Principle 11:
Progression Never Happens Implicitly

In OneRoute, progression between steps never happens by assumption — it must always be explicitly justified.

Movement occurs only because a defined operator triggers it, such as Action, Process, Wait, Cue, Decision, or Conclude, ensuring no invisible handoffs or undefined transitions.

Plain-English Summary

In OneRoute, movement from one step to the next never occurs by assumption. Progression must always be justified by an explicit operator such as Action, Process, Wait, Cue, Decision, or Conclude.

What this Principle Means

A route does not advance because it looks logical or sequential. It advances only because a defined condition, behavior, or transition occurs. This principle eliminates invisible handoffs and undefined transitions.

Why Implicit Progression Is Dangerous

Implicit progression hides delays, masks dependencies, and breaks automation. It creates false certainty and prevents accurate diagnosis of where flow actually stops.

Valid Reasons for Progression

Progression may occur only because:

An Action completes
A Process finishes
A Wait duration ends
A Cue condition is met
A Decision selects a path
The route Concludes

Concrete Examples

Human process: Work does not resume ‘after lunch’ unless modeled as a Wait.

Observed reality: A queue does not clear unless a Process or Action occurs.

Natural phenomena: A phase change does not occur without a Cue or Process.

Mini Case: The Magic Arrow

A process diagram shows arrows connecting steps with no explanation. When forced to justify progression, the team identifies missing Waits and Cues. The problem was not execution—it was undefined movement.

How to Apply This Principle

Examine every transition between steps.
Ask why progression occurs at that point.
Assign the operator that justifies movement.
If none fit, a step is missing.

Common Misunderstandings

Assuming linear order implies progression
Treating arrows as sufficient explanation
Ignoring transition logic

Quick Diagnostic Questions

Why does the next step start now?
What would stop progression here?
Is the transition observable or assumed?

If You Only Remember One Thing

If you cannot explain why a step advances, the route is incomplete.

Canonical Statement

Progression in OneRoute is always explicit and never assumed.

Principle 11: Progression Never Happens Implicitly

Principle 11:
Progression Never Happens Implicitly