Research

Deep research with multi-source synthesis. Uses multi-ai skill for provider routing when available.

Workflow

Step 1: Determine Depth

Use AskUserQuestion if depth is not specified:

• Quick: Fast overview of key concepts (2-3 sources)
• Standard: Comprehensive analysis with examples (5-8 sources)
• Deep: Thorough research with citations and evidence (10+ sources)

If the user provides --depth, skip the question.

Step 2: Provider Routing

• If ARC_MULTI_AI=true and providers are available, use multi-provider research via multi-ai skill.
• Otherwise run Claude-only research with the same structure.

Step 3: Multi-Source Synthesis

Launch the persona-research-synthesizer agent with gathered context:

subagent_type: "arc:persona-research-synthesizer"
run_in_background: true
prompt: "Research topic: <topic>\nDepth: <depth>\nProviders: <available providers>"

Output a status message and end your turn. The system wakes you when the agent finishes.

Step 4: Report Results

## Research Complete

**Topic**: <topic>
**Depth**: <quick|standard|deep>
**Sources Consulted**: <count>

### Key Findings
[Structured findings with evidence]

### Comparative Analysis
[Pros/cons of different approaches]

### Recommendations
[Actionable recommendations with rationale]

### Next Steps
- `/arc:core:plan` to plan implementation based on findings
- `/arc:specialized:prd` to write a PRD incorporating research

Error Handling