# Quick Start Checklist

URL: https://research-memex.org/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/quick-start-checklist
Description: Start here to choose the smallest useful Research Memex setup for your research workflow.



<Aside label="Why these tools">
  The tools are [pedagogical instruments, not prescriptions](/docs/introduction/core-principles#anti-templating-implementation-flexibility): they teach skills that transfer across AI toolchains.
</Aside>

*The best stack is the one you actually start using today.*

New here? Start with [Core References](/docs/implementation/core-references/cognitive-blueprint-prompts), then work through Essential Setup, AI Environment, and Agentic Tools as needed. If you want a conversational setup assistant, [Carrel](/docs/toolkit/carrel) can interview you, audit the machine, and configure Obsidian, conversion tools, and optional MCPs; the roadmap below remains the guide to understanding the stack.

## Implementation roadmap [#implementation-roadmap]

<Steps>
  <Step title="Core references before building" id="core-refs">
    Start here to understand the methodology before setting up tools:

    * [Cognitive Blueprint Prompts](/docs/implementation/core-references/cognitive-blueprint-prompts) - Structured prompt templates
    * [AI Model Reference Guide](/docs/implementation/core-references/ai-model-reference-guide) - Model families, reasoning controls, and sampling defaults
    * [Failure Museum](/docs/implementation/core-references/failure-museum) - AI limitations and mitigation strategies

    Why first? Learn to prompt, choose models, and recognize AI failures so your setup decisions are grounded.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Essential setup">
    Get API access:

    * [API Keys Setup Guide](/docs/implementation/ai-environment-setup/api-keys-setup-guide) - OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, etc.
    * Free/low-cost options: Google AI Studio for Gemini API access, plus provider free tiers where available

    Install foundational tools:

    * [Zotero](/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/zotero-setup-guide) - Reference management (Required)
    * [Research Rabbit](/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/research-rabbit-setup-guide) - Citation discovery
    * [Obsidian](/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/obsidian-setup-guide) - Knowledge management (recommended)
    * [Zettlr](/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/zettlr-setup-guide) - Academic writing (optional)
  </Step>

  <Step title="AI environment">
    Install MCP servers (optional):

    * [MCP Explorer Guide](/docs/implementation/ai-environment-setup/mcp-explorer-guide) - How to install MCPs
    * Advanced MCPs: [Sequential Thinking](/docs/toolkit/sequential-thinking-mcp), [Lotus Wisdom](/docs/toolkit/lotus-wisdom-mcp), [Vox MCP](/docs/toolkit/vox-mcp)

    Add capabilities:

    * [OCR & PDF Conversion](/docs/implementation/ai-environment-setup/ocr-pdf-conversion-guide) - Handle scanned papers
    * [CLI Tools Overview](/docs/implementation/ai-environment-setup/cli-setup-guide) - Understand your options
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your agentic AI tool">
    Pick based on your needs:

    Beginner-friendly GUI:

    * [Cherry Studio](/docs/implementation/agentic-ai-tools/cherry-studio-setup-guide) - Multi-model interface, MCP support, Code Tools

    Google terminal agent:

    * [Antigravity CLI](/docs/implementation/agentic-ai-tools/antigravity-cli-setup-guide) - Current successor path for consumer/free Gemini CLI workflows

    Premium option:

    * [Claude Code](/docs/implementation/agentic-ai-tools/claude-code-setup-guide) - Best reasoning, autonomous agents

    Maximum flexibility:

    * [OpenCode](/docs/implementation/agentic-ai-tools/opencode-setup-guide) - 75+ providers, cost optimization
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore case studies and advanced topics">
    Learn by example:

    * [Systematic Reviews Syllabus](/docs/case-studies/systematic-reviews/systematic-review-syllabus) - 4-week course
    * Sessions 2-4 show real workflows in action

    Go deeper:

    * [Agentic Workflows](/docs/advanced-topics/agentic-workflows) - Multi-agent orchestration
    * MCP deep dives (Sequential Thinking, Lotus Wisdom, Vox MCP)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recommended learning paths [#recommended-learning-paths]

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Academic Researcher">
    Goal: Systematic literature reviews, theory building

    1. Core References (all 3 pages)
    2. API Keys + Zotero + Research Rabbit
    3. Cherry Studio OR Claude Code
    4. Obsidian for notes
    5. Systematic Reviews case study
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Budget-Conscious">
    Goal: Minimize costs while maintaining quality

    1. Core References (understand model selection)
    2. Google AI Studio for free Gemini API experiments
    3. Zotero + Research Rabbit (both free)
    4. Antigravity CLI if you want Google's terminal agent
    5. OpenCode for multi-provider flexibility
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Power User">
    Goal: Maximum capabilities, autonomous workflows

    1. All Core References
    2. Claude Code + Cherry Studio
    3. All 3 MCP servers (Sequential, Lotus, Vox)
    4. Full tool stack (Zotero, Research Rabbit, Obsidian, Zettlr)
    5. Vox MCP for multi-model access
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Next: choose your tools [#next-choose-your-tools]

Start small: most researchers begin with Zotero, Cherry Studio, and Google AI Studio, then add tools as their workflow demands. Choose a setup guide when you are ready.

<IndexRows>
  <IndexRow title="Zotero Setup" href="/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/zotero-setup-guide">
    Reference management (Required)
  </IndexRow>

  <IndexRow title="Cherry Studio" href="/docs/implementation/agentic-ai-tools/cherry-studio-setup-guide">
    AI interface (Required)
  </IndexRow>

  <IndexRow title="Obsidian" href="/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/obsidian-setup-guide">
    Knowledge management (Recommended)
  </IndexRow>
</IndexRows>

## Related Resources [#related-resources]

<IndexRows>
  <IndexRow title="Setup Guides" href="/docs/implementation/foundational-setup/quick-start-checklist">
    Complete tool installation and configuration
  </IndexRow>

  <IndexRow title="Core References" href="/docs/implementation/core-references/cognitive-blueprint-prompts">
    Prompt templates and model guides
  </IndexRow>

  <IndexRow title="Failure Museum" href="/docs/implementation/core-references/failure-museum">
    Learn from common AI limitations
  </IndexRow>

  <IndexRow title="AI-Readable Docs" href="/docs/introduction/llms">
    llms.txt and Markdown access for AI tools
  </IndexRow>
</IndexRows>