diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 5ffca1f..c934ab0 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 # Changelog
 
+## Unreleased
+
+- Recorded the active development direction: use the local HotView/hot-reload setup for iterative app work and defer web/local builds and hosted deployment unless explicitly requested.
+
 ## 0.1.31 - 2026-07-15
 
 - Started Phase 3 deploy-from-Gitea hardening by making the hosted deploy script refuse dirty or unpushed Libre Study and LibreBible data repos.
diff --git a/ROADMAP.md b/ROADMAP.md
index 3bd9b20..7a5ec3c 100644
--- a/ROADMAP.md
+++ b/ROADMAP.md
@@ -19,7 +19,9 @@ This does not require a permanent code fork right now. Prefer one shared app wit
 
 ## Workflow Rule
 
-Keep the workflow simple and durable:
+Current active workflow note: while the app is being shaped interactively, use the local HotView/hot-reload setup as the primary test loop. Do not spend cycles on web builds, local builds, installer builds, or hosted deployment unless the user explicitly asks for a release/deploy pass. Hosted deployment remains a later/manual milestone, not the everyday development loop.
+
+Keep the durable release workflow simple when it is time to publish:
 
 1. Develop locally in `W:\libre-study` and `W:\libre-bible-data`.
 2. Commit locally.