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 PrinciplesIntentPassUnitBoltDeployResearcherPlannerBuilderReviewerHITLOHOTLAHOTLBackpressureCompletion CriteriaCollapsed SDLCState Management

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Development Phases

IntentPassUnitBoltDeploy

Operating Modes

HITLOHOTLAHOTL

Development Phases

Work flows from Intent (what you want to build) through optional Passes (cross-functional iterations), Units (cohesive work elements), and Bolts (focused iteration cycles) to Deploy (shipping verified work).

The Hat System

Each hat represents a distinct mindset. The core workflow uses Planner, Builder, and Reviewer, with specialized hats for security testing, design, debugging, and TDD.

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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