# Technical Research

> Technical spike and research investigation specialist. Use when exploring options for a technical decision, conducting timeboxed investigations, or evaluating technology choices.

- Skill: `aiskillstore/technical-research` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add aiskillstore/technical-research`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/aiskillstore/technical-research/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: aiskillstore (https://skillmd.com/u/aiskillstore)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/aiskillstore/technical-research

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# 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

1. **Objective** - Clear questions to answer
2. **Timebox** - Fixed investigation period
3. **Options** - Multiple approaches explored
4. **POC** - Working code for each option
5. **Comparison** - Weighted criteria matrix
6. **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