feat: update structure

CLAUDE.md

@@ -34,11 +34,12 @@ banatie-strategy/
 │   └── [other execution docs]
 │
 ├── research/              # Passive research (flat structure)
-│   ├── method-*.md        # Research methodology documents
+│   ├── INDEX.md           # Research overview and navigation
-│   ├── direction-N-*.md   # Research directions (expandable)
+│   ├── banatie-research-directions-tracker.md        # Main research directions (0-10)
-│   ├── signals-*.md       # Strong signals found
+│   ├── banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md  # Extended directions (11-12)
-│   ├── analysis-*.md      # Synthesis and discussion outcomes
+│   ├── passive-research-methodology.md               # Research methodology guide
-│   └── MIGRATION-GUIDE.md # Guide for copying from Project Knowledge
+│   ├── direction-N-strong-signals.md                 # Research findings for direction N
+│   └── analysis-*.md      # Strategic analysis and synthesis
 │
 ├── discussions/           # Strategic session history
 │   └── YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md
@@ -49,12 +50,16 @@ banatie-strategy/
 
 ### File Naming Rules
 
-**Research folder (FLAT structure with prefixes):**
+**Research folder (FLAT structure with descriptive names):**
-- `direction-N-name.md` - Research directions (N = reference number)
+- `INDEX.md` - Research overview and navigation (links to all research docs)
-- `signals-name.md` - Strong signals and findings
+- `banatie-research-directions-tracker*.md` - Research direction trackers and planning
-- `analysis-name.md` - Strategic analysis and synthesis
+  - Main tracker: Directions 0-10 with hypothesis, questions, scoring
-- `methodology-name.md` - Research methodologies (if needed)
+  - Extensions: Additional directions (11-12, etc.)
-- `INDEX.md` - Overview and methodology
+- `passive-research-methodology.md` - Complete research methodology guide
+- `direction-N-strong-signals.md` - Research findings for direction N (where N = direction number)
+  - Example: `direction-2-strong-signals.md`, `direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md`
+- `analysis-*.md` - Strategic analysis and synthesis across directions
+  - Example: `analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md`
 
 **Main documentation (numbered):**
 - Sequential numbering across strategy/ and execution/ (01, 02, 03... 99)

INDEX.md

@@ -143,39 +143,29 @@ Key: Platform mostly production-ready, gaps identified
 
 ## 🔬 Research Documents
 
-**See:** [research/method-passive-research.md](research/method-passive-research.md) for detailed methodology
+**📂 Complete Research Documentation:** [research/INDEX.md](research/INDEX.md)
 
-### Research Structure (Flat with Prefixes)
+### Research Status Summary
 
-**Methodology:**
+**Phase 1 Completed (Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2025):**
-- [method-passive-research.md](research/method-passive-research.md) - Complete research guide
+- ✅ 3 directions researched with strong signals (Directions 1, 2, 6)
+- ✅ 10 research directions mapped (Directions 0-10)
+- ✅ 2 extensions scoped (Directions 11-12: E-commerce, NoCode)
+- ✅ Reusable methodology documented
+- ✅ ICP refined to A/B/C/D segments
 
-**Directions:**
+**Primary Finding:** Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) = ⭐ 70-80% confidence
-- [direction-1-agencies-placeholder-hell.md](research/direction-1-agencies-placeholder-hell.md)
+- [direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md](research/direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md) - Complete research
-- [direction-2-ai-coding-agents.md](research/direction-2-ai-coding-agents.md) ⭐ STRONGEST
-- [direction-6-gemini-ecommerce.md](research/direction-6-gemini-ecommerce.md)
-- *(Additional directions from Project Knowledge to be added)*
-
-**Signals:**
-- [signals-summary.md](research/signals-summary.md) - Aggregate findings
-- *(Copy from Project Knowledge: direction-1/2/6-strong-signals.md)*
-
-**Analysis:**
-- [analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md](research/analysis-icp-segmentation-abcd.md) ⭐ NEW - A/B/C/D framework
-
-### Key Research Insights
-
-**Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents): 70-80% confidence** ⭐
 - ICP match = excellent (founder IS the ICP)
 - Market size = huge (36K+ r/cursor members)
 - Willingness to pay = validated ($20-200/mo)
 - Technical fit = perfect (MCP + SDK)
 
 **ICP Segmentation (A/B/C/D):**
-- **A:** Studios/Agencies (CEO decision) - Direction 1 focus
+- **A:** Studios/Agencies (CEO decision, higher ACV) - Direction 1 focus
-- **B:** Power Users (Tech leads with Cursor) - Direction 2 PRIMARY
+- **B:** Power Users (Tech leads with Cursor/Claude Code) - ⭐ PRIMARY
-- **C:** Freelancers (Solo decision) - Cross-direction
+- **C:** Freelancers (Solo decision, price-sensitive) - Cross-direction
-- **D:** AI-savvy Freelancers - Direction 2 SECONDARY
+- **D:** AI-savvy Freelancers (High volume, time=money) - ⭐ SECONDARY
 
 ---
 

ROADMAP.md

@@ -35,17 +35,25 @@
 
 ## ✅ Completed: Passive Research Phase 1 (Oct 31 - Nov 2)
 
-- [x] Direction 1 research (Agencies + Placeholder Hell) - Strong signals
+- [x] Direction 0 research (Initial Exploration) - Completed Oct 31, 2025
-- [x] Direction 2 research (AI Coding Agents) - ⭐ STRONGEST validation
+- [x] Direction 1 research (Agencies + Placeholder Hell) - Strong signals found
-- [x] Direction 6 research (Gemini/E-commerce) - Parking lot (ICP mismatch)
+- [x] Direction 2 research (AI Coding Agents) - ⭐ STRONGEST validation (70-80% confidence)
+- [x] Direction 6 research (Gemini/E-commerce) - Parking lot (ICP mismatch with no-code preference)
+- [x] Directions 11-12 scoped (E-commerce deep-dive, NoCode builders) - Future exploration if needed
+- [x] Research methodology documented ([passive-research-methodology.md](research/passive-research-methodology.md)) - Reusable framework
+- [x] Research direction trackers created (10 directions mapped, 2 extensions planned)
+- [x] Research navigation hub created ([research/INDEX.md](research/INDEX.md))
 - [x] A/B/C/D segmentation framework created
-- [x] Research documentation restructured (flat + prefixes)
+- [x] Research documentation restructured (flat + descriptive names)
 
 **Key Outcomes:**
-- Direction 2 = 70-80% confidence (AI coding agents)
+- Direction 2 = 70-80% confidence (AI coding agents using Cursor/Claude Code)
-- ICP refined to 4 segments: A/B/C/D
+- ICP refined to 4 segments: A (Studios), B (Power Users) ⭐, C (Freelancers), D (AI-savvy Freelancers) ⭐
 - Technical product = same for all segments
-- GTM differs by segment (messaging, pricing, channels)
+- GTM differs by segment (messaging, pricing emphasis, outreach channels)
+- 10 research directions mapped (0-10), 2 extensions scoped (11-12)
+- Reusable research methodology established for future validation sprints
+- Complete research documentation system created
 
 ---
 

research/INDEX.md

@@ -0,0 +1,257 @@
+# Research Documentation Index
+
+**Last Updated:** November 2, 2025
+**Purpose:** Navigation hub for all Banatie research materials
+**Status:** 📝 Living document
+
+---
+
+## 📋 Overview
+
+This folder contains all passive research conducted to validate ICP hypotheses for Banatie.app. The research follows a structured methodology of exploring multiple directions, documenting findings with verifiable sources, and synthesizing insights into actionable strategic decisions.
+
+**Research Structure:** Flat folder with descriptive filenames (no nested folders)
+**Output Format:** Markdown files with strong signals, evidence links, and strategic analysis
+**Current Phase:** Phase 1 completed (Directions 0, 1, 2, 6) → Interview preparation active
+
+---
+
+## 🛠️ Methodology
+
+**[passive-research-methodology.md](passive-research-methodology.md)** - Complete research guide (battle-tested)
+
+**Purpose:** Reusable framework for conducting passive research before customer interviews
+**Key Principles:**
+- Observe real pain (Reddit/forums) before asking filtered questions
+- Multiple search variations per topic (3-5) to avoid false negatives
+- Document findings continuously with verifiable links
+- Collaborative decision-making (Oleg + @men)
+
+**When to use:** Before any new ICP validation or market exploration
+
+---
+
+## 📊 Research Direction Trackers
+
+### [banatie-research-directions-tracker.md](banatie-research-directions-tracker.md)
+**Main research planning document - Directions 0-10**
+
+**Structure:** Each direction includes:
+- Hypothesis to validate
+- Key questions to answer
+- Specific search topics (5-7 per direction)
+- Findings section (filled during research)
+
+**Directions Mapped:**
+- ✅ Direction 0: Initial Exploration (COMPLETED)
+- 📋 Direction 1: Prompt URLs + No-Code Generation
+- ✅ Direction 2: AI Agent Ecosystem (COMPLETED - ⭐ STRONGEST)
+- ⏳ Direction 3: Marketing Agencies Pain
+- ⏳ Direction 4: E-commerce Product Variations
+- ⏳ Direction 5: Technical Writers + Documentation
+- ✅ Direction 6: Gemini 2.5 Flash Specific Demand (COMPLETED)
+- ⏳ Direction 7: Indie Hackers + Side Projects
+- ⏳ Direction 8: No-Code Builders (Webflow, Framer)
+- ⏳ Direction 9: Content Creators + YouTubers
+- ⏳ Direction 10: SaaS Founders (Marketing Pages)
+
+### [banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md](banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md)
+**Extended research directions - Directions 11-12**
+
+**Deep-dive directions discovered from Direction 6 findings:**
+- ⏳ Direction 11: E-commerce Product Photography (n8n workflows, $50B market)
+- ⏳ Direction 12: NoCode Automation Builders (n8n, Make, Zapier users)
+
+**Status:** Parking lot (ICP mismatch with no-code preference, long sales cycle)
+
+---
+
+## 🔬 Completed Research (Strong Signals)
+
+### [direction-1-strong-signals.md](direction-1-strong-signals.md)
+**Research:** Agencies + Placeholder Hell
+**Status:** ✅ COMPLETED - Strong signals found
+**Confidence:** Medium (60-70%)
+
+**Key Findings:**
+- "Placeholder hell" validated (projects stall waiting for client content)
+- Client approval blocked without realistic demo images
+- Agencies struggle with generic stock photos for pitches
+- Pain is real but ICP mismatch (agencies ≠ validated AI developer audience)
+
+**Strategic Decision:** Secondary market, revisit if primary ICP fails
+
+---
+
+### [direction-2-strong-signals.md](direction-2-strong-signals.md)
+**Research:** AI Coding Agents (Early Phase)
+**Status:** ⚠️ PARTIAL - Superseded by part2
+
+**Note:** This file contains initial findings. For complete research, see direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md below.
+
+---
+
+### [direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md](direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md) ⭐ PRIMARY
+**Research:** AI Coding Agents + Image Generation (COMPLETE)
+**Status:** ✅ STRONGEST VALIDATION
+**Confidence:** Very High (70-80%)
+
+**Key Findings:**
+1. ✅ Massive user base (36K+ r/cursor members building real projects)
+2. ✅ Stock photos pain validated (generic, overused, unprofessional)
+3. ✅ Willingness to pay confirmed ($20-200/mo for AI tools)
+4. ✅ Manual Midjourney workflow = tedious
+5. ✅ Aspect ratio limitations = real pain
+6. ✅ Image optimization = time-consuming
+7. ✅ Paid MCP business model validated ($5-20/mo for point tools)
+
+**ICP Match:** 70-80% confidence
+- Founder IS the ICP (uses Claude Code daily)
+- Technical fit = perfect (MCP + SDK)
+- Market size = huge
+- Fast path to revenue
+
+**Strategic Decision:** ✅ PRIMARY ICP - Proceed to customer interviews
+
+---
+
+### [direction-6-strong-signals.md](direction-6-strong-signals.md)
+**Research:** Gemini 2.5 Flash Specific Demand + E-commerce/NoCode
+**Status:** ✅ COMPLETED - Mixed signals
+**Confidence:** Low for ICP match (30-40%)
+
+**Key Findings:**
+- ✅ Huge market ($50B product photography)
+- ✅ Clear use case (1 photo → 100 variations)
+- ✅ n8n + Nano Banana workflows actively used in production
+- ⚠️ Free tier preference (16K-31K images/month FREE)
+- ⚠️ No-code preference (not our validated technical ICP)
+- ⚠️ Long sales cycle for e-commerce (B2B)
+
+**Strategic Decision:** Parking lot - Directions 11-12 created for future exploration if needed
+
+---
+
+## 🎯 Strategic Analysis
+
+### Key Insights Across All Research
+
+**Market Validation:**
+- Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) = ⭐ 70-80% confidence, strongest signals
+- Direction 1 (Agencies) = 60-70% confidence, ICP mismatch concern
+- Direction 6 (E-commerce/NoCode) = 30-40% confidence, pivot required
+
+**ICP Segmentation (from Direction 2):**
+- **Segment A:** Studios/Agencies (3-10 people, CEO decision, higher ACV)
+- **Segment B:** Power Users ⭐ PRIMARY (Tech leads with Cursor/Claude Code)
+- **Segment C:** Freelancers (Solo, price-sensitive, fast decision)
+- **Segment D:** AI-savvy Freelancers ⭐ SECONDARY (High volume, time=money)
+
+**Technical Product:** SAME for all segments
+**GTM Strategy:** DIFFERS by segment (messaging, pricing emphasis, channels)
+
+**Confidence Ranking:**
+1. 🥇 Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) - 70-80% - GO for interviews
+2. 🥈 Direction 1 (Agencies) - 60-70% - Secondary exploration
+3. 🥉 Direction 6 (E-commerce) - 30-40% - Parking lot
+
+---
+
+## 📈 Research Outcomes & Next Steps
+
+**Phase 1 Completed (Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2025):**
+- ✅ 3 directions researched with strong signals
+- ✅ 10 directions mapped, 2 extensions scoped
+- ✅ Reusable methodology documented
+- ✅ ICP refined to A/B/C/D segments
+- ✅ Primary market validated (AI Coding Agents)
+
+**Next Phase: External Validation (Nov 4-10, 2025):**
+- 10-14 customer interviews across A/B/C/D segments
+- Validate willingness to pay ($20-50/mo)
+- Identify KILLER USE CASE (60%+ mention same pain)
+- Decision Gate 1: GO / PIVOT / STOP
+
+**Success Criteria for GO:**
+- 60%+ say "I would use this" (6+ out of 10)
+- 40%+ willing to pay $20+ (4+ out of 10)
+- 30%+ want early access (3+ out of 10)
+- ONE specific pain mentioned by 60%+
+
+---
+
+## 🔄 Research Workflow (Quick Reference)
+
+**For new research sessions:**
+
+1. **Load Context:**
+   - Read: ROADMAP.md, INDEX.md, 12-the-current-tech-state.md
+   - Read: Research trackers (main + extensions)
+   - Review: Completed research files
+
+2. **Plan Searches:**
+   - Choose direction from tracker
+   - Propose 5-7 specific search queries
+   - Discuss → Adjust → Execute
+
+3. **Execute Iteratively:**
+   - Run search → Scan → Share findings immediately
+   - Multiple variations per topic (3-5)
+   - Adjust strategy based on results
+
+4. **Document Continuously:**
+   - Create `direction-N-strong-signals.md`
+   - Format: 🟢 STRONG / 🟡 MEDIUM / 🔴 WEAK signals
+   - Include: URL, exact quote, context, interpretation
+
+5. **Decide & Wrap:**
+   - Summarize findings after 5-7 searches
+   - Decide: Keep searching / Move on / Pivot
+   - Update tracker with findings
+
+---
+
+## 📝 File Inventory
+
+**Total Files:** 7 (excluding this INDEX.md)
+
+**Planning Documents (2):**
+- banatie-research-directions-tracker.md (Directions 0-10)
+- banatie-research-directions-tracker-extension1.md (Directions 11-12)
+
+**Methodology (1):**
+- passive-research-methodology.md (Reusable framework)
+
+**Completed Research (4):**
+- direction-1-strong-signals.md (Agencies + Placeholder Hell)
+- direction-2-strong-signals.md (AI Agents - Partial)
+- direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md (AI Agents - Complete) ⭐
+- direction-6-strong-signals.md (Gemini/E-commerce/NoCode)
+
+**Future Research:**
+- Directions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 mapped but not yet researched
+- Directions 11, 12 scoped for future exploration if needed
+
+---
+
+## 🔗 Related Documentation
+
+**For strategic context:**
+- [Main INDEX.md](../INDEX.md) - Complete project documentation map
+- [ROADMAP.md](../ROADMAP.md) - Current priorities and active sprint
+- [FRAMEWORK.md](../FRAMEWORK.md) - Discussion and documentation best practices
+
+**For ICP decisions:**
+- [07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md](../strategy/07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md) - Primary ICP hypothesis
+- [02-reality-check.md](../strategy/02-reality-check.md) - Founder constraints
+
+**For execution:**
+- [08-validation-plan.md](../execution/08-validation-plan.md) - Interview sprint plan
+- [03-icp-research-questions.md](../execution/03-icp-research-questions.md) - Interview script
+
+---
+
+**Document Owner:** @men + Oleg
+**Version:** 1.0
+**Next Review:** After external validation complete (Nov 10, 2025)
+**Maintenance:** Update when new research completed or insights synthesized