01
DISCOVER
Constraints before code. Domain, existing systems, failure modes and real requirements — understood on paper first.
▸02
DESIGN
Architecture before implementation. Data model, interfaces and trade-offs made explicit and documented.
▸03
BUILD
Incremental vertical slices. Working software early, tested as it grows — not a big reveal at the end.
▸04
SHIP
Automated pipelines, observability and rollback paths from day one. Deployment is part of the design.
▸05
OPERATE
Production ownership. Monitor, measure, maintain — the system has to keep working after launch.
The same discipline whether the engagement is a four-week build or a year-long system: understand constraints first, design before implementing, ship incrementally, and keep owning what runs in production.