Rapid literature & evidence scan — checklist (30–90 minutes)

Use this checklist to find existing evidence quickly and decide whether your question is novel, settled, or worth piloting.

1. Define the scan scope: write a 1–2 sentence search question and list key terms (include synonyms and abbreviations).
2. Pick 3–5 sources: include domain literature databases, preprint servers, internal reports, and competitors' white papers.
3. Run searches: capture exact search strings and number of hits so the scan is reproducible.
4. Skim strategically: read abstracts, conclusions, methods sections for relevance; save 3–6 promising items.
5. Snowball: check references and citing papers for additional leads.
6. Synthesize: write a 1-page evidence summary with: what is known, open gaps, conflicting results, and methodologies used.
7. Identify signals: note whether evidence supports actionable interventions or shows the question is already solved.
8. Record limitations: sample sizes, contexts, reproducibility concerns, and whether outcomes match your success criteria.
9. Decide next steps: discard, pivot, or include in prioritization worksheet. If continuing, list required data or feasibility checks.

Template for the 1-page evidence summary:

• Question scanned
• Key findings (3 bullets)
• Gaps or disagreements
• Methodologies observed
• Relevance to our context
• Recommendation (continue/pivot/stop and why)