---
title: How the engagement works
description: Eight stages from diagnosis to independent use.
reviewedOn: 2026-09-08
sourceRefs: [evidence-lab-methodology]
---

## Result

You can see what happens at each stage, what artifact proves progress, and what must be true before the work moves forward.

| Stage           | Working question                                  | Evidence before moving on                                 |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Diagnose        | What happens in the current workflow?             | A current-state map tied to one real case                 |
| Agree outcomes  | What must improve or become repeatable?           | One to three observable outcomes and acceptance criteria  |
| Profile         | What can the researcher already do independently? | Demonstrated capabilities, constraints, and access        |
| Select a route  | Which gaps block the agreed outcome?              | A bounded module and component plan                       |
| Assemble        | What must exist in the project?                   | Folder structure, instructions, versions, and permissions |
| Guided run      | Can the route produce a real artifact?            | Task brief, output, run record, and corrections           |
| Independent run | Can the researcher repeat and recover?            | A new accepted run without consultant takeover            |
| Hand over       | Can the client own and maintain the setup?        | A self-contained package and readback                     |

## Actions

1. Reconstruct the latest real case from its trigger to the accepted result; do not design the future process yet.
2. Define the target outcome and acceptance criteria without choosing tools prematurely.
3. Observe the researcher performing a representative task and record demonstrated capability, restrictions, and access.
4. Select one platform and the smallest route that closes the demonstrated gaps.
5. Assemble the private project while keeping client data and internal consultation records out of public materials.
6. Complete one real task together and record every intervention that changed the result.
7. Compare claims, files, links, dates, and other critical details with the agreed evidence.
8. Run a comparable task independently, test one recovery path, and prepare the handover only after acceptance.

## Check

The consultation record contains a process map, outcome contract, capability profile, selected route, configuration record, guided result, independent-use evidence, and handover manifest. Each artifact identifies its owner and current version.

## If it fails

An unverified stage is incomplete even if a meeting took place or a tool produced output. Return to the nearest stage supported by an artifact. If the source task changed, update the outcome contract before changing the route.

**Next:** [Prepare to start](/en/start/prepare/).