Topics and phases¶

Every topic in Rhizome follows a defined lifecycle. This cycle ensures that decisions are not only made but also implemented — and revisited when needed.

The topic lifecycle¶

graph LR
    E[Draft] --> V[Preparation]
    V --> A[Active]
    A -->|failed| V
    A --> D[Decided]
    D --> Ar[Archive]
    Ar -->|Review| V

1. Draft¶

A newly created topic that has not been published yet. Only the creator and any co-authors can see it. This phase is for preparing the title, description, and participants.

2. Preparation¶

After publication, the topic is visible to all members of the participating groups. This is where the actual deliberation happens: participants use the live editor, exchange ideas, and contribute their expertise.

3. Active¶

Once a decision is started, the topic moves to "Active" status. All participants are notified and can take part in the decision — depending on the mode, this may mean voting, approving, or raising objections.

If the decision fails (due to a tie, a veto, or because it was only a sentiment check), the topic returns to Preparation.

4. Decided¶

The topic has been successfully decided. In this phase, any remaining tasks can be completed before the topic is archived.

5. Archive¶

An archived topic is concluded: the decision has been made and any associated tasks have been carried out.

6. Review¶

Topics can be systematically reviewed from the archive. During review, the existing decision remains valid. A new decision process can confirm, modify, or revoke the previous decision. The topic then appears in both the archive and the preparation view.

Why this cycle?¶

Many organizations make decisions but fail to implement them. A decision receives the most attention at the moment it is communicated — after that, attention fades. Rhizome addresses this with two mechanisms:

1. Phase-bound tasks — tasks can be tied to specific phases. A task in the "Preparation" phase reminds the team that, for example, research should be completed before starting a decision. Tasks in the "Decided" phase ensure that implementation happens before the topic is archived.
2. Review from the archive — decisions that were right at the time may no longer be appropriate weeks or months later. Instead of remaining silently in effect, topics can be structurally reviewed and revised when needed.

Tasks¶

Tasks can be created within a topic. Each task can:

• have a title and description
• be assigned to a person
• be bound to a phase (e.g. "Preparation" or "Decided")

Tasks bound to a phase trigger a warning if the next phase is about to begin while the task is still incomplete.

The archive as organizational memory¶

The archive is more than a storage location. It is where the organization observes itself. Past decisions can be referenced and used as arguments in current discussions by linking topics to one another.