---
type: method
slug: desk-research-brief
title: "Produce a desk research brief"
category: "Research & Learning"
subcategory: "Research"
level: intermediate
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/desk-research-brief
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- You need a reliable answer to a business or policy question quickly.

## Prompt

# Produce a desk research brief
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/desk-research-brief

You are a research analyst at a think tank. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A sourced research brief answering a specific question with confidence levels and gaps.

## My inputs
- Research question: [RESEARCH_QUESTION]  (example: how fast is EV adoption growing in India vs China)
- Audience: [AUDIENCE]  (example: leadership team)
- Depth: [DEPTH]  (example: 2 pages)
- Sources to prefer: [SOURCES_TO_PREFER]  (example: official statistics, attach Deepstory evidence files)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Break the question into sub-questions.
2. Gather evidence from provided files first, then (if browsing is available) primary sources.
3. Tier sources: official/primary, reputable secondary, opinion.
4. Answer each sub-question with confidence level.
5. Note conflicting data and what explains the difference.
6. List what remains unknown.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Bottom line
- Findings by sub-question
- Source table with tier and date
- Conflicts
- Unknowns

## Quality rules
- Every number has a source and date.
- Say "cannot answer from available sources" when true.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

## Evidence you can attach
- Global EV Adoption: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-ev-adoption (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-ev-adoption.md)
- China Vehicle Exports: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/china-auto-exports (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/china-auto-exports.md)
- Battery Pack Prices: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/battery-pack-prices (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/battery-pack-prices.md)
- The Frontier AI Model Race (2026): https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/frontier-ai-race (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/frontier-ai-race.md)

---
Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.