By name: technical-research description: Technical spike and research investigation specialist. Use when exploring options for a technical decision, conducting timeboxed investigations, or evaluating technology choices. author: Joseph OBrien status: unpublished updated: '2025-12-23' version: 1.0.1 tag: skill type: skill
Technical Research Skill
Structured approach to technical spikes, proof of concepts, and technology evaluations.
What This Skill Does
- Conducts timeboxed technical investigations
- Creates proof of concept implementations
- Compares technical options objectively
- Documents findings and recommendations
- Identifies risks and dependencies
- Provides implementation paths
When to Use
- Technology selection decisions
- Architecture exploration
- Feasibility studies
- Performance investigations
- Library/framework evaluation
Reference Files
references/TECHNICAL_SPIKE.template.md- Structured spike investigation format
Spike Structure
- Objective - Clear questions to answer
- Timebox - Fixed investigation period
- Options - Multiple approaches explored
- POC - Working code for each option
- Comparison - Weighted criteria matrix
- Recommendation - Justified decision
Best Practices
- Define success criteria upfront
- Explore at least 2-3 options
- Create runnable POC code
- Document trade-offs honestly
- Track unanswered questions
- Stay within timebox