# docfactory-market

> Drafts 01-market-research.md (competitors, user complaints, gap analysis, wedge hypothesis) for a new app idea using credible sources and citations. Use after docfactory-init or when the user asks for market research, competitor analysis, or gap analysis. Do not invent TAM/SAM/SOM or download estimates.

- Author: Burak Dirin
- Repository: burakdirin/skills
- Version: 20260208233414
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-08
- Source: https://github.com/burakdirin/skills
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@burakdirin/skills~docfactory-market:20260208233414

---

---
name: docfactory-market
description: Drafts 01-market-research.md (competitors, user complaints, gap analysis, wedge hypothesis) for a new app idea using credible sources and citations. Use after docfactory-init or when the user asks for market research, competitor analysis, or gap analysis. Do not invent TAM/SAM/SOM or download estimates.
---

# DocFactory Market Research (01-market-research.md)

This skill produces a **source-backed** market/problem research memo for a brand-new mobile app idea.
It is intentionally strict about **not hallucinating numbers**.

## Prerequisites (required context)

This skill expects these files already exist (generated by `docfactory-init`):

- `00-project-brief.md`
- `00-decisions.md`
- `00-glossary.md`

If they do not exist, STOP and tell the user to run `docfactory-init` first.

## Output (exact file)

Produce exactly one file:

- `01-market-research.md`

### Required top sections (in this order)

- `## Decision Summary`
- `## Open Questions`
- `## Assumptions` (tag as `[ASSUMPTION-A1]`, `[ASSUMPTION-A2]`, ...)
- `## Risks & Mitigations` (tag as `[RISK]`)

## Hard rules

- Language: English.
- **Never invent numbers** (TAM/SAM/SOM, downloads, revenue, MAU/DAU, etc.).
  - If you cannot verify a metric: write `[NO_DATA]` and explain what would be needed to verify.
- Every competitor claim that can be sourced must have a citation link (URL).
- Prefer sources from the last 12 months. If you must use older sources, mark `[RISK] Outdated source` and justify.
- If internet access is unavailable: do NOT guess. Output a research plan + `[NO_DATA]` placeholders.

## What to include in 01-market-research.md

Use the template in `templates/01-market-research.template.md`.

Minimum requirements:

1. **Category & trend signals**
   - Describe the category and why now (or why not).
   - Provide trend signals (with citations) such as:
     - App store category movement
     - Search interest (Google Trends)
     - Recent notable launches/coverage
   - If you cannot access data, write `[NO_DATA]` and list the exact queries/sources you would use.

2. **Competitors (5–8)**
   For each competitor include (with citations):
   - Name + platform links (App Store / Google Play / website)
   - Pricing model (subscription tiers, trial, freemium limits)
   - Positioning / target segment
   - Review themes: what users praise vs complain about (quote <= 25 words total per source where possible)

   Rules:
   - If you can’t confirm pricing, write `[NO_DATA]` (do not guess).
   - Do not include “download estimates” unless the source is credible and explicitly provides it.

3. **User complaints & unmet needs**
   - Synthesize complaints from:
     - App Store / Play Store reviews
     - Reddit threads
     - X/Twitter (only if credible, avoid random accounts)
   - Cluster complaints into 4–8 themes.
   - Include short excerpts (keep them short) and cite.

4. **Gap analysis**
   - What competitors miss (features, UX, onboarding, speed, trust, pricing confusion).
   - Identify a **narrow wedge** suitable for a solo indie dev.

5. **Wedge hypothesis**
   - “If we build X for Y, they will choose us because Z.”
   - Include “why this is micro-app friendly”.

6. **Go/No-Go**
   - Based on: competition intensity, differentiation clarity, build scope, monetization fit.
   - Provide a recommendation with reasoning.

7. **Research queries & source log**
   - Include a “Search Queries” section with the exact queries you used (or would use).
   - Include a final “Sources” section listing all URLs.

## Suggested structure validator

After producing the file, optionally run:

- `python scripts/validate_docfactory_market.py`

## Stop & ask conditions

Stop and ask the user if:

- The app category is unclear, or you cannot identify 5–8 competitors.
- You do not have access to browse sources but the user expects verified numbers.
- The user asks for PRD/UX/architecture here (out of scope).

## Additional Resources

- For the market research template, see [templates/01-market-research.template.md](templates/01-market-research.template.md)
- For search queries guidance, see [references/search-queries.template.md](references/search-queries.template.md)
- For source quality rubric, see [references/source-quality-rubric.md](references/source-quality-rubric.md)
- For a complete example, see [examples/idea.example.yaml](examples/idea.example.yaml)
- For example output, see [examples/output/01-market-research.md](examples/output/01-market-research.md)
- For validation script, see [scripts/validate_docfactory_market.py](scripts/validate_docfactory_market.py)