AI Deep Research — Get Hours of Research Done in Minutes

The idea

Deep Research is a mode in ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity where the AI browses many sources, reads them, and writes you a structured, cited report — instead of a one-line answer. It is built for exactly the work that used to take hours: comparing options, scanning a market, reviewing what is known about a topic. You give it a clear question and constraints; it does the legwork; you spend your time checking and deciding rather than gathering. It is available on the free tiers, on any device.

Who is this for?

What you'll get

Watch

Andy Stapleton · hands-on walkthrough · ~10 min

Do the challenge

1. 1Find Deep Research in a tool you have

   ChatGPT (Deep Research / "Research" mode), Gemini (Deep Research), or Perplexity (Research / Pro Search). All have a free tier. Pick whichever you already use.

   💡 No paid plan needed to try it. Perplexity's research mode is the most open on free; Gemini and ChatGPT include limited Deep Research runs on free tiers too.

2. 2Write a clear research brief, not a vague question

   Bad: "tell me about competitors." Good: "Compare these 5 companies on pricing, target customer, and key feature; use sources from the last 12 months; give me a table plus a 5-bullet summary." Specific question + sources + format = a usable report.

3. 3Run it, then check the sources

   Let it work (often 3–10 minutes). When it returns, spot-check 2–3 of its cited sources — open them, confirm the claim. AI research is fast but can misread; your job shifts from gathering to verifying.

4. 4Save the brief as a template

   Keep your best research prompt. Next time you swap in a new topic and constraints. A reusable brief is what turns this from a one-off trick into a weekly time-saver.

   💡 Do deep research on [topic/question]. Compare [the specific things to compare]. Only use sources from the last [12 months]. Give me: (1) a comparison table, (2) a 5-bullet summary, (3) the 3 most important takeaways for [my role/decision]. Cite every claim with a link.

AI DEEP RESEARCH BRIEF — Get a Usable Report Every Time

THE QUESTION (be specific):
"Research [topic / decision I need to make]."

WHAT TO COMPARE / COVER:
• [dimension 1 — e.g. pricing]
• [dimension 2 — e.g. target customer]
• [dimension 3 — e.g. key features / risks]

CONSTRAINTS:
• Sources: only from the last [12 months]
• Avoid: [pure marketing pages / single-vendor blogs]
• Region/context: [India / global]

OUTPUT FORMAT:
• A comparison table
• A 5-bullet summary
• The 3 most important takeaways for [my role / my decision]
• Cite every claim with a link

MY CHECK (always):
□ Open + verify 2–3 cited sources
□ Anything surprising? Confirm before acting
□ Time saved this run: ___