OODA is a business and military strategy method which has been used extensively to create new tactics which can overcome obstacles and opponents. The principles of OODA have been applied to many fields including engineering and psychology. OODA means Observe, Orient, Decide, Act and each of these combine to create a mental model of how to adapt to changing situations and how your actions affect these. This presentation demonstrates how the OODA model has been analysed and combined with Obstacle Driven Development to create new models which are both extended and fully testable. OODA was invented by Col. John Boyd who was the Top Gun of the USAF Top Gun school and is probably the greatest dogfighter of all time.

1. Obstacle Driven Development
OODA Evolution

2. OODA Model
OODA models are for
strategy and tactics
and model how people
react to observations.
• Observe
• Orient
• Decide (Hypothesis)
• Act (Test)
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3. OODA Model
Explains how to react to
Unfolding Circumstances
and Outside Information.
• Also for commercial
operations and
learning operations
• Favours agility over raw
power in dealing with
obstacles
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4. Orient Stage
Inside of the Orient stage
are a smaller model of
the interactions between:
• Cultural Traditions
• Genetic Heritage
• New Information
• Analysis and Synthesis
• Previous Experiences
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5. Obstacle Driven Development Software Model
Each stage has tests
created prior to
solutions as with a
scientific method.
• Tests created
provide verification
• Solutions created
according to tests
provide validation
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6. Obstacle Driven Development Software Model
Based on a combination
of Test Driven
Development and V-
models.
• V & inverted V-models
for development of
stages
• Tests are created first
for each stage
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7. Obstacle Driven Development Software Model
Relative height of the
model indicates the
abstraction level.
• Gives a layered
architecture to models
• We integrate or
decompose to complete
each stage
• Product and function
are highest and lowest
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8. Similarities
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Similarities were identified between the OODA model and
Obstacle Driven Development (software model shown).

9. Similarities
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• Observe ≈ Analysis
• Orient ≈ Behaviours
• Coding ≈ Decide
• Act ≈ Application

10. ODD Software Model
Each stage of ODD
drives development of
the next through
creation of tests for the
obstacles.
• Each stage creates
tests for the next
• Each stages solves
tests from the
previous
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11. ODD Software Model
Obstacle Driven
Development models
include checkpoints.
These are:
• Requirements
• Documents
• Software
• Product
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12. ODD Engineering Model
Obstacle Driven
Development was
originally an
engineering method.
• Problems with the
model solved through
studying military and
sports strategy
• Adapted to other
fields since
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13. ODD OODA Model
Applying Observe,
Orient, Decide and Act
stages to an M-model.
• Fully testable model
useful to develop
strategy and training
• Checkpoints at the
end of each stage
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14. OODPAA Model
Adding Stages of
Prepare and Assemble
gives a new level of
Strategic organisation.
• Prepare is logistics
of supplies and
equipment
• Assemble is locating
in the correct place
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15. OODA.SE Model
M-models repeat for continuous
improvement as demonstrated by
the diamond model.
• Each stage is linked through
creating and solving tests
• Act and Result join with Observe
and Requirements
• Act and Observe linked through
Affect and Assess
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16. Combining the Models
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Combining the models was a simple process with the similarities
between them. Feedback and other features were added to the
ODD OODA model.

17. Combined ODD OODA Model
Combining the ODD
and OODA models
leads to this model.
• Decision block is
included before Act
• All feedback and
feedforwards paths
are included
• Adaptions to the
Orient stage
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18. Combined ODD OODA Model
• Observe now contains
New Information and
Analysis
• Orient now contains
Previous Experience
and Tradition +
Heritage
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19. Combined ODD OODPAA Model
Adding the Supply and
Assemble stages gives
the model a further
strategic level.
• Supply and Assemble
feedback to Observe
• Preparing and
Assembling is
essential to success
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20. Generic Model
Examining similarities
between ODD and
OODA led to a generic
model being created.
• Each stage is a
combination of ODD
and OODA
• Other models have
been created from
this model
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21. PDCA Model
PCDA is a business method for
control and continual improvement
of processes and products.
• Creates a culture of problem
solvers and critical thinkers
• Also called Plan, Do, Study, Act
• Another version adds Observe to
make OPDCA
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22. APDA Model
Combining PCDA with
ODD gives an APDA
model.
• Analysis stage begins
the method
• Check is implicit
between stages
• Full verification and
validation between
stages
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23. Further Information and Questions
www.odd.enterprises
odd.enterprises
odd_enterprises
Email:
j.herring@odd.enterprises
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24. Legal Stuff
References
Test Driven Development for Embedded C
James Grenning, 2011
Test Driven Development
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test-driven development
Behaviour Driven Development
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior-driven development
Unit Testing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unit testing
Disclaimer
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