---
phase: 01-topic-start-hardening
plan: 01
subsystem: runtime
tags: [aitp, topic-start, distillation, idea-packet]
requires:
  - phase: 01-topic-start-hardening
    provides: Phase context for source-backed topic starts
provides:
  - source-grounded idea-packet distillation
  - source-backed research-question defaults
  - source-backed validation-route defaults
affects: [phase-01, source-backed starts, thesis-topic intake]
tech-stack:
  added: []
  patterns: [source-backed fallback ordering, snapshot-to-original-text fallback]
key-files:
  created: []
  modified: [research/knowledge-hub/knowledge_hub/aitp_service.py]
key-decisions:
  - "Use source-backed distillation before generic human-request text when deriving topic-start defaults."
patterns-established:
  - "Topic-start defaults should prefer durable source content over chat phrasing when explicit human fields are absent."
requirements-completed: [START-01, START-02, START-03]
duration: 25min
completed: 2026-03-31
---

# Phase 1: Topic-Start Hardening Summary

**Source-backed topic starts now derive sharper idea-packet, research-question, and validation-route defaults from registered source material**

## Performance

- **Duration:** 25 min
- **Started:** 2026-03-31T04:45:00+08:00
- **Completed:** 2026-03-31T05:10:00+08:00
- **Tasks:** 2
- **Files modified:** 1

## Accomplishments
- Added source-backed topic-start distillation in `aitp_service.py`.
- Changed fallback ordering so source-backed starts do not collapse back to generic request text.
- Ensured source evidence can also seed research-question and validation-contract defaults.

## Task Commits

Each task was completed in the working tree without atomic git commits in this session.

1. **Task 1: Tighten source-driven idea-packet distillation** - `(uncommitted)`
2. **Task 2: Carry distilled values into shell contracts** - `(uncommitted)`

**Plan metadata:** `(retroactive summary)`

## Files Created/Modified
- `research/knowledge-hub/knowledge_hub/aitp_service.py` - source-backed topic-start distillation and fallback ordering

## Decisions Made
- Distilled source content should outrank generic request text when explicit human-authored topic fields are absent.
- Validation-route defaults should inherit source-backed bounded routes before heuristic queue summaries.

## Deviations from Plan

None - plan executed exactly as written.

## Issues Encountered

None

## User Setup Required

None - no external service configuration required.

## Next Phase Readiness

- Topic-start distillation is now sharp enough to support dedicated regressions.
- Runtime explainability work can build on these more truthful defaults.

---
*Phase: 01-topic-start-hardening*
*Completed: 2026-03-31*
