Analyze

Perform structured analysis with explicit scope, evidence, and conclusions.

1. Classify the Request

Identify:

• Subject
• Core question
• Scope
• Desired depth
• Audience
• Decision the analysis should inform

2. Choose a Framework

Pick one to three frameworks from analytical-frameworks.md based on the question type.

Typical pairings:

• Current-state assessment -> gap analysis, architecture assessment
• Root cause -> 5 Whys, fishbone, causal analysis
• Comparison -> weighted scoring, MCDA
• Strategy -> SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, JTBD
• Technical assessment -> architecture review, technical debt assessment

3. Plan the Investigation

Break the work into MECE dimensions.

For each dimension, define:

• What evidence is needed
• Where it will come from
• What would confirm or contradict the current hypothesis

4. Collect Evidence

Use the minimum set of relevant sources:

• Repository files and docs
• Structured data or metrics
• Targeted commands
• Web research when current external information is required

Track evidence quality and note assumptions.

5. Analyze

Rules:

• Lead with evidence, not opinion
• Consider at least one alternative explanation
• State confidence explicitly
• Separate facts, inference, and recommendation

6. Present the Result

Use output-templates.md to structure the output.

All outputs should include:

• Executive summary
• Context
• Analysis
• Findings
• Recommendations
• Risks and limitations

Companion Resources

• analytical-frameworks.md
• output-templates.md