Framework Evolution

How the Framework Evolves

The BehavesWell Framework is a living governance instrument. Each version records what was validated, refined, challenged, and emerged — with evidence sources linked to the environments that produced them.

Current version

BWF-SPEC-1.0

ActiveSeptember 2026

How Versions Are Produced

Framework versions are not arbitrary releases. Each version emerges from a structured cycle of evidence collection, principle stress-testing, and governance review across the three spoke environments.

Evidence collection

Spoke sites — Residential, Shared, and Commercial — generate structured evidence records against each principle. Evidence is categorised as validated, refined, challenged, or emerged.

Principle review

Challenged and emerged evidence triggers a formal review. Principles are stress-tested against the evidence record. Vocabulary and pattern definitions are updated where necessary.

Governance ratification

Proposed changes are circulated to research partners for comment. A ratification period closes before the new version is published and the changelog updated.

Version publication

The new version is published with a full record of what changed, why, and which evidence sources drove the change. Prior versions remain accessible in the archive.

Version History

BWF-SPEC-1.0Active

September 2026

Initial ratified release of the BehavesWell Framework. Establishes the core governance architecture: twelve principles across four domains, the vocabulary of intelligent environment behaviour, and the evidence classification system.

Validated

Twelve core principles across Awareness, Agency, Accountability, and Adaptation domains
Evidence classification system: validated, refined, challenged, emerged
Vocabulary of 24 defined terms governing intelligent environment behaviour
Pattern library: eight governance patterns with applicability ratings

Refined

Principle 7 (Proportional Response) scope narrowed following residential environment testing
Vocabulary term 'ambient intelligence' redefined to exclude passive sensor arrays

Challenged

Principle 11 (Reversibility) applicability in commercial environments with legacy infrastructure

Emerged

Need for a cross-environment coordination principle not present in the initial draft
Distinction between occupant consent and operator consent in shared environments

Evidence sources:Residential Shared Commercial

What Comes Next

The following areas are under active review and are expected to inform the next version of the framework.

Cross-environment coordination

Evidence from shared environments suggests a governance gap when intelligent systems span residential and commercial boundaries. A new principle is under development.

Consent layering in shared environments

The distinction between occupant and operator consent requires formalisation. Current vocabulary is insufficient for multi-stakeholder environments.

Reversibility in legacy infrastructure

Principle 11 is being stress-tested against commercial environments where full reversibility is technically infeasible. A refined applicability condition is under review.

Read the full specification Browse the evidence index