The HAGOPS Orchestration Cycle
The 5-Phase Methodology for an AI-First, Human-Led World
Traditional frameworks like Agile were designed to manage human execution. The Orchestration Cycle is the first standard designed to orchestrate human-agent collaboration.
It is a continuous 5-phase methodology that places human strategic intent and judgment at the center of the AI-driven workflow. This is the engine of the AI-native organization.
The Continuous Orchestration Cycle
Watch how each phase flows into the next. Click any phase to explore its details.
DIRECT
Set Intent
A continuous cycle where human judgment guides AI execution at every phase.
Orchestration never stops—it evolves.
The 5 Phases of Orchestration
Phase 1: DIRECT
The Guiding Question: What is the strategic mission and intent?
This is the human-led phase of setting intent. Before any agent is activated, the Orchestrator defines the strategic "why," the desired outcomes, the ethical guardrails, and the non-negotiable definition of success.
Key Artifacts: The Mission Brief, Ethical Guardrails, Success Metrics.
Phase 2: DESIGN
The Guiding Question: What is the optimal human-agent workflow?
This is the "architect" phase. The Orchestrator designs the system of collaboration. Which agents are required? What are their specific roles? Where are the critical human-in-the-loop checkpoints for validation and judgment?
Key Artifacts: The Orchestration Map, The Delegation Matrix, Validation Protocols.
Phase 3: DEPLOY
The Guiding Question: How do we execute the mission?
The "execution" phase. The Orchestrator activates the agent-based system. This is where AI does the heavy lifting—research, analysis, content creation, or task execution—as defined by the Orchestration Map.
Key Artifacts: Agent Logs, Raw Output, Automated Reports.
Phase 4: DISCERN
The Guiding Question: Is this output strategically sound, true, and valuable?
This is the critical human judgment phase. The Orchestrator applies the Human Edge Stack (e.g., Critical Thinking, Systems Thinking, Judgment) to the AI's output. You do not just "check for errors"; you "discern value" and make sense of the results.
Key Artifacts: The Validation Report, The Insight Summary, The Decision Memo.
Phase 5: EVOLVE
The Guiding Question: How does this outcome improve the system?
This is the "adaptation" phase. Based on your discernment, you make a strategic decision. Do you Iterate (re-run the cycle with a new design)? Do you Approve (the output is validated and scaled)? Or do you Evolve (permanently update the agents, tools, or Mission Brief based on new learnings)? This phase feeds directly back into Phase 1.
Key Artifacts: The Iteration Plan, The Approved Output, The System Update Log.
The HAGOPS Difference: From Tasks to Missions
| Aspect | Traditional Framework (e.g., Agile) | The HAGOPS Orchestration Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Unit of Work | User Story / Task | Mission Brief |
| Core Activity | Human Execution & Task Management | Human Orchestration & Agent Mgt. |
| Primary Goal | Complete Features (Output) | Achieve Strategic Goals (Outcome) |
| Human Role | Doer / Executor | Director / Orchestrator |
| AI Role | A secondary "tool" | A primary "agent" / workforce |
The Cycle is the Process. The Disciplines are the Skills.
The Orchestration Cycle provides the framework for AI-native work. The 12 Core Disciplines of the Human Edge Stack give you the skills to master it.
See the 12 Disciplines
Explore the complete curriculum of 12 human-centric skills that are essential for AI orchestration.
Learn More →Become a Certified Orchestrator
Master the cycle and the disciplines. Join the waitlist for the HAGOPS certification.
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