Digital First

The #DigitalFirst approach builds on two foundational strategies for achieving efficiency and agility in software-defined vehicle (SDV) development: shift north and shift left, as illustrated in the diagram. Traditionally, the term "shift north" refers to moving functionality upward in the architectural stack, north of the Vehicle Hardware Abstraction Layer (VHAL). However, in this context, "shift north" is also about organizational decoupling. By separating fast, agile value streams from the slower, safety-critical processes, organizations can enable multi-speed development. Agile streams focus on continuous improvement, while safety-critical streams emphasize stability and reliability, both coexisting yet independently evolving above and below the VHAL.

"Shift left," on the other hand, emphasizes early testing and validation in digital environments, significantly reducing dependencies on physical prototypes and test setups. By simulating and validating designs earlier in the development process, organizations can avoid costly delays and streamline time-to-market.

Together, these shifts enable a digital-first mindset, where decoupled processes and early testing empower teams to move faster and innovate while maintaining quality and safety.

#DigitalFirst | SDV Guide