---
name: spike
description: WHAT - Produce spike and research findings using the spike template; captures purpose, findings,
  implementation strategy, risks, tradeoffs, open questions, and references.
origin:
  type: first-party
---
# Spike and Research Findings (WHAT)

Use for technical exploration, feasibility validation, architecture assessment, or research outputs that should influence design or implementation.

## Default guardrails

1. Apply **`output-handshake`** before final output.
2. Make findings actionable: recommendation, tradeoffs, open questions, and next steps.
3. Link from **`trd`** when the spike informs technical design.
4. Link from **`adr`** when the spike leads to a durable decision.

## References

- `references/default-template.md`
- `references/example-graphql-federation.md` — example spike for evaluating GraphQL Federation with tradeoffs and phased approach
- `trd`
- `adr`