diff --git a/.cursor/rules/README.md b/.cursor/rules/README.md
index f28acf01..ae4db587 100644
--- a/.cursor/rules/README.md
+++ b/.cursor/rules/README.md
@@ -104,6 +104,161 @@ High-level meta-rules that bundle related sub-rules for specific workflows.
 - **`meta_bug_diagnosis.mdc`** - Bug investigation workflow bundling
 - **`meta_bug_fixing.mdc`** - Bug fix implementation workflow bundling
 - **`meta_feature_implementation.mdc`** - Feature implementation workflow bundling
+- **`meta_research.mdc`** - Investigation and research workflow bundling
+
+### **Workflow State Management**
+
+The project uses a sophisticated workflow state management system to ensure systematic development processes and maintain code quality across all phases of development.
+
+#### **Workflow State System**
+
+The workflow state is managed through `.cursor/rules/.workflow_state.json` and enforces different modes with specific constraints. The system automatically tracks workflow progression and maintains a complete history of mode transitions.
+
+**Available Modes**:
+- **`diagnosis`** - Investigation and analysis phase (read-only)
+- **`fixing`** - Implementation and bug fixing phase (full access)
+- **`planning`** - Design and architecture phase (design only)
+- **`research`** - Investigation and research phase (investigation only)
+- **`documentation`** - Documentation writing phase (writing only)
+
+**Mode Constraints**:
+```json
+{
+  "diagnosis": {
+    "mode": "read_only",
+    "forbidden": ["modify", "create", "build", "commit"],
+    "allowed": ["read", "search", "analyze", "document"]
+  },
+  "fixing": {
+    "mode": "implementation",
+    "forbidden": [],
+    "allowed": ["modify", "create", "build", "commit", "test"]
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Workflow History Tracking**:
+
+The system automatically maintains a `workflowHistory` array that records all mode transitions and meta-rule invocations:
+
+```json
+{
+  "workflowHistory": [
+    {
+      "mode": "research",
+      "invoked": "meta_core_always_on.mdc",
+      "timestamp": "2025-08-25T02:14:37Z"
+    },
+    {
+      "mode": "diagnosis",
+      "invoked": "meta_bug_diagnosis.mdc", 
+      "timestamp": "2025-08-25T02:14:37Z"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+**History Entry Format**:
+- **`mode`**: The workflow mode that was activated
+- **`invoked`**: The specific meta-rule that triggered the mode change
+- **`timestamp`**: UTC timestamp when the mode transition occurred
+
+**History Purpose**:
+- **Workflow Continuity**: Track progression through development phases
+- **Meta-Rule Usage**: Monitor which rules are invoked and when
+- **Temporal Context**: Maintain chronological order of workflow changes
+- **State Persistence**: Preserve workflow history across development sessions
+- **Debugging Support**: Help diagnose workflow state issues
+- **Process Analysis**: Understand development patterns and meta-rule effectiveness
+
+#### **Commit Override System**
+
+The workflow includes a flexible commit override mechanism that allows commits on demand while maintaining workflow integrity:
+
+```json
+{
+  "overrides": {
+    "commit": {
+      "allowed": true,
+      "requires_override": true,
+      "override_reason": "user_requested"
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Override Benefits**:
+- ✅ **Investigation Commits**: Document findings during diagnosis phases
+- ✅ **Work-in-Progress**: Commit partial solutions during complex investigations
+- ✅ **Emergency Fixes**: Commit critical fixes without mode transitions
+- ✅ **Flexible Workflow**: Maintain systematic approach while accommodating real needs
+
+**Override Limitations**:
+- ❌ **Does NOT bypass**: Version control rules, commit message standards, or security requirements
+- ❌ **Does NOT bypass**: Code quality standards, testing requirements, or documentation requirements
+
+#### **Workflow Enforcement**
+
+The system automatically enforces workflow constraints through the core always-on rules:
+
+**Before Every Interaction**:
+1. **Read current workflow state** from `.cursor/rules/.workflow_state.json`
+2. **Identify current mode** and its constraints
+3. **Validate user request** against current mode constraints
+4. **Enforce constraints** before generating response
+5. **Guide model behavior** based on current mode
+
+**Mode-Specific Enforcement**:
+- **Diagnosis Mode**: Blocks modification, creation, building, and commits
+- **Fixing Mode**: Allows full implementation and testing capabilities
+- **Planning Mode**: Focuses on design and architecture, blocks implementation
+- **Research Mode**: Enables investigation and analysis, blocks modification
+- **Documentation Mode**: Allows writing and editing, blocks implementation
+
+#### **Workflow Transitions**
+
+To change workflow modes, invoke the appropriate meta-rule:
+
+```bash
+# Switch to bug fixing mode
+@meta_bug_fixing.mdc
+
+# Switch to feature planning mode  
+@meta_feature_planning.mdc
+
+# Switch to documentation mode
+@meta_documentation.mdc
+```
+
+**Transition Requirements**:
+- **Mode Changes**: Require explicit meta-rule invocation
+- **State Updates**: Automatically update workflow state file
+- **Constraint Enforcement**: Immediately apply new mode constraints
+- **History Tracking**: Automatically maintained in `workflowHistory` array
+- **Timestamp Recording**: Each transition recorded with UTC timestamp
+
+#### **Integration with Development Process**
+
+The workflow system integrates seamlessly with existing development practices:
+
+**Version Control**:
+- All commits must follow TimeSafari commit message standards
+- Security audit checklists are enforced regardless of workflow mode
+- Documentation updates are required for substantial changes
+
+**Quality Assurance**:
+- Code quality standards (PEP8, TypeScript, etc.) are always enforced
+- Testing requirements apply to all implementation work
+- Documentation standards are maintained across all phases
+
+**Build System**:
+- Build Architecture Guard protects critical build files
+- Platform-specific build processes respect workflow constraints
+- Asset generation follows established patterns
+
+**Migration Context**:
+- Database migration work respects investigation vs. implementation phases
+- Component migration progress is tracked through workflow states
 
 ## Usage Guidelines