# Research products

> Find product candidates that fit your design brief.

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## Start here

- [Install](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-product-research#capability-setup)
- [New to skills?](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/agents)
- [All skills](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities?kind=skills)

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## What it does

Give Norma the brief, budget, market and selection criteria. Norma researches actual products and returns a shortlist with sources, tradeoffs and open questions. You choose the products to carry forward.

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## Install

Connect Arch Studio in Claude or ChatGPT, then return to your conversation and ask Norma for the task. Your assistant uses its available file access and tools to carry out the skill.

- [Add to Claude](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=claude&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Add to ChatGPT](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=chatgpt&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Setup guide](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install)

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## Versions and source

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · MCP — Available as MCP workflow instructions in compatible Claude and ChatGPT connections. The assistant performs the work with its own tools and permissions and verifies the actual result before reporting completion.

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · Open source — Included in the public plugin for Claude Code and Codex. In this version: Research products — Find and compare FF&E candidates for a design brief, with sourced purchasing facts.

- [Hosted release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/hosted-1-5-1-2-0692a162)
- [Read public source](https://github.com/AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects/blob/b85cba155ddbabe8e721fc79044e5a9ef4aa7540/skills/product-research/SKILL.md)
- [Public release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/public-1-5-1-2)

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## Usage

Ask Norma in plain language. With Arch Studio connected through MCP, no $ or / command is required. Norma is your assistant working with Arch Studio.

```text
Use Arch Studio to research task chairs for this workplace brief. Compare fit, dimensions, selected configurations and verified prices. Give me a shortlist with sources and open questions before saving or adopting any product.
```

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## What it researches

### Fit to the brief

Norma compares function, scale, material and other requested criteria across candidates.

### Product specifications

Norma retains source-backed dimensions, model identities and configuration information.

### Price and availability

Norma reports prices or availability only where supported and keeps missing evidence visible.

### Selection status

Norma keeps a researched candidate separate from an adopted selection or saved library record.

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## Workflow

1. **Scope** — Norma turns your brief into search criteria.
2. **Research** — Norma finds candidates and reads their actual sources.
3. **Compare** — Norma presents the shortlist and tradeoffs for your selection.

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## Pairs with

Norma can check a selected candidate in more detail before you adopt it or prepare a product sheet.

- [Product Audit](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-product-audit)

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## Related skills

Product Audit — Check a selected product against its source evidence.

Find similar products — Find alternatives to a product you like.

Product Library — Keep reviewed product information in a reusable library.

- [Product Audit](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-product-audit)
- [Find similar products](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-product-match)
- [Product Library](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-product-library)