Documentation

Catalyst Documentation

AI-first delivery system + starter stacks + decision gates.

What is Catalyst?

Catalyst is an AI-first delivery operating system. It turns messy discovery into credible proof fast, then provides a safe pathway to production via structured gates and upgrade checklists.

It's not just a starter kit. It's a combination of:

  • A structured operating model for AI-assisted delivery
  • Decision gates that prevent drift and ensure quality
  • Starter stacks that evolve from POC to production
  • Artefacts and templates that capture intent durably

Core Insight

Speed isn't the problem; drift is. AI reduces build time dramatically, but increases the risk of misalignment if intent isn't anchored. Catalyst exists to prevent drift and reduce rework.

The 3 Gates

Non-negotiable checkpoints that ensure you're building the right thing, building it well, and shipping it safely.

Intent Gate

Are we building the right thing?

Build Gate

Are we building it in phases?

Release Gate

Is it safe to ship?

The 1-Week POC Rhythm

The default cadence for delivering validated proofs quickly.

  1. Workshop — Capture context and requirements
  2. Stress Test + Artefacts — Validate assumptions, produce Vision/Architecture/Requirements
  3. Build POC — Working code with Stack A
  4. Client Review — Live steering, capture decisions
  5. User Feedback (optional) — Test with real users
  6. Promote via Gates — Progress to MVP/MMP/PROD as needed

See Workflow for the full process.

Start Here Checklist

New to Catalyst? Follow these steps to get up to speed.

  1. 1Read Operating Model to understand roles and responsibilities
  2. 2Review Gates to understand quality checkpoints
  3. 3Follow Setup to get the kit running locally
  4. 4Use Helpers & Templates to run your first workshop
  5. 5Review Standards before writing code

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