Skip to content

title: "Gather — "What do we NOT know?"" source: ".tfw/templates/research/2_gather.md"


Gather — "What do we NOT know?"

Mindset: Explorer. You're mapping unknown territory. Widen before you narrow. Every assumption is a question. Test: "Can I name every dimension and its alternatives without checking my sources?" Parent: HL-{PREFIX}-{N} Goal: {from HL §1 Vision — one sentence}

Dimensions

Identify the independent decision factors in this problem. Each dimension represents a degree of freedom — a variable the final solution must choose a value for.

For each dimension, list ≥3 alternatives. Do NOT mark any alternative as "recommended" — all options remain open until Challenge.

Dimension Alt A Alt B Alt C Alt D (if any)
{D1: factor name} {option} {option} {option}
{D2: factor name} {option} {option} {option}
{D3: factor name} {option} {option} {option}

If fewer than 3 independent dimensions exist, skip this table and use a comparison matrix (pros/cons) in Findings instead.

Findings

{G1: source/topic title}

{content}

{G2: source/topic title}

{content}

Checkpoint

Found Remaining
{key finding} {gap, if any}

Sufficiency: - [ ] External source used? - [ ] Briefing gap closed? - [ ] Dimensions identified? (skip if <3 independent factors — use comparison matrix in Findings instead)

Stage complete: YES / NO → User decision: ___