - Create a comprehensive response that:

   • Directly answers the original question
   • Integrates insights from all subtopics
   • Cites specific sources with URLs (from the findings files)
   • Identifies any gaps or limitations

3. Write final report (optional) - Use write_file to create research_[topic_name]/research_report.md if requested

Note: If you need to fetch additional information from URLs, use the fetch_url tool, not read_file.

Best Practices

• Plan before delegating - Always write research_plan.md first
• Clear subtopics - Ensure each subagent has distinct, non-overlapping scope
• File-based communication - Have subagents save findings to files, not return them directly
• Systematic synthesis - Read all findings files before creating final response
• Stop appropriately - Don't over-research; 3-5 searches per subtopic is usually sufficient