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🚧 Beta Version RefDesk is currently in closed beta. Access is by invitation only.
Complete step-by-step guide — from registration to literature screening and systematic review
Go to the RefDesk homepage and create a new account using email and password, or sign in with your Google account.
Tip: Research question formulation and scoping search are completely free. No credit card required.
On the Dashboard, click "+ New Project" to create a new research project. Give it a name and describe your idea.
Tip: No need to know methodology. Write your idea as-is — the system will help you refine it.
On the Project page, click "Start AI Conversation" to begin the research question formulation process. The AI will guide you through 6 stages.
Tip: Write in whichever language is comfortable — Hebrew or English. You can click "quick reply" buttons to speed up the conversation.
At the end of the conversation, the system generates a complete research protocol. Return to the Project page to download documents in various formats.
Tip: DOCX is the recommended format — it can be opened in Word and Google Docs for editing as needed.
On the Project page, click "Scoping Search" to run a landscape analysis. The system suggests ready-made queries from your protocol.
Tip: Scoping search helps understand if your research topic is feasible and what has already been studied. This is an important step before diving in.
For Pro users — build professional search queries with MeSH terms and Boolean logic for databases like PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL.
Tip: This module requires a Researcher subscription ($19/mo). Upgrade via the "Plans & Billing" page.
After running your search, upload results and screen articles by title and abstract. You can screen manually or use AI assistance.
Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts (E/I/M) to speed up screening. Mark "Maybe" generously — you can decide in the full-text phase.
Articles marked "Include" or "Maybe" move to the full-text screening phase. Here you review the complete text of each article and make a final decision.
Tip: The PRISMA diagram is automatically generated from your screening data — save it as an image for your manuscript.
Create a free account and build your research question in minutes.
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