---
title: First working task
description: Run the first cycle on real material.
reviewedOn: 2026-09-08
sourceRefs: [evidence-lab-methodology]
---

## Result

You complete one bounded research task and produce an artifact that can be checked outside the chat. The run record makes the inputs, agent actions, human decisions, and acceptance result visible.

### Task brief

Before starting, write: the goal; input paths and versions; permitted sources and tools; required output path and format; acceptance criteria; confirmation boundaries; and the person who makes the final domain decision.

## Actions

1. Save the task brief in the project before sending the working request.
2. Ask the agent to read the project instructions, inspect only the named inputs, and restate the required result and checks.
3. Let the agent propose a short execution plan; correct scope or source errors before authorising changes.
4. Permit only the files, tools, network access, and external actions required for the current step.
5. Keep intermediate transformations in `work/` and save source locations, decisions, and mechanical checks in `evidence/`.
6. Inspect the final file in its target application and evaluate it criterion by criterion, not by the confidence of the chat response.
7. Record manual corrections, rejected claims, unresolved limitations, and the final acceptance decision.

## Check

`outputs/` contains the named artifact in the required format. `evidence/` ties each acceptance criterion to a source, check, or named expert judgment. The run record identifies input versions, interventions, findings, limitations, and the person who accepted or rejected the result.

## If it fails

Stop at the first unmet criterion. Preserve the error and partial output, then classify the failure as input, access, instruction, tool execution, output format, or verification. Reduce the retry to one output and one suspected cause; do not answer an unexplained failure with a longer prompt.

**Next:** [Instructions and project files](/en/practice/instructions-and-files/).