From 7012b9d1bb633645da9e7016e82e6fc82a250060 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2026 11:12:15 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 01/31] Proposal for Process Experimentation The W3C Process Document is managed by the Advisory Board. Changes to the Process Document are reviewed by the Advisory Committee and adopted by consensus. The Membership has not explicitly granted the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments related to the existing process. This is a proposal to legitimize temporary alternative Processes authorized by the Advisory Board. --- index.bs | 73 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 73 insertions(+) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 2cbf0e15..3261cf7b 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5322,6 +5322,79 @@ Process Evolution the [[COC|Code of Conduct]] in the Positive Work Environment Community Group, and the Process in the W3C Process Community Group. +

Process Experimentation

+ +The Advisory Board may authorize Process Experiments. +An Authorized Process Experiment modifies or replaces +one or more provisions of an operative policy for the authorized duration and scope of the experiment. + +Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document, +Patent Policy (in partnership with the PSIG), +and Code of Conduct (in partnership with the Positive Work Environment CG), +subject to the scope limitations defined below. + +

Notification

+ +The Advisory Boards must notify the Membership and public of its decision to authorize a Process Experiment +no less than three weeks before the planned start of the experiment. +Provided the experiment remains within scope limitations, +the authorization itself is not subject to the usual Formal Objection mechanisms, but it is subject to Advisory Committee Appeal. +The usual Process safeguards (objections, appeals) remain in place for decisions made during the course of an experiment. + +Notification of a Process Experiment Authorization must: + + + +

Scope limitations

+ +Authorized Process Experiments must not: + + + +

Extensions

+ +An Authorized Process Experiment expires automatically on its specified end date but may be extended at most one time for up to one year. +If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment: + + + +

Process Experiment Reports

+ +Upon conclusion or termination of a Process Experiment and prior to any extension, +the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report with the Membership and public. + +A Process Experiment Report must: + + + +

Experiment outcomes

+ +Not all experiments will be deemed successful or lead to permanent changes to the Process Document. +The validity of actions or decisions taken as part of an authorized Process Experiment does not depend on the outcome of the experiment. + +An Authorized Process Experiment does not amend the operational policy permanently; +making any change permanent requires the usual approval process. +

Appendix A: Retired Terminology

From 236509123adc3e306436f0c0912fcf8b9d63cee5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2026 11:50:24 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 02/31] Update index.bs MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Co-authored-by: Theresa O’Connor --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 3261cf7b..da495e60 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5356,7 +5356,7 @@ and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions. Authorized Process Experiments must not:
    -
  • Alter the rules that give it the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments or permanently change a policy.
    • +
  • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments or permanently change a policy.
  • Affect the W3C Member Agreement or incorporation documents (bylaws, certificate of incorporation).
  • Alter patent policy commitments.
  • Have retroactive effect.
    • From 48bd17ea19d116ccba208b45d8bd79294e3e7fa7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2026 12:31:14 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 03/31] business days => weeks --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index da495e60..b4af9616 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5369,7 +5369,7 @@ If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment:
    • the Advisory Board must issue a Process Experiment Report
      • -
    • the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee by a ballot open for 10 business days at a minimum.
      • +
    • the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee by a ballot open for two weeks at a minimum.

    Process Experiment Reports

    From 6aa610a46940ad4122120672cd0b1ae5748e50ab Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ian Jacobs Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:41:56 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 04/31] remove patent policy, coc from scope --- index.bs | 7 +++---- 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index b4af9616..f2a69bfe 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5328,10 +5328,8 @@ The Advisory Board may authorize Process Experiments. An Authorized Process Experiment modifies or replaces one or more provisions of an operative policy for the authorized duration and scope of the experiment. -Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document, -Patent Policy (in partnership with the PSIG), -and Code of Conduct (in partnership with the Positive Work Environment CG), -subject to the scope limitations defined below. +Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document +subject to the scope limitations defined below.

    Notification

    @@ -5356,6 +5354,7 @@ and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions. Authorized Process Experiments must not:
      +
    • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document.
    • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments or permanently change a policy.
    • Affect the W3C Member Agreement or incorporation documents (bylaws, certificate of incorporation).
    • Alter patent policy commitments.
      • From 3047fd240b023df07097521b47616f953c0b65a7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ian Jacobs Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:44:36 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 05/31] removed mention of bylaws per Florian suggestionsince not under AB purview --- index.bs | 1 - 1 file changed, 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index f2a69bfe..ec533d7e 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5356,7 +5356,6 @@ Authorized Process Experiments must not:
      • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document.
      • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments or permanently change a policy.
        • -
      • Affect the W3C Member Agreement or incorporation documents (bylaws, certificate of incorporation).
      • Alter patent policy commitments.
      • Have retroactive effect.
      From 63a0c435396bb8af06c15c614e12fd62ab582afd Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:04:17 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 06/31] Update index.bs Co-authored-by: Florian Rivoal --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index ec533d7e..acaa00d5 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5337,7 +5337,7 @@ The Advisory Boards must notify the Membership and public of its decision to aut no less than three weeks before the planned start of the experiment. Provided the experiment remains within scope limitations, the authorization itself is not subject to the usual Formal Objection mechanisms, but it is subject to Advisory Committee Appeal. -The usual Process safeguards (objections, appeals) remain in place for decisions made during the course of an experiment. +The usual Process safeguards (objections, appeals), to the extent they are not themselves modified by the experiment, remain in place for decisions made during the course of an experiment. Notification of a Process Experiment Authorization must: From 5aac2c0ac5dbc7ae40ce87e57c9b6d8fb6599d06 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:25:48 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 07/31] Update index.bs MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Co-authored-by: François Daoust --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index acaa00d5..31b3a6ce 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5354,7 +5354,7 @@ and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions. Authorized Process Experiments must not:
        -
      • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document. +
      • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document.
      • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments or permanently change a policy.
      • Alter patent policy commitments.
      • Have retroactive effect.
        • From cd7b86c7fd0c84e77a91662d554315b29af2c4e2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:26:22 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 08/31] Update index.bs MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Co-authored-by: François Daoust --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 31b3a6ce..dc7f27f0 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5331,7 +5331,7 @@ one or more provisions of an operative policy for the authorized duration and sc Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document subject to the scope limitations defined below. -

        Notification

        +

        Notification

        The Advisory Boards must notify the Membership and public of its decision to authorize a Process Experiment no less than three weeks before the planned start of the experiment. From 10ebb6d7eda73220c77fd8ac8cf7d3877ea273d2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:26:31 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 09/31] Update index.bs MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Co-authored-by: François Daoust --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index dc7f27f0..6e289ed7 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5360,7 +5360,7 @@ Authorized Process Experiments must not:
      • Have retroactive effect.
      -

      Extensions

      +

      Extensions

      An Authorized Process Experiment expires automatically on its specified end date but may be extended at most one time for up to one year. If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment: From cefa1f8c1d487508b6da6420d0fa4666ae426224 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:26:40 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 10/31] Update index.bs MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Co-authored-by: François Daoust --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 6e289ed7..d5d65b67 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5370,7 +5370,7 @@ If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment:
    • the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee by a ballot open for two weeks at a minimum.
    -

    Process Experiment Reports

    +

    Process Experiment Reports

    Upon conclusion or termination of a Process Experiment and prior to any extension, the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report with the Membership and public. From e7498a8e318283ee750e71d2d6b93bd3e2a37890 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: ianbjacobs Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:26:48 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 11/31] Update index.bs MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Co-authored-by: François Daoust --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index d5d65b67..8ce24385 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5385,7 +5385,7 @@ and what unexpected events occurred. or should no further action be taken.
-

Experiment outcomes

+

Experiment outcomes

Not all experiments will be deemed successful or lead to permanent changes to the Process Document. The validity of actions or decisions taken as part of an authorized Process Experiment does not depend on the outcome of the experiment. From 8b7e370a6165a4765e3467a03e9a8cee227c0406 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:23:31 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 12/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 8ce24385..6a89e254 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5322,7 +5322,8 @@ Process Evolution the [[COC|Code of Conduct]] in the Positive Work Environment Community Group, and the Process in the W3C Process Community Group. -

Process Experimentation

+

+Process Experimentation

The Advisory Board may authorize Process Experiments. An Authorized Process Experiment modifies or replaces From 54969d347044bcce1051cf73ec5f1756d44223ed Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:23:43 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 13/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 10 +++++----- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 6a89e254..fb7c18b8 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5325,12 +5325,12 @@ Process Evolution

Process Experimentation

-The Advisory Board may authorize Process Experiments. -An Authorized Process Experiment modifies or replaces -one or more provisions of an operative policy for the authorized duration and scope of the experiment. + The Advisory Board may authorize Process Experiments. + An Authorized Process Experiment modifies or replaces + one or more provisions of an operative policy for the authorized duration and scope of the experiment. -Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document -subject to the scope limitations defined below. + Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document + subject to the scope limitations defined below.

Notification

From 036bde4e205ea5767260206e0154902e3a180c98 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:23:58 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 14/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index fb7c18b8..48544e90 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5332,7 +5332,8 @@ Process Experimentation Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document subject to the scope limitations defined below. -

Notification

+

+Notification

The Advisory Boards must notify the Membership and public of its decision to authorize a Process Experiment no less than three weeks before the planned start of the experiment. From ae3fa33bafad5c627b8535e789022e33ee01fb30 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:24:09 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 15/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 10 ++++++---- 1 file changed, 6 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 48544e90..8b067e9c 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5335,10 +5335,12 @@ Process Experimentation

Notification

-The Advisory Boards must notify the Membership and public of its decision to authorize a Process Experiment -no less than three weeks before the planned start of the experiment. -Provided the experiment remains within scope limitations, -the authorization itself is not subject to the usual Formal Objection mechanisms, but it is subject to Advisory Committee Appeal. + The Advisory Boards must notify the Membership and public + of its decision to authorize a Process Experiment + no less than three weeks before the planned start of the experiment. + Provided the experiment remains within scope limitations, + the authorization itself is not subject to the usual Formal Objection mechanisms, + but it is subject to Advisory Committee Appeal. The usual Process safeguards (objections, appeals), to the extent they are not themselves modified by the experiment, remain in place for decisions made during the course of an experiment. Notification of a Process Experiment Authorization must: From 56e881be4ab5bbeab575b5fba1755d4250765635 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:24:37 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 16/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 6 ++++-- 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 8b067e9c..ceeb5c46 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5341,9 +5341,11 @@ Notification Provided the experiment remains within scope limitations, the authorization itself is not subject to the usual Formal Objection mechanisms, but it is subject to Advisory Committee Appeal. -The usual Process safeguards (objections, appeals), to the extent they are not themselves modified by the experiment, remain in place for decisions made during the course of an experiment. + The usual Process safeguards (objections, appeals), + to the extent they are not themselves modified by the experiment, + remain in place for decisions made during the course of an experiment. -Notification of a Process Experiment Authorization must: + Notification of a Process Experiment Authorization must:
  • Describe what problem(s) the experiment seeks to address.
    • From 7bcb7c0b6e25cfe1fb9c00a7f3e2cf4fa3dfd605 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:24:55 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 17/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 14 +++++++------- 1 file changed, 7 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index ceeb5c46..51b38813 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5347,13 +5347,13 @@ Notification Notification of a Process Experiment Authorization must: -
      -
    • Describe what problem(s) the experiment seeks to address.
      • -
    • Include hypotheses for how the experiment will address these problems and what success would look like.
      • -
    • Identify the policy provisions that are temporarily suspended during the experiment, -and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions.
      • -
    • Specify an end date that may not be more than 1 year after the start date of the experiment.
      • -
    +
      +
    • Describe what problem(s) the experiment seeks to address. +
    • Include hypotheses for how the experiment will address these problems and what success would look like. +
    • Identify the policy provisions that are temporarily suspended during the experiment, + and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions. +
    • Specify an end date that may not be more than 1 year after the start date of the experiment. +

    Scope limitations

    From 89b7f355d96c35ad9947cdf901c145237c90397a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:25:12 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 18/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 51b38813..d83d7bd3 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5355,7 +5355,8 @@ Notification
  • Specify an end date that may not be more than 1 year after the start date of the experiment.
-

Scope limitations

+

+Scope limitations

Authorized Process Experiments must not: From e862f4bba49f06ce85e78286f4879e891278877f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:25:29 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 19/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index d83d7bd3..ab21c2b7 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5358,7 +5358,7 @@ Notification

Scope limitations

-Authorized Process Experiments must not: + Authorized Process Experiments must not:
  • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document.
    • From 8f2dc808e514efd8872a31737bc807218bf0aed2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:25:52 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 20/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 9 +++++---- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index ab21c2b7..fb073508 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5360,10 +5360,11 @@ Scope limitations Authorized Process Experiments must not: -
      -
    • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document.
      • -
    • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments or permanently change a policy.
      • -
    • Alter patent policy commitments.
      • +
        +
      • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document. +
      • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments + or permanently change a policy. +
      • Alter patent policy commitments.
      • Have retroactive effect.
      From 4b268b2c1c3aeb574680fa9c523edf9df500aeed Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:26:04 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 21/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index fb073508..92eef73a 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5378,7 +5378,8 @@ If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment:
    • the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee by a ballot open for two weeks at a minimum.
    -

    Process Experiment Reports

    +

    +Process Experiment Reports

    Upon conclusion or termination of a Process Experiment and prior to any extension, the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report with the Membership and public. From 76220860240d0ca7bd3acbc03a248cd0c58b7ae6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:26:13 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 22/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 4 ++-- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 92eef73a..5bc3a3b6 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5381,8 +5381,8 @@ If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment:

    Process Experiment Reports

    -Upon conclusion or termination of a Process Experiment and prior to any extension, -the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report with the Membership and public. + Upon conclusion or termination of a Process Experiment and prior to any extension, + the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report with the Membership and public. A Process Experiment Report must: From ca990ee7e9cedd9119ffe74be165a51d37859815 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:26:26 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 23/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 16 ++++++++-------- 1 file changed, 8 insertions(+), 8 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 5bc3a3b6..03d7c63c 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5384,15 +5384,15 @@ Process Experiment Reports Upon conclusion or termination of a Process Experiment and prior to any extension, the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report with the Membership and public. -A Process Experiment Report must: + A Process Experiment Report must: -
      -
    • Describe at a high level what happened, what was learned, and what evidence was gathered.
      • -
    • Indicate whether the hypotheses in the Process Experiment Authorization were supported, -and what unexpected events occurred.
      • -
    • Advise whether the experiment be extended, modified, or proposed for permanent adoption, -or should no further action be taken.
      • -
    +
      +
    • Describe at a high level what happened, what was learned, and what evidence was gathered. +
    • Indicate whether the hypotheses in the Process Experiment Authorization were supported, + and what unexpected events occurred. +
    • Advise whether the experiment be extended, modified, or proposed for permanent adoption, + or should no further action be taken. +

    Experiment outcomes

    From c865f8e3640dd49a109daff5708ea732d3409252 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:26:35 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 24/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 9 +++++---- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 03d7c63c..aaab73dd 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5396,11 +5396,12 @@ Process Experiment Reports

    Experiment outcomes

    -Not all experiments will be deemed successful or lead to permanent changes to the Process Document. -The validity of actions or decisions taken as part of an authorized Process Experiment does not depend on the outcome of the experiment. + Not all experiments will be deemed successful or lead to permanent changes to the Process Document. + The validity of actions or decisions taken as part of an authorized Process Experiment + does not depend on the outcome of the experiment. -An Authorized Process Experiment does not amend the operational policy permanently; -making any change permanent requires the usual approval process. + An Authorized Process Experiment does not amend the operational policy permanently; + making any change permanent requires the usual approval process.

    Appendix A: Retired Terminology

    From a2e56ad3e57e4237e3653b97cf6d42c3ac305226 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:26:48 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 25/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index aaab73dd..2ac2a148 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5394,7 +5394,8 @@ Process Experiment Reports or should no further action be taken.
-

Experiment outcomes

+

+Experiment outcomes

Not all experiments will be deemed successful or lead to permanent changes to the Process Document. The validity of actions or decisions taken as part of an authorized Process Experiment From 3bf8abeabb9c511096cd65e78de9d9ee7bce81b1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:27:02 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 26/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 4 ++-- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 2ac2a148..51540145 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5365,8 +5365,8 @@ Scope limitations
  • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments or permanently change a policy.
  • Alter patent policy commitments. -
  • Have retroactive effect.
    • - +
  • Have retroactive effect. +

    Extensions

    From 9298cb4e624be70da0a3729674350c8f39274c0c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:27:18 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 27/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 51540145..93c57857 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5368,7 +5368,8 @@ Scope limitations
  • Have retroactive effect. -

    Extensions

    +

    +Extensions

    An Authorized Process Experiment expires automatically on its specified end date but may be extended at most one time for up to one year. If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment: From 1b989cce097f4fe2a3c0438d8ba30c06c6067b80 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:27:31 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 28/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 93c57857..81cbb4da 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5371,7 +5371,8 @@ Scope limitations

    Extensions

    -An Authorized Process Experiment expires automatically on its specified end date but may be extended at most one time for up to one year. + An Authorized Process Experiment expires automatically on its specified end date + but may be extended at most one time for up to one year. If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment:
      From 82f962f174d6c65d148b48139b88b16a15853562 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:27:45 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 29/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 11 ++++++----- 1 file changed, 6 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 81cbb4da..461ef7aa 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5373,12 +5373,13 @@ Extensions An Authorized Process Experiment expires automatically on its specified end date but may be extended at most one time for up to one year. -If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment: + If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment: -
        -
      • the Advisory Board must issue a Process Experiment Report
        • -
      • the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee by a ballot open for two weeks at a minimum.
        • -
      +
        +
      • the Advisory Board must issue a [=Process Experiment Report=] +
      • the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee + by a ballot open for two weeks at a minimum. +

      Process Experiment Reports

      From b2e68c30af0c9628e2999f5bd659406fa8541383 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Florian Rivoal Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:33:17 +0900 Subject: [PATCH 30/31] Coding style --- index.bs | 50 ++++++++++++++++++++++---------------------------- 1 file changed, 22 insertions(+), 28 deletions(-) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 461ef7aa..6b64a943 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5326,7 +5326,7 @@ Process Evolution Process Experimentation The Advisory Board may authorize Process Experiments. - An Authorized Process Experiment modifies or replaces + An Authorized Process Experiment modifies or replaces one or more provisions of an operative policy for the authorized duration and scope of the experiment. Authorized Process Experiments may be conducted over the Process Document @@ -5347,26 +5347,23 @@ Notification Notification of a Process Experiment Authorization must: -
        -
      • Describe what problem(s) the experiment seeks to address. -
      • Include hypotheses for how the experiment will address these problems and what success would look like. -
      • Identify the policy provisions that are temporarily suspended during the experiment, - and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions. -
      • Specify an end date that may not be more than 1 year after the start date of the experiment. -
      + * Describe what problem(s) the experiment seeks to address. + * Include hypotheses for how the experiment will address these problems + and what success would look like. + * Identify the policy provisions that are temporarily suspended during the experiment, + and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions. + * Specify an end date that may not be more than 1 year after the start date of the experiment.

      Scope limitations

      Authorized Process Experiments must not: -
        -
      • Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document. -
      • Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments - or permanently change a policy. -
      • Alter patent policy commitments. -
      • Have retroactive effect. -
      + * Extend to policies included by reference in the Process Document. + * Alter the rules that give the Advisory Board the authority to conduct experiments + or permanently change a policy. + * Alter patent policy commitments. + * Have retroactive effect.

      Extensions

      @@ -5375,27 +5372,24 @@ Extensions but may be extended at most one time for up to one year. If the Advisory Board wishes to extend an experiment: -
        -
      • the Advisory Board must issue a [=Process Experiment Report=] -
      • the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee - by a ballot open for two weeks at a minimum. -
      + * the Advisory Board must issue a [=Process Experiment Report=] + * the extension must be approved by majority vote of the Advisory Committee + by a ballot open for two weeks at a minimum.

      Process Experiment Reports

      Upon conclusion or termination of a Process Experiment and prior to any extension, - the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report with the Membership and public. + the Advisory Board must share a Process Experiment Report + with the Membership and public. A Process Experiment Report must: -
        -
      • Describe at a high level what happened, what was learned, and what evidence was gathered. -
      • Indicate whether the hypotheses in the Process Experiment Authorization were supported, - and what unexpected events occurred. -
      • Advise whether the experiment be extended, modified, or proposed for permanent adoption, - or should no further action be taken. -
      + * Describe at a high level what happened, what was learned, and what evidence was gathered. + * Indicate whether the hypotheses in the Process Experiment Authorization were supported, + and what unexpected events occurred. + * Advise whether the experiment be extended, modified, or proposed for permanent adoption, + or should no further action be taken.

      Experiment outcomes

      From b130244ff6083c9951d4517dd38513391a085acd Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ian Jacobs Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:03:20 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 31/31] Require notification to identify affected parties. --- index.bs | 8 ++++++++ 1 file changed, 8 insertions(+) diff --git a/index.bs b/index.bs index 6b64a943..52fc224d 100644 --- a/index.bs +++ b/index.bs @@ -5352,6 +5352,14 @@ Notification and what success would look like. * Identify the policy provisions that are temporarily suspended during the experiment, and include the language that temporarily replaces those provisions. + * Identify explicitly the parties affected by the experiment. + When an experiment is designed to affect a limited audience + (e.g., one Working Group), + the Advisory Board must socialize the experiment with them + before issuing the the formal notification. + When an experiment affects a large audience + (e.g., all Working Groups), + the Advisory Board must provide rationale for the more expansive scope. * Specify an end date that may not be more than 1 year after the start date of the experiment.