Synthesize Research

# Synthesize Research

> If you see unfamiliar placeholders or need to check which tools are connected, see [CONNECTORS.md](../../CONNECTORS.md).

Synthesize user research from multiple sources into structured insights and recommendations.

## Usage

```
/synthesize-research $ARGUMENTS
```

## Workflow

### 1. Gather Research Inputs

Accept research from any combination of:
- **Pasted text**: Interview notes, transcripts, survey responses, feedback
- **Uploaded files**: Research documents, spreadsheets, recordings summaries
- **~~knowledge base** (if connected): Search for research documents, interview notes, survey results
- **~~user feedback** (if connected): Pull recent support tickets, feature requests, bug reports
- **~~product analytics** (if connected): Pull usage data, funnel metrics, behavioral data
- **~~meeting transcription** (if connected): Pull interview recordings, meeting summaries, and discussion notes

Ask the user what they have:
- What type of research? (interviews, surveys, usability tests, analytics, support tickets, sales call notes)
- How many sources / participants?
- Is there a specific question or hypothesis they are investigating?
- What decisions will this research inform?

### 2. Process the Research

For each source, extract:
- **Key observations**: What did users say, do, or experience?
- **Quotes**: Verbatim quotes that illustrate important points
- **Behaviors**: What users actually did (vs what they said they do)
- **Pain points**: Frustrations, workarounds, and unmet needs
- **Positive signals**: What works well, moments of delight
- **Context**: User segment, use case, experience level

### 3. Identify Themes and Patterns

Apply thematic analysis — see **Research Synthesis Methodology** below for detailed guidance on thematic analysis, affinity mapping, and triangulation techniques.

Group observations into themes, count frequency across participants, and assess impact severity. Note contradictions and surprises.

Create a priority matrix:
- **High frequency + High impact**: Top priority findings
- **Low frequency + High impact**: Important for specific segments
- **High frequency + Low impact**: Quality-of-life improvements