Layer 6
Evolution & Adaptation
How the system changes without collapsing.
Change mechanisms
- Proposals
- Experiments
- Review cycles
Versioning
- Protocol versions
- Migration paths
Learning capture
- Retrospectives
- Failure documentation
Artifacts
- Change Protocol
- Version History
Layer Invariants
- INV-6.1 · Change is possible but constrained No system component is frozen forever, but no change is instantaneous.
- INV-6.2 · Changes are versioned Rule changes must be documented, dated, and traceable.
- INV-6.3 · Experiments are reversible All experiments must define scope, duration, and rollback conditions.
- INV-6.4 · Learning is captured Major failures and adaptations must be recorded and accessible.
Explicitness Rules
MUST be explicit
- How rules change
- Versioning and review process
- Experiment boundaries
- Rollback mechanisms
Why: systems that can’t change either rot or explode.
MAY be explicit
- Review frequency
- Sunset clauses
- Feedback collection methods
MUST remain optional
- Pace of innovation
- Risk appetite (within bounds)