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Research & Scoping Documents

Outcome: You'll create a professional research document using Claude Code.

The Pattern​

  1. Gather source materials (transcripts, notes, data)
  2. Provide all as context (copy paths)
  3. Request evidence-based research
  4. Specify output structure and file location

This pattern works for competitive analysis, market research, project scoping, due diligence—any time you need to synthesize information into a structured document.

Hands-On: Create a Scoping Document​

Scenario: You need to evaluate options for a project.

Step 1: Gather your inputs​

Collect everything relevant:

  • Any meeting notes or transcripts
  • Requirements documents
  • Previous research
  • Reference materials

Step 2: Build your super prompt​

I need a scoping document that evaluates [options/platforms/approaches] for [project].

Here's context from our stakeholder meeting: [paste transcript path]
Here's our requirements doc: [paste requirements path]

Write the scoping document to: [paste output path]

Include:
- Executive summary
- Evaluation criteria
- Analysis of each option
- Recommendation with rationale
- Sources cited

Make a comprehensive to-do list for yourself. Research each option online.

Step 3: Review and iterate​

Claude will:

  1. Read your source materials
  2. Create a to-do list for the research
  3. Research each option online
  4. Write a structured document with sources

Review the output. Ask for revisions:

  • "Add more detail to the pricing comparison"
  • "The executive summary is too long—cut it in half"
  • "Include a risk assessment section"

Template Variations​

Competitive Analysis​

I need a competitive analysis of [Company A], [Company B], and [Company C].

Here's what we know about our requirements: [paste path]

Write the analysis to: [paste output path]

Include:
- Company overviews
- Feature comparison table
- Pricing comparison
- Strengths and weaknesses of each
- Recommendation for our use case

Research each company online and cite your sources.

Market Research​

I need market research on [industry/segment].

Here's our initial notes: [paste path]

Write the research to: [paste output path]

Include:
- Market size and growth
- Key players
- Trends and predictions
- Opportunities and threats
- Recommendations

Make a comprehensive to-do list and research thoroughly.

Project Scoping​

I need a project scope document for [project name].

Here's the stakeholder meeting transcript: [paste path]
Here's the initial brief: [paste path]

Write the scope document to: [paste output path]

Include:
- Project overview and objectives
- In-scope and out-of-scope items
- Key deliverables
- Timeline and milestones
- Risks and assumptions
- Success criteria

Pro Tips​

TipWhy It Matters
Be specific about structureClaude follows your outline—give it one
Request sources"Cite your sources" makes output verifiable
Iterate in chunksReview section by section, not all at once
Save good outputs as templatesNext time, reference the structure you liked