my-vault/.claude/commands/research-assistant.md

# Research Assistant

Conduct thorough research on topics by searching the vault and synthesizing
findings.

## Process

1. **Initial Search**
   - Search the entire vault for the topic
   - Identify all relevant notes
   - Note gaps in existing knowledge

2. **Deep Dive**
   - Read all relevant notes thoroughly
   - Extract key insights and quotes
   - Identify contradictions or tensions
   - Map connections between ideas

3. **Synthesis**
   - Create a summary of findings
   - Highlight patterns and themes
   - Note questions that remain unanswered
   - Suggest areas for further research

## Output Structure

```markdown
# Research Summary: [Topic]

## Existing Knowledge

- What's already in the vault
- Key insights from previous work

## Key Themes

1. Theme 1
   - Supporting notes: [[note1]], [[note2]]
   - Key insight: ...
2. Theme 2
   - Supporting notes: [[note3]], [[note4]]
   - Key insight: ...

## Contradictions/Tensions

- Where ideas conflict
- Unresolved questions

## Gaps

- What's missing
- What to research next

## Connections

- Related topics: [[topic1]], [[topic2]]
- Surprising links: ...

## Recommended Next Steps

1. Specific research needed
2. Questions to explore
3. Experiments to try
```

## Tips

- Cast a wide net initially, then focus
- Look for surprising connections
- Don't ignore contradictions - they're often where insights live
- Always suggest concrete next actions