Principle 10:
Events Must Be Explicit (Cue)

Whenever progression depends on an event or threshold, it must be explicitly modeled as a Cue.

OneRoute never allows movement to occur because something is vaguely assumed to “happen” — event-based progression must be tied to a clear, observable condition.

Plain-English Summary

Whenever progression depends on an event or threshold rather than elapsed time, that event must be explicitly modeled as a Cue. In OneRoute, movement never occurs simply because something ‘happens’.

What this Principle Means

A Cue represents an observable condition that triggers progression. Unlike Wait, which is time-based, a Cue is event-based. The route advances only when the cue condition is detected.

Why Explicit Events Matter

Implicit events hide uncertainty and create false assumptions about timing. By making cues explicit, OneRoute exposes dependency on signals, thresholds, and states rather than schedules.

What Counts as a Cue

Cue exists when:

Progression depends on a condition being met
The timing is unpredictable or variable
The next step cannot begin until the event occurs

Concrete Examples

Human systems: Waiting until approval is received, monitoring for a response.

Observed reality: Work resumes only after a notification arrives.

Natural phenomena: Water boils when temperature reaches a threshold.

What Is Not a Cue

Time-based delays (Wait)
Passive transformation (Process)
Ongoing readiness (Standby)
Interpretation of meaning (Action or Decision)

Mini Case: The Assumed Trigger

A process assumes work continues ‘once approved’. Mapping reveals no defined event for approval receipt. Adding a Cue exposes the dependency and clarifies responsibility.

How to Apply This Principle

Ask what must happen before progression can occur.
Determine whether it is time-based or condition-based.
If condition-based, define it as a Cue.
Ensure the cue is observable and unambiguous.

Common Misunderstandings

Treating cues as implied
Confusing cues with decisions
Assuming events occur at predictable times

Quick Diagnostic Questions

What exactly must be observed for this step to proceed?
Could this occur sooner or later than expected?
Is the trigger observable without interpretation?

If You Only Remember One Thing

If progression depends on a condition, it must be modeled as a Cue.

Canonical Statement

All event-driven progression in OneRoute is explicitly represented by a Cue.

Principle 10: Events Must Be Explicit (Cue)

Principle 10:
Events Must Be Explicit (Cue)