Workflow
Modes: Explore, Refine, Deliver
Understand how the three project modes change the way Iterel behaves.
What modes are
Modes control how Iterel works, not what it works on. They affect the creative latitude agents take, how much review happens before output is delivered, and how strictly the workflow enforces quality gates.
You can switch modes from the Conductor by saying "Switch to Explore mode" (or Refine, or Deliver), or from the project settings.
Explore mode
Explore is for early-stage work when you are still discovering the right direction.
- Agents take more creative risks and suggest broader options
- More collaboration rounds happen between specialists before delivering output
- The Conductor acts as a synthesizer, pulling ideas together
- Specialists can step outside their usual lane to offer cross-disciplinary input
- Staleness is flagged but does not block progress
Use Explore when you are brainstorming, evaluating new ideas, or when the direction is not yet clear.
Refine mode
Refine is for tightening work that already has a clear direction.
- Agents stay closer to the established direction
- Fewer collaboration rounds — work is more focused
- The Conductor acts as a reviewer, checking quality before delivery
- Specialists stay within their discipline
- Staleness is flagged and may prompt regeneration
Use Refine when your research and strategy are solid and you are polishing flows, design, or creative direction.
Deliver mode
Deliver is for final production-quality output.
- Agents are conservative and precise
- Minimal collaboration — output is direct and focused
- The Conductor acts as a gatekeeper, requiring your approval before major changes
- Strict discipline boundaries
- Staleness triggers warnings and may block downstream generation
Use Deliver when you are shipping — final design polish, production code, and launch preparation.
How modes transition
The project typically moves through modes naturally: