The Big Picture

An interactive overview of the AI-DLC methodology. Click any element to explore its documentation.

Artifacts
Hats
Operating Modes
Principles
AI-DLC Big Picture DiagramAn interactive diagram showing the AI-DLC methodology structure with four layers: Development Phases (Intent, Unit, Bolt, Deploy), Hats (Researcher, Planner, Builder, Reviewer), Operating Modes (HITL, OHOTL, AHOTL), and Core Principles (Backpressure, Completion Criteria, Collapsed SDLC, State Management).Development PhasesHats (Mindsets)Operating ModesCore PrinciplesIntentUnitBoltDeployResearcherPlannerBuilderReviewerHITLOHOTLAHOTLBackpressureCompletion CriteriaCollapsed SDLCState Management

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Development Phases

IntentUnitBoltDeploy

Operating Modes

HITLOHOTLAHOTL

Development Phases

Work flows from Intent (what you want to build) through Units (cohesive work elements) and Bolts (focused iteration cycles) to Deploy (shipping verified work).

The Four Hats

Each hat represents a distinct mindset: Researcher gathers context, Planner designs the approach, Builder executes, and Reviewer validates quality.

Operating Modes

Choose your autonomy level: HITL for high-risk work with human approval at each step, OHOTL for observed execution, or AHOTL for autonomous operation within boundaries.

Core Principles

AI-DLC is built on backpressure (quality gates that block), clear completion criteria, collapsed SDLC phases, and two-tier state management.

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