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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).