Market Research Workflow Instructions

The workflow execution engine is governed by: {project_root}/bmad/core/tasks/workflow.xml You MUST have already loaded and processed: {installed_path}/workflow.yaml This is an INTERACTIVE workflow with web research capabilities. Engage the user at key decision points.

Welcome the user and explain the market research journey ahead

Ask the user these critical questions to shape the research:

1. What is the product/service you’re researching?

   • Name and brief description
   • Current stage (idea, MVP, launched, scaling)

2. What are your primary research objectives?

   • Market sizing and opportunity assessment?
   • Competitive intelligence gathering?
   • Customer segment validation?
   • Go-to-market strategy development?
   • Investment/fundraising support?
   • Product-market fit validation?

3. Research depth preference:

   • Quick scan (2-3 hours) - High-level insights
   • Standard analysis (4-6 hours) - Comprehensive coverage
   • Deep dive (8+ hours) - Exhaustive research with modeling

4. Do you have any existing research or documents to build upon?

<template-output>product_name</template-output> <template-output>product_description</template-output> <template-output>research_objectives</template-output> <template-output>research_depth</template-output>

Help the user precisely define the market scope

Work with the user to establish:

1. Market Category Definition

   • Primary category/industry
   • Adjacent or overlapping markets
   • Where this fits in the value chain

2. Geographic Scope

   • Global, regional, or country-specific?
   • Primary markets vs. expansion markets
   • Regulatory considerations by region

3. Customer Segment Boundaries

   • B2B, B2C, or B2B2C?
   • Primary vs. secondary segments
   • Segment size estimates

Should we include adjacent markets in the TAM calculation? This could significantly increase market size but may be less immediately addressable.

<template-output>market_definition</template-output> <template-output>geographic_scope</template-output> <template-output>segment_boundaries</template-output>

Conduct real-time web research to gather current market data

This step performs ACTUAL web searches to gather live market intelligence

Conduct systematic research across multiple sources:

Search for latest industry reports, market size data, and growth projections Search queries to execute: - “[market_category] market size [geographic_scope] [current_year]” - “[market_category] industry report Gartner Forrester IDC McKinsey” - “[market_category] market growth rate CAGR forecast” - “[market_category] market trends [current_year]”

<invoke-task halt=“true”>{project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml</invoke-task>

Search government databases and regulatory sources Search for: - Government statistics bureaus - Industry associations - Regulatory body reports - Census and economic data

Gather recent news, funding announcements, and market events Search for articles from the last 6-12 months about: - Major deals and acquisitions - Funding rounds in the space - New market entrants - Regulatory changes - Technology disruptions

Search for academic research and white papers Look for peer-reviewed studies on: - Market dynamics - Technology adoption patterns - Customer behavior research

<template-output>market_intelligence_raw</template-output> <template-output>key_data_points</template-output> <template-output>source_credibility_notes</template-output>

Calculate market sizes using multiple methodologies for triangulation

Use actual data gathered in previous steps, not hypothetical numbers

Method 1: Top-Down Approach - Start with total industry size from research - Apply relevant filters and segments - Show calculation: Industry Size × Relevant Percentage

Method 2: Bottom-Up Approach

• Number of potential customers × Average revenue per customer
• Build from unit economics

Method 3: Value Theory Approach

• Value created × Capturable percentage
• Based on problem severity and alternative costs

Which TAM calculation method seems most credible given our data? Should we use multiple methods and triangulate?

<template-output>tam_calculation</template-output> <template-output>tam_methodology</template-output>

Calculate Serviceable Addressable Market

Apply constraints to TAM:

• Geographic limitations (markets you can serve)
• Regulatory restrictions
• Technical requirements (e.g., internet penetration)
• Language/cultural barriers
• Current business model limitations

SAM = TAM × Serviceable Percentage Show the calculation with clear assumptions.

<template-output>sam_calculation</template-output>

Calculate realistic market capture

Consider competitive dynamics:

• Current market share of competitors
• Your competitive advantages
• Resource constraints
• Time to market considerations
• Customer acquisition capabilities

Create 3 scenarios:

1. Conservative (1-2% market share)
2. Realistic (3-5% market share)
3. Optimistic (5-10% market share)

<template-output>som_scenarios</template-output>

Develop detailed understanding of target customers

For each major segment, research and define:

Demographics/Firmographics:

• Size and scale characteristics
• Geographic distribution
• Industry/vertical (for B2B)

Psychographics:

• Values and priorities
• Decision-making process
• Technology adoption patterns

Behavioral Patterns:

• Current solutions used
• Purchasing frequency
• Budget allocation

<invoke-task halt=“true”>{project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml</invoke-task> <template-output>segmentprofile{{segment_number}}</template-output>

Apply JTBD framework to understand customer needs

For primary segment, identify:

Functional Jobs:

• Main tasks to accomplish
• Problems to solve
• Goals to achieve

Emotional Jobs:

• Feelings sought
• Anxieties to avoid
• Status desires

Social Jobs:

• How they want to be perceived
• Group dynamics
• Peer influences

Would you like to conduct actual customer interviews or surveys to validate these jobs? (We can create an interview guide)

<template-output>jobs_to_be_done</template-output>

Research and estimate pricing sensitivity

Analyze:

• Current spending on alternatives
• Budget allocation for this category
• Value perception indicators
• Price points of substitutes

<template-output>pricing_analysis</template-output>

Conduct comprehensive competitive analysis

Create comprehensive competitor list

Search for and categorize:

1. Direct Competitors - Same solution, same market
2. Indirect Competitors - Different solution, same problem
3. Potential Competitors - Could enter market
4. Substitute Products - Alternative approaches

Do you have a specific list of competitors to analyze, or should I discover them through research?

For top 5 competitors, research and analyze

Gather intelligence on:

• Company overview and history
• Product features and positioning
• Pricing strategy and models
• Target customer focus
• Recent news and developments
• Funding and financial health
• Team and leadership
• Customer reviews and sentiment

<invoke-task halt=“true”>{project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml</invoke-task> <template-output>competitoranalysis{{competitor_number}}</template-output>

Create positioning analysis

Map competitors on key dimensions:

• Price vs. Value
• Feature completeness vs. Ease of use
• Market segment focus
• Technology approach
• Business model

Identify:

• Gaps in the market
• Over-served areas
• Differentiation opportunities

<template-output>competitive_positioning</template-output>

Apply Porter’s Five Forces framework

Use specific evidence from research, not generic assessments

Analyze each force with concrete examples:

Rate: [Low/Medium/High] - Key suppliers and dependencies - Switching costs - Concentration of suppliers - Forward integration threat

Rate: [Low/Medium/High] - Customer concentration - Price sensitivity - Switching costs for customers - Backward integration threat

Rate: [Low/Medium/High] - Number and strength of competitors - Industry growth rate - Exit barriers - Differentiation levels

Rate: [Low/Medium/High] - Capital requirements - Regulatory barriers - Network effects - Brand loyalty

Rate: [Low/Medium/High] - Alternative solutions - Switching costs to substitutes - Price-performance trade-offs

<template-output>porters_five_forces</template-output>

Identify trends and future market dynamics

Research and analyze:

Technology Trends:

• Emerging technologies impacting market
• Digital transformation effects
• Automation possibilities

Social/Cultural Trends:

• Changing customer behaviors
• Generational shifts
• Social movements impact

Economic Trends:

• Macroeconomic factors
• Industry-specific economics
• Investment trends

Regulatory Trends:

• Upcoming regulations
• Compliance requirements
• Policy direction

Should we explore any specific emerging technologies or disruptions that could reshape this market?

<template-output>market_trends</template-output> <template-output>future_outlook</template-output>

Synthesize research into strategic opportunities

Based on all research, identify top 3-5 opportunities:

For each opportunity:

• Description and rationale
• Size estimate (from SOM)
• Resource requirements
• Time to market
• Risk assessment
• Success criteria

<invoke-task halt=“true”>{project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/adv-elicit.xml</invoke-task> <template-output>market_opportunities</template-output>

Develop GTM strategy based on research:

Positioning Strategy:

• Value proposition refinement
• Differentiation approach
• Messaging framework

Target Segment Sequencing:

• Beachhead market selection
• Expansion sequence
• Segment-specific approaches

Channel Strategy:

• Distribution channels
• Partnership opportunities
• Marketing channels

Pricing Strategy:

• Model recommendation
• Price points
• Value metrics

<template-output>gtm_strategy</template-output>

Identify and assess key risks:

Market Risks:

• Demand uncertainty
• Market timing
• Economic sensitivity

Competitive Risks:

• Competitor responses
• New entrants
• Technology disruption

Execution Risks:

• Resource requirements
• Capability gaps
• Scaling challenges

For each risk: Impact (H/M/L) × Probability (H/M/L) = Risk Score Provide mitigation strategies.

<template-output>risk_assessment</template-output>

Create financial model based on market research

Would you like to create a financial model with revenue projections based on the market analysis?

Build 3-year projections:

• Revenue model based on SOM scenarios
• Customer acquisition projections
• Unit economics
• Break-even analysis
• Funding requirements

<template-output>financial_projections</template-output>

Synthesize all findings into executive summary

Write this AFTER all other sections are complete

Create compelling executive summary with:

Market Opportunity:

• TAM/SAM/SOM summary
• Growth trajectory

Key Insights:

• Top 3-5 findings
• Surprising discoveries
• Critical success factors

Competitive Landscape:

• Market structure
• Positioning opportunity

Strategic Recommendations:

• Priority actions
• Go-to-market approach
• Investment requirements

Risk Summary:

• Major risks
• Mitigation approach

<template-output>executive_summary</template-output>

Compile full report and review with user

Generate the complete market research report using the template Review all sections for completeness and consistency Ensure all data sources are properly cited

Would you like to review any specific sections before finalizing? Are there any additional analyses you’d like to include?

Return to refine opportunities

<template-output>final_report_ready</template-output>

Would you like to include detailed appendices with calculations, full competitor profiles, or raw research data?

Create appendices with:

• Detailed TAM/SAM/SOM calculations
• Full competitor profiles
• Customer interview notes
• Data sources and methodology
• Financial model details
• Glossary of terms

<template-output>appendices</template-output>

Search {output_folder}/ for files matching pattern: bmm-workflow-status.md Find the most recent file (by date in filename)

Load the status file

<template-output file=“{{status_file_path}}”>current_step</template-output> Set to: “research ({{research_mode}})”

<template-output file=“{{status_file_path}}”>current_workflow</template-output> Set to: “research ({{research_mode}}) - Complete”

<template-output file=“{{status_file_path}}”>progress_percentage</template-output> Increment by: 5% (optional Phase 1 workflow)

<template-output file=“{{status_file_path}}”>decisions_log</template-output> Add entry:

- **{{date}}**: Completed research workflow ({{research_mode}} mode). Research report generated and saved. Next: Review findings and consider product-brief or plan-project workflows.

✅ Research Complete ({{research_mode}} mode)

Research Report:

• Research report generated and saved

Status file updated:

• Current step: research ({{research_mode}}) ✓
• Progress: {{new_progress_percentage}}%

Next Steps:

1. Review research findings
2. Share with stakeholders
3. Consider running:
   • product-brief or game-brief to formalize vision
   • plan-project if ready to create PRD/GDD

Check status anytime with: workflow-status

✅ Research Complete ({{research_mode}} mode)

Research Report:

• Research report generated and saved

Note: Running in standalone mode (no status file).

To track progress across workflows, run workflow-status first.

Next Steps:

1. Review research findings
2. Run product-brief or plan-project workflows