Layersaims

Layersaims is a conceptual framework and software approach for organizing goals across multiple layers to improve planning, execution, and evaluation. It treats aims as structured entities that can be decomposed from high-level strategic objectives into mid-level aims and concrete tasks, while maintaining traceability and alignment across layers.

The framework defines layers such as strategic aims (long-term direction), operational aims (mid-term capabilities and programs), and task-level aims (short-term actions). Each layer includes objectives, success criteria, and constraints, and is linked by mapping rules that translate higher-layer intents into lower-layer commitments.

A layersaims system comprises an aim model, a reasoning or planning engine, a ruleset for cross-layer alignment, and a monitoring interface. The aim model stores hierarchical relationships and versioning; the planning engine performs decomposition, conflict resolution, and feasibility checks; the ruleset enforces safety, ethics, and constraint satisfaction; the monitoring interface tracks outcomes and provenance.

Applications include enterprise strategy, AI governance and alignment research, robotics, and software project management, where teams benefit from transparent traceability from high-level goals to concrete tasks.

Advantages include improved alignment, explainability, and adaptability across changing conditions; limitations include increased complexity, potential rigidity if rules are too strict, and higher computational or coordination costs.

See also: hierarchical planning, multi-objective optimization, goal decomposition.