Fig. 3: In the left diagram we show a discovery switchback (dashed) from 3 to 2, and an embedded switchback (solid) from 4 to 2.
From: Technology readiness levels for machine learning systems
The difference is the former is circumstantial while the latter is predefined in the process. The other embedded switchback we define in the main MLTRL process is from level 9 to 4, shown in Fig. 4. While it is true that the majority of ML projects start at a reasonable readiness out of the box, e.g. level 4, this can make it challenging and problematic to switchback to R& D levels that the team have not encountered and may not be equipped for. In the right diagram we show a common review switchback from Level 5 to 4 (staying in the prototyping phase (orange)), and a switchback (faded) that should not be implemented because the prior level was not explicitly done; level 2 is squarely in the research pipeline (red).
