Runtimes

What makes a runtime capable.

A method specification defines a facilitation method. A runtime is the system that runs it with real people. Executing one well, in real time, asks a great deal of that system.

Requirements

What running a method demands.

Stages

Drives the protocol's stages, and knows when a group is ready to move between them.

Facilitator role

Asks, listens, reflects, and redirects, without taking over the conversation.

Many voices

Manages turn-taking across a whole group at once, and keeps the quieter people in.

Memory

Carries state between stages, so nothing a participant said gets dropped.

Evals

Runs the rubrics as it goes, so quality is measured, not assumed.

Reference runtime

Harmonica is the reference runtime.

Harmonica, the AI facilitation platform, runs structured facilitated conversations with large groups, across the web, Telegram, and email, and synthesizes what is said into shared understanding. It is where OFL's specifications and evaluations are exercised against real participants, which is what keeps them honest.

See Harmonica

The reference, not the requirement.

Any system that meets these requirements can run OFL's specifications. Keeping the standard open is what lets the field develop more than one capable runtime.