# RFC-0001: Observation First

**Status:** Proposed
**Phase:** The Bedrock Phase

## Abstract

This RFC formalizes the principle that observation must precede all other engineering activity within the standard.

## Motivation

Without a formal commitment to observation-first methodology, the standard risks accepting principles based on authority, tradition, or aesthetic preference rather than verified reality.

## Observation

Throughout the development of Open Engineer, the most robust principles have emerged from verifiable encounters with reality, either direct or corroborated (see OE-0004 for the taxonomy).

## Engineering Principle

Observe first. Recognize patterns. Translate into engineering language. Verify against reality. Preserve the resulting understanding.

## Reasoning

Observation anchors the standard to reality. Without it, the standard becomes theory — potentially interesting, but not engineering.

## Relationship to Existing Concepts

This RFC underpins the dependency chain beginning at OE-0004. It is implemented through the editorial Translation principle (`reference/editorial-principles.md`, Section 1).