# GridPilot Implementation Roadmap

## Overview

This roadmap provides a phased implementation plan for GridPilot, an automated league management platform for iRacing. Each phase builds upon the previous one, with clear success criteria and actionable todos.

**Purpose:**
- Guide iterative development from technical validation to public launch and monetization
- Track progress through checkable todos
- Validate assumptions before investing in full implementation
- Ensure architectural integrity throughout each phase

**How to Use:**
- Check off todos as they are completed (replace `[ ]` with `[x]`)
- Review success criteria before moving to the next phase
- Refer to [ARCHITECTURE.md](./ARCHITECTURE.md) for component boundaries and patterns
- Consult [TESTS.md](./TESTS.md) for testing approach and BDD scenario structure
- See [CONCEPT.md](./CONCEPT.md) for product vision and user needs

**Relationship to MVP:**
- **Phase 0-1:** Pre-MVP validation (technical feasibility, market validation)
- **Phase 2:** MVP (core league management with automated results)
- **Phase 3-4:** Enhanced MVP (automation layer, branding)
- **Phase 5-6:** Public launch and monetization

---

## Phase 0: Foundation (Automation Testing - Internal)

**Goal:** Validate technical feasibility of browser automation and establish testing infrastructure.

### Infrastructure Setup
- [ ] Initialize monorepo with npm workspaces (`/src/apps`, `/src/packages`)
- [ ] Set up TypeScript configuration (strict mode, path aliases)
- [ ] Configure ESLint and Prettier (no warnings tolerated)
- [ ] Create basic domain models (`League`, `Team`, `Event`, `Driver`, `Result`)
- [ ] Set up test harness (Vitest for unit/integration tests)
- [ ] Configure Docker Compose for E2E testing environment
- [ ] Document development setup in README.md

### Automation Validation
- [ ] Install and configure Nut.js for browser automation
- [ ] Test iRacing session creation page detection
- [ ] Test session ID extraction from URL or page elements
- [ ] Validate server-side result polling from iRacing API
- [ ] Create proof-of-concept automation script
- [ ] Document automation approach and limitations
- [ ] Identify automation failure modes and mitigation strategies

### Testing Foundation
- [ ] Write example BDD scenarios (Given/When/Then format)
- [ ] Set up Dockerized E2E test environment
- [ ] Create fixture data for test scenarios
- [ ] Validate test isolation and repeatability
- [ ] Document testing strategy in [TESTS.md](./TESTS.md)

**Success Criteria:**
- Technical feasibility confirmed (browser automation reliable)
- Test infrastructure operational (unit, integration, E2E)
- Development environment documented and reproducible
- No blockers identified for MVP implementation

**Note:** This phase is internal validation only—no user-facing features.

---

## Phase 1: Landing Page & Market Validation

**Goal:** Validate product-market fit before building the full application.

### Marketing Website
- [ ] Build static marketing website (Next.js or similar)
- [ ] Create compelling copy addressing league organizer pain points
- [ ] Design product mockups and fake screenshots
- [ ] Add email collection form (waitlist integration)
- [ ] Implement privacy policy and terms of service
- [ ] Set up analytics (signups, page views, engagement)

### Community Engagement
- [ ] Post to r/iRacing subreddit with mockups
- [ ] Share in iRacing Discord communities
- [ ] Reach out to league organizers directly
- [ ] Collect feedback on pain points and feature requests
- [ ] Conduct user interviews with interested organizers
- [ ] Document feedback in product backlog

### Analysis
- [ ] Analyze email signup metrics
- [ ] Review qualitative feedback themes
- [ ] Validate assumptions about organizer pain points
- [ ] Assess willingness to pay (surveys, conversations)
- [ ] Document findings and adjust roadmap if needed

**Success Criteria:**
- 100+ email signups from target users
- Positive feedback from league organizers
- Validated demand for automated result import
- Confirmed interest in team-based scoring
- Product-market fit assumptions validated

**Note:** No application built in this phase—validation only. Pivot or proceed based on feedback.

---

## Phase 2: MVP (League-Focused)

**Goal:** Build a functional league management platform with automated result import (no fees, no companion app yet).

### Authentication & User Management
- [ ] Implement iRacing OAuth authentication flow
- [ ] Create user registration and profile system
- [ ] Build user role system (organizer, driver, spectator)
- [ ] Implement session management and token refresh
- [ ] Write BDD scenarios for authentication flows
- [ ] Achieve test coverage for auth domain

### League Management (Core Domain)
- [ ] Implement `CreateLeagueUseCase` (see [ARCHITECTURE.md](./ARCHITECTURE.md#application-layer))
- [ ] Create league CRUD operations (update, delete, archive)
- [ ] Build season setup (tracks, cars, rules configuration)
- [ ] Implement points system configuration (customizable)
- [ ] Create race event scheduling system
- [ ] Write BDD scenarios for league lifecycle
- [ ] Achieve >90% test coverage for `League` aggregate

### Driver & Team Registration
- [ ] Build driver registration system (join league/season)
- [ ] Implement team registration system (optional parallel scoring)
- [ ] Create team roster management (add/remove drivers)
- [ ] Build approval workflow for registrations
- [ ] Write BDD scenarios for registration flows
- [ ] Test team scoring calculation logic

### Automated Result Import
- [ ] Implement PostgreSQL schema (repositories pattern)
- [ ] Create server-side iRacing API integration
- [ ] Build automated result polling service
- [ ] Implement result parsing and validation
- [ ] Create `ImportResultUseCase` (see [ARCHITECTURE.md](./ARCHITECTURE.md#application-layer))
- [ ] Handle edge cases (DNS, penalties, disconnects)
- [ ] Write BDD scenarios for result import
- [ ] Test result import reliability and error handling

### Standings & Results
- [ ] Generate driver standings (individual points calculation)
- [ ] Generate team standings (parallel scoring model)
- [ ] Build race result pages (lap times, incidents, finishing position)
- [ ] Implement historical standings view (by race)
- [ ] Create standings export functionality (CSV)
- [ ] Write BDD scenarios for standings calculation
- [ ] Test edge cases (ties, dropped races, penalties)

### League Identity & Admin
- [ ] Build league identity pages (public view)
- [ ] Create basic admin dashboard (organizer tools)
- [ ] Implement league settings management
- [ ] Build schedule and calendar view
- [ ] Create notifications system (race reminders)
- [ ] Write BDD scenarios for admin workflows

### Quality Assurance
- [ ] Run full test suite (unit, integration, E2E)
- [ ] Achieve >90% test coverage for domain/application layers
- [ ] Perform manual testing with real iRacing data
- [ ] Fix all critical bugs and edge cases
- [ ] Document known limitations

**Success Criteria:**
- Functional platform for league management
- Automated result import working reliably
- Driver and team standings calculated correctly
- No manual result uploads required
- Test coverage >90% for core domain
- Ready for closed beta testing

**Note:** No fees, no payouts, no companion app in this phase. Focus on core league management.

**Cross-References:**
- See [ARCHITECTURE.md](./ARCHITECTURE.md) for component boundaries
- See [TESTS.md](./TESTS.md) for BDD scenario examples

---

## Phase 3: Companion App (Automation Layer)

**Goal:** Build an Electron companion app to automate session creation and reduce organizer workload.

### Companion App Foundation
- [ ] Set up Electron application structure
- [ ] Implement Nut.js browser automation framework
- [ ] Create IPC bridge for backend communication
- [ ] Build auto-updater mechanism
- [ ] Set up application signing and packaging
- [ ] Document installation and setup process

### Session Creation Automation
- [ ] Build session creation assistance workflow
- [ ] Implement iRacing session page detection
- [ ] Create session ID extraction mechanism
- [ ] Build form auto-fill functionality (track, cars, rules)
- [ ] Implement session URL capture and sync
- [ ] Handle automation failure cases gracefully
- [ ] Write E2E tests for automation flows

### OAuth & Credential Handoff
- [ ] Implement OAuth handoff from companion to web
- [ ] Create secure credential storage (encrypted)
- [ ] Build IPC bridge for authentication state
- [ ] Handle token refresh in companion app
- [ ] Write E2E tests for OAuth handoff flow
- [ ] Test cross-process credential security

### Organizer Utilities
- [ ] Create session creation guidance (step-by-step)
- [ ] Build pre-race checklist functionality
- [ ] Implement session status monitoring
- [ ] Add quick access to league settings
- [ ] Create notifications for upcoming races

### Testing & Reliability
- [ ] Test session creation automation reliability (>95% success rate)
- [ ] Validate automation across different iRacing UI versions
- [ ] Handle iRacing website changes gracefully
- [ ] Create fallback mechanisms for automation failures
- [ ] Document troubleshooting guide

**Success Criteria:**
- Companion app reduces session creation time by 80%+
- Automation success rate >95%
- OAuth handoff secure and seamless
- Auto-updater working reliably
- Comprehensive E2E test coverage

**Note:** Companion app is optional but highly valuable for organizers. Focus on reliability over features.

---

## Phase 4: Branding & Public Pages

**Goal:** Enable professional league identity and public discoverability.

### Asset Management
- [ ] Implement S3-compatible asset storage (logos, images)
- [ ] Add league logo upload functionality
- [ ] Create image optimization pipeline
- [ ] Implement asset CDN integration
- [ ] Build asset management UI (upload, delete, replace)

### Custom Branding
- [ ] Create custom CSS/theming system (colors, fonts)
- [ ] Build theme preview functionality
- [ ] Implement logo placement customization
- [ ] Add custom header/footer options
- [ ] Create branding guidelines documentation

### Public League Directory
- [ ] Build public league directory (browse and discover)
- [ ] Implement search and filtering (game type, region, skill level)
- [ ] Create league detail pages (public view)
- [ ] Add league statistics (active seasons, drivers, races)
- [ ] Implement privacy settings (public/private leagues)

### External Integrations
- [ ] Implement optional custom domain support (CNAME)
- [ ] Create embeddable widgets (standings iframe, schedule)
- [ ] Add Discord/TeamSpeak integration links
- [ ] Implement YouTube/Twitch VOD linking (external only, no uploads)
- [ ] Build social sharing functionality (Twitter, Reddit)

### Public Result Pages
- [ ] Create public race result pages (shareable links)
- [ ] Build driver profile pages (career statistics)
- [ ] Implement team profile pages (roster, history)
- [ ] Add historical standings archive
- [ ] Create race replay link integration (if available)

### Testing & Documentation
- [ ] Write BDD scenarios for branding features
- [ ] Test public pages with various league configurations
- [ ] Validate custom domain setup process
- [ ] Create user guide for branding customization
- [ ] Test embeddable widgets in external sites

**Success Criteria:**
- Leagues have professional identity and branding
- Public directory drives league discovery
- Custom domains working reliably
- Embeddable widgets functional
- External integrations (Discord, Twitch) operational

**Note:** Branding features are optional but enhance league professionalism and discoverability.

---

## Phase 5: Public Launch

**Goal:** Launch GridPilot publicly with production-grade infrastructure and stability.

### Security & Compliance
- [ ] Perform security audit (OAuth, credentials, API security)
- [ ] Implement rate limiting and DDoS protection
- [ ] Add CSRF and XSS protection
- [ ] Conduct penetration testing
- [ ] Review GDPR compliance (user data handling)
- [ ] Implement data export functionality (user request)
- [ ] Create incident response plan

### Performance & Scalability
- [ ] Load testing and performance optimization
- [ ] Implement database query optimization
- [ ] Add caching layers (Redis for sessions, API responses)
- [ ] Configure CDN for static assets
- [ ] Optimize Docker images for production
- [ ] Set up horizontal scaling strategy

### Production Infrastructure
- [ ] Set up production hosting (AWS/GCP/Azure)
- [ ] Configure production database (PostgreSQL with replication)
- [ ] Implement database backup strategy (automated, tested)
- [ ] Set up monitoring and alerting (logs, errors, uptime)
- [ ] Configure error tracking (Sentry or similar)
- [ ] Implement log aggregation and analysis
- [ ] Create disaster recovery plan

### Documentation & Support
- [ ] Write comprehensive user documentation
- [ ] Create organizer onboarding guide
- [ ] Build driver user guide
- [ ] Document API endpoints (if public)
- [ ] Create FAQ and troubleshooting guide
- [ ] Set up support system (email, Discord)

### Launch Preparation
- [ ] Prepare launch marketing materials
- [ ] Coordinate Reddit/Discord announcements
- [ ] Create launch video/demo
- [ ] Set up social media presence
- [ ] Prepare press kit (if applicable)
- [ ] Plan launch timeline and milestones

### Beta Onboarding
- [ ] Onboard first 10 beta leagues (closed beta)
- [ ] Collect feedback from beta users
- [ ] Fix critical bugs identified in beta
- [ ] Validate production stability under real load
- [ ] Document lessons learned

**Success Criteria:**
- Platform publicly available and stable
- Security audit passed with no critical issues
- Production infrastructure operational
- Monitoring and alerting functional
- User documentation complete
- First 10+ leagues successfully onboarded
- Platform stable under real-world load

**Note:** Public launch is a major milestone. Ensure stability and security before opening access.

---

## Phase 6: Monetization & Expansion

**Goal:** Generate revenue and expand platform capabilities.

### Monetization Features
- [ ] Implement league creation fee system
- [ ] Add optional driver entry fee per season
- [ ] Build revenue split mechanism (organizer/GridPilot)
- [ ] Create billing and invoicing system
- [ ] Implement payment processing (Stripe or similar)
- [ ] Add subscription management (for premium features)
- [ ] Create payout system for organizers
- [ ] Implement refund and dispute handling

### Premium Features
- [ ] Create premium league features (advanced analytics)
- [ ] Build driver/team performance metrics over time
- [ ] Implement historical trend analysis
- [ ] Add advanced race strategy tools
- [ ] Create custom report generation
- [ ] Build league comparison and benchmarking

### Analytics & Insights
- [ ] Add analytics dashboards for leagues
- [ ] Implement driver consistency metrics
- [ ] Create incident rate analysis
- [ ] Build lap time comparison tools
- [ ] Add race pace analysis
- [ ] Implement predictive performance modeling

### Platform Expansion
- [ ] Explore expansion to other simulators (ACC, rFactor 2)
- [ ] Evaluate additional automation features
- [ ] Research multi-game league support
- [ ] Investigate community-requested features
- [ ] Assess partnership opportunities (teams, sponsors)

### Business Intelligence
- [ ] Implement revenue tracking and reporting
- [ ] Create user engagement metrics
- [ ] Build churn analysis and retention tools
- [ ] Add A/B testing framework
- [ ] Implement feature adoption tracking

**Success Criteria:**
- Revenue generation active and growing
- Premium features adopted by target segment
- Payment processing reliable and secure
- Organizer payouts working correctly
- Platform expansion feasibility validated
- Positive unit economics demonstrated

**Note:** Monetization should not compromise core user experience. Ensure value delivery justifies pricing.

---

## Dependencies & Sequencing

**Critical Path:**
1. Phase 0 must be completed before any development begins
2. Phase 1 validation should gate investment in Phase 2
3. Phase 2 MVP is required before Phase 3 (companion app depends on API)
4. Phase 4 can be developed in parallel with Phase 3 (independent features)
5. Phase 5 (public launch) requires Phases 2-4 to be complete and stable
6. Phase 6 (monetization) requires Phase 5 (public user base)

**Optional Paths:**
- Phase 3 (companion app) can be delayed if organizers tolerate manual session creation
- Phase 4 (branding) can be simplified for MVP launch
- Phase 6 features can be prioritized based on user demand

**Iteration Strategy:**
- Complete each phase fully before moving to the next
- Validate success criteria before proceeding
- Adjust roadmap based on feedback and learnings
- Maintain architectural integrity throughout

---

## Living Document

This roadmap is a living document and will be updated as the project evolves. Key updates will include:
- Completed todos (checked off)
- Lessons learned from each phase
- Adjusted priorities based on user feedback
- New features discovered during development
- Changes to success criteria or scope

**Maintenance:**
- Review and update quarterly (or after each phase)
- Archive completed phases for reference
- Document deviations from original plan
- Track velocity and estimate remaining work

**Cross-References:**
- [CONCEPT.md](./CONCEPT.md) - Product vision and user needs
- [ARCHITECTURE.md](./ARCHITECTURE.md) - Technical design and component boundaries
- [TESTS.md](./TESTS.md) - Testing strategy and BDD scenarios
- [TECH.md](./TECH.md) - Technology decisions and rationale

---

**Last Updated:** 2025-11-21  
**Current Phase:** Phase 0 (Foundation)  
**Overall Progress:** 0% (not started)