diff --git a/DESIGN.md b/DESIGN.md
index 68f5f54..b197f5c 100644
--- a/DESIGN.md
+++ b/DESIGN.md
@@ -2,104 +2,156 @@
 
 ## Source of truth
 
-- Status: Active draft for the sole reviewed pair
-- Last refreshed: 2026-08-20
-- Primary product surface: `examples/operations-console.etaf` + `examples/operations-console.el`
-- Visual reference: `design/operations-console.html`
-- Evidence reviewed: current pair loader/manifest, `etaf-ui.el`, Ebox viewport contract, and the current GUI/performance evidence.
+- Status: Active
+- Last refreshed: 2026-08-22
+- Primary product surface: `examples/research-shelf.etaf` + `examples/research-shelf.el`
+- Visual reference: `design/research-shelf.html`
+- Evidence reviewed: ETAF public View/Component/Data/Resource APIs, `etaf-ui`
+  Button/Checkbox/Panel/DataGrid/Pagination, and `etaf-sqlite`'s typed source
+  contract.
 
 ## Brand
 
-- Personality: calm operations cockpit; precise, warm, and quietly technical.
-- Trust signals: explicit status chips, visible last-updated time, deterministic counts, clear success/error feedback.
-- Avoid: generic toy dashboard, rainbow gradients, dense ungrouped controls, decorative widgets with no semantic state.
+- Personality: editorial, focused, warm, quietly intelligent.
+- Trust signals: durable SQLite data, visible save state, selected-item detail,
+  explicit progress/status, and recoverable storage errors.
+- Avoid: generic admin dashboards, KPI walls, fake charts, rainbow gradients,
+  and a showcase that exists only to exercise APIs.
 
 ## Product goals
 
-- Make one attractive app prove ETAF's Component, composition, reactive, Context/Theme, Behavior, event/Action, Data, Resource, error-boundary, focus, and lifecycle contracts.
-- Do not add another Playground scenario or hide framework limitations behind fake animation.
-- Keep the HTML prototype and ETAF rendering aligned in hierarchy, state labels, interaction outcomes, and compact/fullscreen geometry.
+- Build a useful personal reading/research shelf backed by a real SQLite file.
+- Make triage, selection, progress updates, filtering, pagination, and
+  recovery feel like one coherent product rather than isolated demos.
+- Exercise existing ETAF components through composition before adding any new
+  component type.
+- Keep the static `.etaf` file responsible for shell/section composition while
+  the `.el` companion owns storage, state, callbacks, and lifecycle.
 
 ## Personas and jobs
 
-- Primary personas: ETAF framework reviewer and application author learning the public API.
-- User jobs: understand the layout model, trigger each capability, inspect visible state changes, and verify recovery/cleanup behavior.
-- Key contexts: 900–940 px compact GUI, fullscreen GUI, keyboard-only review, and batch semantic tests.
+- Primary persona: an Emacs user collecting papers, books, essays, and notes.
+- Jobs: find what to read next, filter by state/priority, inspect one item,
+  update progress, mark an item finished, and recover after a storage error.
+- Contexts: compact desktop window, fullscreen review, keyboard-first use, and
+  a local SQLite database that survives unmount/remount.
 
 ## Information architecture
 
-- Shell: brand/header -> navigation tabs -> page surface -> persistent status footer.
-- Overview: hero/status strip, KPI cards, activity/control workspace, capability cards, and event timeline.
-- Data: query/selection summary, interactive DataGrid, and selection detail panel.
-- Resource: resource status, reload/fail-next controls, boundary result, and cleanup counter.
-- Content hierarchy: page title and status first; primary action second; diagnostics/details third.
+- Shell: compact brand bar -> filter rail -> reading list -> detail inspector.
+- Filter rail: All, In progress, Unread, Finished, and Starred; each is a real
+  action and the list summary exposes the matching count.
+- Reading list: title/author/status/progress rows, single selection, paging,
+  empty/loading/error states.
+- Detail inspector: title, author, type, status, progress, priority, note,
+  last updated, and actions (`+10%`, `Finish`, `Star`, `Archive`).
+- Footer: database path/status, visible result count, and current page.
 
 ## Design principles
 
-1. One visual hierarchy: every control belongs to a named surface and every surface has a visible status.
-2. State before decoration: theme, loading, error, selected, disabled, and success states are readable as text as well as color.
-3. Stable geometry: controls remain single-line at compact width; page changes replace only the page surface.
-4. Public API truth: the prototype may use ordinary HTML/JS, but the ETAF port uses only public ETAF/ETAF-UI APIs.
+1. One useful workflow: every visible control helps decide or update what to
+   read next.
+2. Editorial hierarchy over dashboard chrome: one strong title, restrained
+   metadata, and generous whitespace around the selected record.
+3. State is durable and observable: SQLite is the source of truth; UI status
+   tells the user when a mutation is loading, saved, or failed.
+4. Composition first: reuse public UI Components and keep storage/state in the
+   companion, not in `.etaf` or a parallel widget layer.
+5. Fail closed: a SQLite failure keeps the last usable list and exposes a
+   retry action instead of replacing the whole surface with a stack trace.
 
 ## Visual language
 
-- Color: ink navy `#142235`, paper `#F6F1E8`, slate `#526174`, teal `#2E8B83`, coral `#E26D5A`, amber `#D99A3D`, success `#3E9B72`.
-- Typography: readable sans body, compact monospace labels/metrics, bold page titles.
-- Spacing/layout rhythm: one-line outer rhythm, two-column workspace, fixed gaps, full-width shell, deliberate card padding.
-- Shape/elevation: thin dark borders and restrained card elevation; no floating overlay is required by the ETAF port.
-- Motion: no animation is required; state changes are immediate and reduced-motion safe.
-- Imagery/iconography: text marks and Unicode status glyphs only; no external asset dependency.
+- Color: ink `#172033`, paper `#F7F3EA`, cobalt `#3657D6`, mint `#3E9B8F`,
+  coral `#D86B5D`, amber `#C58A3A`, muted slate `#6D7482`.
+- Typography: readable proportional labels with compact monospace metadata;
+  title and selected record use bold weight, not oversized headings.
+- Spacing/layout rhythm: 1-cell outer rhythm, 2-cell panel padding, 1-cell
+  grid gaps, and stable intrinsic control widths.
+- Shape/elevation: thin borders, small radius-like grouped rows where Ebox
+  permits, no floating overlays or decorative shadows.
+- Motion: immediate state changes; no timer-driven animation; reduced-motion
+  safe by construction.
+- Imagery/iconography: Unicode marks with semantic meaning: `⌕`, `★`, `✓`,
+  `◷`, `↗`, `⚠`, and `·`.
 
 ## Components
 
-- Existing components to reuse: public `button`, `checkbox`, `label`, `panel`, and `data-grid` from `etaf-ui`.
-- New/changed components: `operations-console-shell`, `hero-status`, `metric-strip`, `activity-card`, `capability-card`, `timeline`, `data-page`, and `resource-page` in the companion.
-- Variants/states: active/inactive nav, light/dark theme, selected/unselected row, Behavior on/off, resource ready/loading/error, boundary handled, compact/fullscreen.
-- Ownership: `.etaf` owns static composition and section names; `.el` owns tokens, props, refs, resources, handlers, and state.
+- Existing components to reuse: public `button`, `checkbox`, `label`, `panel`,
+  `data-grid`, and `pagination` from `etaf-ui`.
+- Companion composition: `research-shelf-shell`, `filter-rail`,
+  `reading-list`, and `detail-inspector`; these are ordinary ETAF Components,
+  not a second UI kit.
+- Variants/states: light/dark Theme, selected/unselected row, starred, empty,
+  loading, error, saved, disabled-at-boundary, and archived.
+- Token ownership: palette and spacing tokens live in the companion; `.etaf`
+  contains only validated structural facts and labels.
+
+## Playground framework boundary
+
+- `etaf-playground.el` is a reusable framework, not an application module.
+- The framework owns pair registration semantics, safe inert `.etaf` parsing,
+  companion loading, mount/reset/close, and test/GUI entry points. Replaceable
+  deployment metadata lives in `etaf-playground-catalog.el`, outside the
+  loader implementation.
+- A pair companion owns its Components, storage adapters, state, resources,
+  events, and root factory. The framework must not reference a business
+  component, database package, table schema, palette, or application-specific
+  ref.
+- Reuse is expressed through the generic manifest/loader contract and the
+  existing public ETAF/etaf-ui components. New business behavior belongs in a
+  same-basename pair, never in the framework.
+- Any future Playground example must add a catalog entry and its own `.etaf`/
+  `.el` files without changing framework semantics.
 
 ## Accessibility
 
-- Target: keyboard-complete, high-contrast text, semantic roles through public UI components.
-- Keyboard/focus: Tab and Shift-Tab traverse nav/actions/data rows; RET dispatches the focused ref; focus clears when a target is removed.
-- Every state has text feedback; color is never the only signal. No hover-only behavior.
-- Ebox Theme carries inherited Ebox defaults; application palette lookups remain
-  in the companion, while the Renderer filters unknown token names before they
-  reach Ebox geometry.
+- Target: keyboard-complete and high-contrast desktop UI.
+- Keyboard/focus: Tab order follows filters -> rows -> detail actions -> pager;
+  RET dispatches the focused public ref; selected row is announced in text.
+- Color is never the only state signal; status uses text and Unicode marks.
+- Disabled actions remain visible with disabled semantics and explanatory help.
 
 ## Responsive behavior
 
-- Supported surfaces: compact 900–940 px GUI body and fullscreen desktop GUI.
-- Metric cards remain in one row when possible; workspace falls back from two columns to stacked sections; controls keep intrinsic single-line widths.
-- Use `flex` for rows that distribute remaining width; reserve `row` for fixed
-  intrinsic control groups. The navigation control group is max-content so
-  each hover/active range remains an independent control.
-- Mouse-1 and keyboard activation use the same public refs.
+- Wide/fullscreen: three-column grid (rail / list / detail).
+- Compact: rail becomes a top filter row, detail follows the list, and all
+  controls remain intrinsic single-line widths.
+- Use `grid` for the product skeleton, `flex` for toolbars and action groups,
+  and `row` only for compact intrinsic controls.
 
 ## Interaction states
 
-- Loading: resource card reports `Loading…` without moving the shell.
-- Empty: DataGrid reports an explicit empty state and keeps selection controls available.
-- Error: resource reload can fail once; the boundary card reports the handled error and recovery remains available.
-- Success: action/status and timestamp update visibly.
-- Disabled: unavailable actions expose disabled semantics rather than silently ignoring input.
+- Loading: list keeps its frame and shows `◷ Loading library…`.
+- Empty: selected filter explains why there are no matches and offers `All`.
+- Error: storage card shows `⚠ Could not save` with `Retry`; last committed
+  data remains visible.
+- Success: mutation shows `✓ Saved locally` and updates `updated` metadata.
+- Disabled: `Finish` is disabled for finished records; `+10%` is disabled at
+  100%; archive is disabled while loading.
 
 ## Content voice
 
-- Tone: concise, operational, and explanatory; labels name the framework capability being demonstrated.
-- Terminology: use `Component`, `Context`, `Theme`, `Behavior`, `Action`, `Data`, `Resource`, and `Boundary` consistently.
-- Microcopy: prefer a visible verb + result (`Reload resource`, `Handled: …`, `Selected Beacon`) over generic `Done`.
+- Tone: concise, observant, and useful; never framework-centric in primary UI.
+- Terminology: Reading, In progress, Finished, Starred, Saved locally,
+  Storage issue.
+- Microcopy: action + result (`Mark finished`, `Saved locally`) instead of
+  generic `Done`.
 
 ## Implementation constraints
 
-- Framework/styling: ETAF public View DSL in `.etaf`/`.el`; Ebox renders the result; no HTML/CSS runtime dependency.
-- Design tokens: keep palette/spacing tokens in one companion source and reuse them; no scattered ad-hoc colors.
-- Performance: ordinary warm p50 <=100 ms, counter/resource p50 <=150 ms, every measured max <=250 ms; one publication per logical action.
-- Compatibility: preserve one same-basename `operations-console` pair, safe static reader, public API boundary, mount twice/unmount cleanup, and manifest refs.
-- Navigation: the stable page ref is read by the retained router Component; its
-  page Host is the single semantic Range anchor, so page switches replace one
-  Range payload instead of rebuilding the shell root.
-- Review: HTML is the visual reference; ETAF needs compact/fullscreen screenshots and dynamic keyboard/mouse checkpoints.
+- Framework/styling: public ETAF View DSL and `etaf-ui`; SQLite through the
+  sibling `etaf-sqlite` package; no HTML/CSS runtime dependency.
+- Data schema: one typed `reading_items` SQLite table with id/title/author/
+  kind/status/progress/priority/starred/note/updated columns.
+- Performance: one Data mutation -> one Runtime generation/publication; normal
+  warm actions remain under the existing 100ms p50 target.
+- Compatibility: one same-basename `research-shelf` pair only; old console
+  examples are removed from the active manifest and compile surface.
+- Verification: SQLite temp-file integration tests, pair mount/remount tests,
+  repeated selection/mutation tests, and clean fullscreen GUI screenshots.
 
 ## Open questions
 
-- [ ] User review may adjust palette or page naming after the first HTML/ETAF comparison; behavior and public-ref coverage remain fixed.
+- [ ] User may rename the product after reviewing the first HTML/ETAF render;
+  architecture and interaction contracts remain unchanged.
diff --git a/DESIGN.zh-CN.md b/DESIGN.zh-CN.md
index d4576d8..dac8911 100644
--- a/DESIGN.zh-CN.md
+++ b/DESIGN.zh-CN.md
@@ -2,94 +2,80 @@
 
 ## 来源与状态
 
-- 状态：唯一 reviewed pair 的 active draft
-- 更新日期：2026-08-20
-- 主产品面：`examples/operations-console.etaf` + `examples/operations-console.el`
-- 视觉参考：`design/operations-console.html`
-- 已审查证据：pair loader/manifest、`etaf-ui.el`、Ebox viewport 合同及当前 GUI/性能证据。
+- 状态：active
+- 更新日期：2026-08-22
+- 主产品面：`examples/research-shelf.etaf` + `examples/research-shelf.el`
+- HTML 视觉基线：`design/research-shelf.html`
+- 已审查：ETAF View/Component/Data API、`etaf-ui` 的公开组件，以及
+  `etaf-sqlite` 的 typed source 合同。
 
-## 品牌
+## 产品定位
 
-- 气质：安静的操作控制台；准确、温暖、克制地体现技术感。
-- 信任信号：状态 chip、更新时间、明确计数、清晰的成功/错误反馈。
-- 避免：普通玩具 dashboard、彩虹渐变、无语义状态的装饰控件和杂乱控制区。
+Research Shelf 是一个真正有用的本地研究/阅读架：SQLite 保存书籍、论文、
+文章和笔记，用户可以筛选、分页、选择一条记录、更新进度、完成、收藏和归档。
+它不是把 API 名称堆成控制台，而是用一个连贯 workflow 验证 ETAF 的组合能力。
 
-## 产品目标
+## 结构与分层
 
-- 用一个好看的 app 同时展示 Component、组合、响应式、Context/Theme、Behavior、事件/Action、Data、Resource、错误边界、焦点和生命周期。
-- 不扩展第二个 Playground 场景，不伪装成完整生产分析产品，不用假动画掩盖框架问题。
-- HTML 原型和 ETAF 实现保持同一层级、状态文字、交互结果和 compact/fullscreen 几何。
+- Shell：标题/副标题/主题切换 → 三列 workspace → 持久化状态栏。
+- 三列 workspace：筛选栏 / SQLite reading list / selected-item detail inspector。
+- `.etaf`：只保存经过白名单校验的静态结构和文案（section、filter、label）。
+- 同名 `.el`：消费 `.etaf`，组合公开 UI Components，创建 SQLite schema、Data
+  Controller、refs、事件处理和生命周期清理。
+- 现有可复用组件：`button`、`checkbox`、`label`、`panel`、`data-grid`、
+  `pagination`；应用只负责把它们组合成产品，不复制一套 UI kit。
 
-## 信息架构
+## Playground 框架边界（必须长期遵守）
 
-- Shell：品牌/header → 导航 tabs → page surface → 持久 status footer。
-- Overview：hero/status、KPI 卡片、活动/控制 workspace、能力卡片和事件时间线。
-- Data：选择摘要、可交互 DataGrid、selection detail。
-- Resource：资源状态、reload/fail-next、boundary 结果和 cleanup 计数。
-- 层级：先显示页面标题和状态，再显示主操作，最后显示诊断/细节。
+`etaf-playground.el` 是通用 pair playground 框架，不是业务应用模块。
+`etaf-playground-catalog.el` 是独立、可替换的部署目录；业务 pair 的名字、refs
+和验证元数据放在 catalog，不写进 loader 实现。
 
-## 设计原则
+框架只负责：
 
-1. 一个视觉层级：每个控件属于有名字的 surface，每个 surface 都有可见状态。
-2. 状态优先于装饰：theme、loading、error、selected、disabled、success 都有文字表达。
-3. 几何稳定：compact 下控件保持单行，页面只替换 page surface。
-4. API 真实：HTML 可以用普通 HTML/JS，但 ETAF 只用公开 ETAF/ETAF-UI API。
+- pair 注册语义和 catalog 读取；
+- `.etaf` 的惰性、inert、白名单读取；
+- 按同名 pair 加载 companion；
+- mount、reset、close，以及测试/GUI 入口。
+
+框架绝不负责：业务 Component、数据库包或表结构、palette、业务 state、
+handlers、resources 或应用 refs。它不能 `require etaf-sqlite`，也不能把业务
+组件实现塞进 loader/helper。未来新增例子时，只增加一个同名 `.etaf`/`.el` pair
+和 catalog entry，不改变框架语义。
+
+组合和复用是默认设计：优先复用 ETAF/`etaf-ui` 的公开契约，优先拆出清晰的
+Component 边界，避免新增 helper 层或抽象泄漏。
 
 ## 视觉语言
 
-- 色彩：墨蓝 `#142235`、纸张 `#F6F1E8`、灰蓝 `#526174`、青绿 `#2E8B83`、珊瑚 `#E26D5A`、琥珀 `#D99A3D`、成功绿 `#3E9B72`。
-- 字体：易读 sans body，紧凑 monospace 指标/标签，粗体页面标题。
-- 节奏：一行外部节奏、双列 workspace、固定 gap、shell 全宽，卡片有明确内边距。
-- 形状：细深色边框、克制 elevation；ETAF 不依赖浮层。
-- 动效：不以动画为正确性前提，状态变化即时且支持 reduced motion。
-- 图形：只用文字标记和 Unicode 状态符号，不依赖外部资源。
+- 气质：editorial、专注、温暖、安静而聪明；避免通用 admin dashboard、KPI
+  墙、假图表、彩虹渐变和装饰性噪声。
+- 色彩：ink `#172033`、paper `#F7F3EA`、cobalt `#3657D6`、mint `#3E9B8F`、
+  coral `#D86B5D`、amber `#C58A3A`、muted `#6D7482`。
+- 节奏：1 格外部节奏、2 格 panel padding、1 格 grid gap，控件保持 intrinsic
+  宽度；`grid` 负责页面骨架，`flex` 负责 toolbar/action group。
+- 状态：文字和 Unicode 同时表达状态：`⌕`、`★`、`✓`、`◷`、`↗`、`⚠`、`·`。
+- 动效：状态立即可见，不依赖 timer animation，默认支持 reduced motion。
 
-## 组件
+## 交互合同
 
-- 复用公开 `button`、`checkbox`、`label`、`panel`、`data-grid`。
-- companion 组件：`operations-console-shell`、`hero-status`、`metric-strip`、`activity-card`、`capability-card`、`timeline`、`data-page`、`resource-page`。
-- 状态：active/inactive nav、light/dark theme、selected/unselected row、Behavior on/off、resource ready/loading/error、boundary handled、compact/fullscreen。
-- 所有权：`.etaf` 只放静态 composition 和 section 名称；`.el` 持有 token、props、refs、资源、handlers 和 state。
+- 筛选：All、In progress、Unread、Finished、Starred。
+- 列表：DataGrid 行单选，重复点击可以重新选择；分页按钮在边界处 disabled。
+- 详情：`+ 10%`、`✓ Finish`、`☆/★ Star`、`Archive`；完成或 100% 时正确禁用。
+- 存储：成功显示 `✓ Saved locally`，失败保留当前可用内容并提供 Reload。
+- 主题：Light/Dark 由 checkbox 控制；文字、对比度和布局都应保持可读。
+- 键盘：Tab 顺序为筛选 → 行 → 详情动作 → 分页，RET 使用同一组公开 refs。
 
-## 无障碍
+## 响应式与验证
 
-- 目标：键盘完整、高对比文字，使用公开组件提供语义 role。
-- Tab/Shift-Tab 遍历 nav/action/data rows；RET 派发 focused ref；移除目标时清焦点。
-- 每个状态都有文字反馈，颜色不是唯一信号；不依赖 hover-only 行为。
-- Ebox Theme 承载继承的 Ebox 默认属性；应用 palette 仍由 companion 查询，
-  Renderer 会在进入 Ebox 几何层前过滤未知 token 名。
-
-## 响应式
-
-- 支持 compact 900–940px body 和 fullscreen desktop GUI。
-- metric 尽量一行展示，workspace 从双列退化为上下堆叠，控件保持 intrinsic 单行宽度。
-- 需要分配剩余宽度的行使用 `flex`，固定 intrinsic 控件组才使用 `row`；导航
-  控件组使用 max-content，确保每个 hover/active 区域都是独立控件。
-- mouse-1 和键盘激活使用同一组公开 refs。
-
-## 交互状态
-
-- Loading：Resource 显示 `Loading…`，shell 几何不移动。
-- Empty：DataGrid 明确显示 empty，选择控件仍可用。
-- Error：reload 可故意失败一次，Boundary 显示 handled error 且仍可恢复。
-- Success：action/status 和 timestamp 可见更新。
-- Disabled：不可用操作暴露 disabled 语义，不静默吞输入。
-
-## 内容语气
-
-- 简洁、操作化、解释性；标签明确指出正在展示的框架能力。
-- 统一使用 `Component`、`Context`、`Theme`、`Behavior`、`Action`、`Data`、`Resource`、`Boundary`。
-- 优先“动词 + 结果”（如 `Reload resource`、`Handled: …`、`Selected Beacon`）。
-
-## 实现约束
-
-- 使用 `.etaf`/`.el` 的公开 ETAF View DSL，由 Ebox 渲染，不引入 HTML/CSS runtime dependency。
-- palette/spacing token 在 companion 单处定义并复用，禁止散落临时色值。
-- 性能：普通 warm p50 <=100ms，counter/resource p50 <=150ms，每个 warm max <=250ms；每个逻辑动作一次 publication。
-- 保留唯一同名 `operations-console` pair、静态安全读取、公开 API boundary、双 mount/unmount cleanup 和 manifest 语义。
-- 导航：稳定的 page ref 由 retained router Component 读取；页面 Host 是唯一 semantic Range 锚点，页面切换只替换一个 Range payload，不重建 shell root。
-- HTML 是视觉参考；ETAF 需要 compact/fullscreen 截图和动态键鼠 checkpoint 证明布局、宽度、焦点和状态。
+- Wide/fullscreen 使用 rail / list / detail 三列 grid。
+- Compact 时筛选栏收为顶部工具行，detail 位于 list 后面；不使用固定宽度撑坏
+  viewport，所有操作控件仍保持独立 hover/focus 语义。
+- 用 SQLite 临时文件测试 mount/remount、筛选、分页、重复选行、mutation、错误
+  状态和 cleanup；GUI 用干净 fullscreen 单窗口截图验证真实布局。
+- 目标：一次 Data mutation 对应一次 Runtime generation/publication；warm 交互
+  维持现有 100ms p50 预算。
 
 ## 待 review
 
-- [ ] 用户可在第一版 HTML/ETAF 对照后调整 palette 或页面命名；行为和公开 ref 覆盖保持不变。
+- [ ] 用户可调整产品命名或 palette；pair 边界、组合/复用原则和公开交互合同不变。
diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 42cc905..89ea2c8 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 EMACS ?= emacs
-LOAD_PATH = -L . -L ../etaf -L ../etaf-ui -L ../ebox -L ../ecss -L ../tp
-EXAMPLE_EL := examples/operations-console.el
+LOAD_PATH = -L . -L ../etaf -L ../etaf-ui -L ../ebox -L ../ecss -L ../tp -L ../etaf-sqlite
+EXAMPLE_EL := examples/research-shelf.el
 
-.PHONY: all compile examples-read test check checkdoc load clean
+.PHONY: all compile examples-read test perf check checkdoc load clean
 
 all: check
 
@@ -15,29 +15,36 @@ compile:
 	$(MAKE) -C ../ebox compile EMACS="$(EMACS)" ECSS_DIR=../ecss TP_DIR=../tp
 	$(MAKE) -C ../etaf compile EMACS="$(EMACS)"
 	$(MAKE) -C ../etaf-ui compile EMACS="$(EMACS)"
+	$(MAKE) -C ../etaf-sqlite compile EMACS="$(EMACS)"
 	rm -f *.elc tests/*.elc examples/*.elc
 	$(EMACS) -Q --batch $(LOAD_PATH) --eval '(setq load-prefer-newer t)' \
 		--eval '(load-file "etaf-playground.el")' \
 		--eval '(dolist (file (quote ($(foreach file,$(EXAMPLE_EL),"$(file)")))) (byte-compile-file file))' \
+		--eval '(byte-compile-file "etaf-playground-catalog.el")' \
 		--eval '(byte-compile-file "etaf-playground.el")' \
 		--eval '(byte-compile-file "tests/etaf-playground-tests.el")'
 
 examples-read: compile
 	$(EMACS) -Q --batch $(LOAD_PATH) --eval '(setq load-prefer-newer t)' \
 		--eval '(require (quote etaf-playground))' \
-		--eval '(etaf-playground-read-pair "operations-console")' \
+		--eval '(load-file "examples/research-shelf.el")' \
+		--eval '(let ((database (make-temp-file "etaf-playground-read-" nil ".sqlite")) (buffer " *etaf-playground-read*")) (unwind-protect (let ((etaf-research-shelf-database-file database)) (etaf-playground-mount-example buffer "research-shelf")) (etaf-playground-close buffer) (when (file-exists-p database) (delete-file database))))' \
 		--eval '(princ "ETAF example modules load OK\\n")'
 
 test: examples-read
 	$(EMACS) -Q --batch $(LOAD_PATH) --eval '(setq load-prefer-newer t)' \
 		-l tests/etaf-playground-tests.el -f ert-run-tests-batch-and-exit
 
+perf: compile
+	$(EMACS) -Q --batch $(LOAD_PATH) --eval '(setq load-prefer-newer t)' \
+		-l scripts/benchmark-research-shelf.el
+
 load: compile
 	$(EMACS) -Q --batch $(LOAD_PATH) --eval '(require (quote etaf-playground))' \
 		--eval '(princ "etaf-playground load OK\\n")'
 
 checkdoc:
-	$(EMACS) -Q --batch --eval '(progn (require (quote checkdoc)) (dolist (file (list "etaf-playground.el" "tests/etaf-playground-tests.el" "examples/operations-console.el")) (checkdoc-file file)))'
+	$(EMACS) -Q --batch --eval '(progn (require (quote checkdoc)) (dolist (file (list "etaf-playground.el" "etaf-playground-catalog.el" "tests/etaf-playground-tests.el" "examples/research-shelf.el" "scripts/benchmark-research-shelf.el")) (checkdoc-file file)))'
 
 check: checkdoc test
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7f27943..849651b 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,11 +1,16 @@
 # ETAF Playground
 
 The Playground exposes one canonical product example: the
-`examples/operations-console.etaf` and `examples/operations-console.el` pair.
+`examples/research-shelf.etaf` and `examples/research-shelf.el` pair.
 
-The `.etaf` file is inert, validated static composition data. The companion
-owns Components, state, Context, Theme, Behaviors, Data, Resources, Actions,
-and lifecycle. `etaf-playground-open`, `etaf-playground-reset`, and
-`etaf-playground-close` are the only mounting boundary.
+The `.etaf` file is inert, validated structural composition data. The same-
+basename companion owns Components, state, theme, storage, events, and
+lifecycle. `etaf-playground.el` is a reusable pair framework: it owns only
+registration, safe loading, mounting, reset, close, and verification entry
+points. `etaf-playground-catalog.el` is the replaceable deployment catalog;
+business Components, database schemas, palettes, refs, and handlers
+must stay in the companion. Compose and reuse public ETAF/`etaf-ui` contracts
+before adding abstractions.
 
 Run `make check EMACS=/Applications/Emacs.app/Contents/MacOS/Emacs`.
+Run `make perf` for the 1413×62 warm row-selection/theme latency gate.
diff --git a/README.zh-CN.md b/README.zh-CN.md
index a65b7fe..d071679 100644
--- a/README.zh-CN.md
+++ b/README.zh-CN.md
@@ -1,10 +1,14 @@
 # ETAF Playground
 
 Playground 只公开一个标准产品示例：
-`examples/operations-console.etaf` 与 `examples/operations-console.el` 配对。
+`examples/research-shelf.etaf` 与 `examples/research-shelf.el` 配对。
 
-`.etaf` 是只读、经过白名单验证的静态组合数据；同名 companion 负责
-Component、状态、Context、Theme、Behavior、Data、Resource、Action 与生命周期。
-`etaf-playground-open/reset/close` 是唯一挂载边界。
+`.etaf` 是惰性、inert、经过白名单验证的静态结构数据；同名 companion 负责
+Component、状态、主题、SQLite、事件与生命周期。`etaf-playground.el` 是通用
+pair playground 框架，只负责注册、白名单读取、加载、mount/reset/close 和验证
+入口；`etaf-playground-catalog.el` 是可替换的部署目录。业务 Component、数据库
+schema、palette、refs 与 handlers 不能泄漏进框架。
+默认原则是组合和复用公开 ETAF/`etaf-ui` 契约，而不是再造一套组件或 helper 抽象。
 
 验证命令：`make check EMACS=/Applications/Emacs.app/Contents/MacOS/Emacs`。
+性能门禁：`make perf`（1413×62 viewport 的 warm 选行/主题延迟）。
diff --git a/design/operations-console.html b/design/operations-console.html
deleted file mode 100644
index 2d17b23..0000000
--- a/design/operations-console.html
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,211 +0,0 @@
-<!doctype html>
-<html lang="en">
-<head>
-  <meta charset="utf-8">
-  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
-  <title>ETAF Operations Console — visual prototype</title>
-  <style>
-    :root {
-      --ink: #142235;
-      --ink-soft: #526174;
-      --paper: #f6f1e8;
-      --paper-strong: #fffdf8;
-      --line: #c8c1b6;
-      --teal: #2e8b83;
-      --teal-soft: #d9eeea;
-      --coral: #e26d5a;
-      --coral-soft: #f9ded7;
-      --amber: #d99a3d;
-      --amber-soft: #f8e9c9;
-      --success: #3e9b72;
-      --shadow: 0 12px 28px rgba(20, 34, 53, .09);
-      --radius: 14px;
-      font-family: Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", sans-serif;
-      color: var(--ink);
-      background: var(--paper);
-    }
-    :root[data-theme="dark"] {
-      --ink: #edf2f4;
-      --ink-soft: #aab8c2;
-      --paper: #111923;
-      --paper-strong: #182433;
-      --line: #344455;
-      --teal: #61c6ba;
-      --teal-soft: #173b3b;
-      --coral: #ff957f;
-      --coral-soft: #4b2c31;
-      --amber: #efc06c;
-      --amber-soft: #4a3922;
-      --success: #73d29d;
-      --shadow: 0 14px 32px rgba(0, 0, 0, .25);
-    }
-    * { box-sizing: border-box; }
-    body { margin: 0; min-width: 320px; background: var(--paper); }
-    button { font: inherit; }
-    .app-shell {
-      width: min(1240px, calc(100% - 40px));
-      min-height: 100vh;
-      margin: 0 auto;
-      padding: 22px 0 30px;
-      display: grid;
-      grid-template-columns: 210px minmax(0, 1fr);
-      grid-template-rows: auto 1fr auto;
-      gap: 18px 24px;
-    }
-    .topbar { grid-column: 1 / -1; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 18px; }
-    .brand { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; }
-    .brand-mark { width: 38px; height: 38px; border-radius: 12px; display: grid; place-items: center; color: #fff; background: var(--ink); font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -.08em; }
-    .brand small, .eyebrow, .mono { font-family: "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; }
-    .brand small { color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 10px; }
-    .brand strong { display: block; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -.02em; }
-    .top-actions { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; }
-    .status-pill { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; padding: 8px 11px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 999px; background: var(--paper-strong); font-size: 12px; }
-    .status-dot { width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--success); box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px color-mix(in srgb, var(--success) 18%, transparent); }
-    .icon-button, .nav-button, .primary-button, .quiet-button { border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px; cursor: pointer; color: var(--ink); background: var(--paper-strong); }
-    .icon-button { width: 36px; height: 36px; }
-    .primary-button { padding: 10px 14px; color: #fff; border-color: var(--ink); background: var(--ink); }
-    .quiet-button { padding: 9px 12px; }
-    button:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal) 60%, transparent); outline-offset: 2px; }
-    .sidebar { grid-row: 2; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 18px; }
-    .sidebar-heading { margin: 0 0 4px; color: var(--ink-soft); font: 10px "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .14em; }
-    .nav { display: grid; gap: 6px; }
-    .nav-button { padding: 11px 12px; text-align: left; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; }
-    .nav-button[aria-current="page"] { color: #fff; border-color: var(--ink); background: var(--ink); }
-    .nav-kicker { font: 10px "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; opacity: .7; }
-    .side-card { margin-top: auto; padding: 15px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); background: var(--paper-strong); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
-    .side-card strong { display: block; margin-bottom: 6px; }
-    .side-card p { margin: 0; color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; }
-    .main { grid-row: 2; min-width: 0; }
-    .page { display: none; gap: 18px; }
-    .page.active { display: grid; }
-    .hero { min-height: 190px; padding: 24px; display: flex; align-items: flex-end; justify-content: space-between; gap: 22px; color: #fff; border-radius: var(--radius); background: linear-gradient(135deg, #17283d 0%, #1b4f5c 60%, #2e8b83 100%); box-shadow: var(--shadow); overflow: hidden; position: relative; }
-    .hero::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 300px; height: 300px; right: -80px; top: -140px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.22); border-radius: 50%; box-shadow: 0 0 0 28px rgba(255,255,255,.05), 0 0 0 58px rgba(255,255,255,.04); }
-    .hero-copy, .hero-actions { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
-    .eyebrow { margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 10px; opacity: .72; }
-    h1, h2, h3, p { margin-top: 0; }
-    h1 { max-width: 620px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: clamp(24px, 4vw, 40px); line-height: 1.04; letter-spacing: -.05em; }
-    .hero p { max-width: 570px; margin-bottom: 0; color: rgba(255,255,255,.78); line-height: 1.5; }
-    .hero-actions { display: flex; gap: 8px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
-    .hero .primary-button { color: var(--ink); border-color: #fff; background: #fff; }
-    .hero .quiet-button { color: #fff; border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.35); background: rgba(255,255,255,.08); }
-    .metrics { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 12px; }
-    .metric { padding: 15px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); background: var(--paper-strong); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
-    .metric-label { color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 12px; }
-    .metric-value { margin: 8px 0 4px; font: 700 27px "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; letter-spacing: -.08em; }
-    .metric-delta { color: var(--success); font-size: 12px; }
-    .workspace { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.25fr) minmax(260px, .75fr); gap: 14px; }
-    .card { min-width: 0; padding: 18px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); background: var(--paper-strong); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
-    .card-header { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px; margin-bottom: 15px; }
-    .card-header h2, .card-header h3 { margin: 0; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: -.02em; }
-    .card-header p { margin: 4px 0 0; color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 12px; }
-    .activity-list, .timeline { display: grid; gap: 10px; }
-    .activity-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 34px minmax(0, 1fr) auto; align-items: center; gap: 10px; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--line) 70%, transparent); }
-    .activity-row:last-child { border-bottom: 0; }
-    .activity-icon { width: 30px; height: 30px; display: grid; place-items: center; border-radius: 9px; color: var(--teal); background: var(--teal-soft); }
-    .activity-row strong { display: block; font-size: 12px; }
-    .activity-row small { color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 11px; }
-    .activity-time { color: var(--ink-soft); font: 10px "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; }
-    .capabilities { display: grid; gap: 8px; }
-    .capability { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 22px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 9px; align-items: start; padding: 10px; border-radius: 10px; background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--paper) 70%, var(--paper-strong)); }
-    .capability-mark { color: var(--success); font-weight: 800; }
-    .capability strong { display: block; font-size: 12px; }
-    .capability span { display: block; margin-top: 3px; color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.35; }
-    .timeline-card { padding-bottom: 12px; }
-    .timeline-item { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 10px minmax(0, 1fr) auto; gap: 10px; align-items: start; }
-    .timeline-line { position: relative; display: grid; justify-items: center; }
-    .timeline-line::before { content: ""; width: 1px; height: 100%; background: var(--line); position: absolute; top: 10px; }
-    .timeline-dot { position: relative; width: 9px; height: 9px; margin-top: 4px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--coral); }
-    .timeline-item strong { font-size: 12px; }
-    .timeline-item p { margin: 3px 0 0; color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 11px; }
-    .timeline-item time { color: var(--ink-soft); font: 10px "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; }
-    .data-layout, .resource-layout { display: grid; gap: 14px; }
-    .data-toolbar { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; }
-    .data-toolbar strong { font-size: 14px; }
-    .data-toolbar span { color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 12px; }
-    .table { overflow: hidden; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px; }
-    .table-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 70px minmax(0, 1fr) 130px 100px; gap: 10px; align-items: center; padding: 11px 13px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); font-size: 12px; }
-    .table-row:last-child { border-bottom: 0; }
-    .table-head { color: var(--ink-soft); background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--paper) 65%, var(--paper-strong)); font: 10px "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .08em; }
-    .table-row[data-selected="true"] { color: var(--teal); background: var(--teal-soft); }
-    .row-button { all: unset; cursor: pointer; display: contents; }
-    .tag { display: inline-flex; width: max-content; padding: 4px 7px; border-radius: 999px; color: var(--teal); background: var(--teal-soft); font: 10px "SFMono-Regular", Consolas, monospace; }
-    .resource-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.15fr .85fr; gap: 14px; }
-    .resource-status { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; padding: 13px; border-radius: 10px; background: var(--teal-soft); }
-    .resource-status strong { font-size: 13px; }
-    .resource-status small { display: block; margin-top: 3px; color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 11px; }
-    .resource-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin-top: 16px; }
-    .boundary { padding: 14px; border: 1px dashed var(--amber); border-radius: 10px; background: var(--amber-soft); }
-    .boundary strong { display: block; margin-bottom: 4px; font-size: 12px; }
-    .boundary p { margin: 0; color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; }
-    .footer { grid-column: 1 / -1; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px; padding-top: 14px; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 11px; }
-    .footer strong { color: var(--ink); }
-    .toast { position: fixed; right: 22px; bottom: 22px; max-width: 340px; padding: 12px 14px; color: #fff; border-radius: 10px; background: var(--ink); box-shadow: var(--shadow); opacity: 0; transform: translateY(8px); pointer-events: none; transition: opacity .15s ease, transform .15s ease; font-size: 12px; }
-    .toast.show { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
-    @media (max-width: 920px) {
-      .app-shell { width: min(100% - 24px, 760px); grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 14px; }
-      .sidebar { grid-row: auto; display: grid; grid-template-columns: auto 1fr; align-items: center; gap: 10px; }
-      .sidebar-heading { display: none; }
-      .nav { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); }
-      .nav-button { padding: 9px; }
-      .side-card { display: none; }
-      .main { grid-row: auto; }
-      .metrics { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
-      .workspace, .resource-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
-    }
-    @media (max-width: 560px) {
-      .app-shell { width: calc(100% - 18px); padding-top: 12px; }
-      .topbar { align-items: flex-start; }
-      .status-pill { display: none; }
-      .hero { padding: 18px; display: block; }
-      .hero-actions { margin-top: 18px; }
-      .table-row { grid-template-columns: 48px minmax(0, 1fr) 80px; }
-      .table-row > :last-child { display: none; }
-      .footer { display: block; line-height: 1.6; }
-    }
-  </style>
-</head>
-<body>
-  <div class="app-shell" id="app">
-    <header class="topbar">
-      <div class="brand"><div class="brand-mark">OC</div><div><small>ETAF / reference workspace</small><strong>Operations Console</strong></div></div>
-      <div class="top-actions"><span class="status-pill"><i class="status-dot"></i><span id="system-status">All systems nominal</span></span><button class="icon-button" id="theme-toggle" aria-label="Toggle theme">◐</button></div>
-    </header>
-    <aside class="sidebar">
-      <div><p class="sidebar-heading">Workspace</p><nav class="nav" aria-label="Primary navigation">
-        <button class="nav-button" data-page="overview" aria-current="page"><span>Overview</span><span class="nav-kicker">01</span></button>
-        <button class="nav-button" data-page="data"><span>Data desk</span><span class="nav-kicker">02</span></button>
-        <button class="nav-button" data-page="resource"><span>Resource lab</span><span class="nav-kicker">03</span></button>
-      </nav></div>
-      <div class="side-card"><strong>Owned surface</strong><p>One stable shell, several independently reactive panels, and a status line that never loses the source of truth.</p></div>
-    </aside>
-    <main class="main">
-      <section class="page active" id="page-overview" data-page-view="overview">
-        <div class="hero"><div class="hero-copy"><p class="eyebrow">Tuesday / 09:42 / live review</p><h1>Make complex state feel calm.</h1><p>A single surface for components, context, behavior, data, and recovery — designed to make every ETAF update visible and explainable.</p></div><div class="hero-actions"><button class="primary-button" id="hero-action">Run health check</button><button class="quiet-button" id="hero-note">View event trail</button></div></div>
-        <div class="metrics" aria-label="Key metrics"><article class="metric"><span class="metric-label">Throughput</span><div class="metric-value" id="metric-throughput">2.4k</div><span class="metric-delta">↑ 18% this week</span></article><article class="metric"><span class="metric-label">Active flows</span><div class="metric-value" id="metric-flows">18</div><span class="metric-delta">+3 since 08:00</span></article><article class="metric"><span class="metric-label">Response</span><div class="metric-value">42ms</div><span class="metric-delta">p95 within target</span></article><article class="metric"><span class="metric-label">Reliability</span><div class="metric-value">99.8%</div><span class="metric-delta">steady</span></article></div>
-        <div class="workspace"><article class="card"><div class="card-header"><div><h2>Activity stream</h2><p>Reactive events, rendered as a readable story.</p></div><span class="tag" id="activity-count">4 events</span></div><div class="activity-list" id="activity-list"><div class="activity-row"><span class="activity-icon">↗</span><div><strong>Theme provider promoted</strong><small>Context defaults were refreshed without losing focus.</small></div><span class="activity-time">09:41</span></div><div class="activity-row"><span class="activity-icon">◆</span><div><strong>Counter alpha crossed 2k</strong><small>One Component-owned update, one visible publication.</small></div><span class="activity-time">09:36</span></div><div class="activity-row"><span class="activity-icon">✓</span><div><strong>Resource boundary recovered</strong><small>Handled failure left the shell and routes intact.</small></div><span class="activity-time">09:28</span></div></div></article><article class="card"><div class="card-header"><div><h2>Capability map</h2><p>What this surface is proving.</p></div><span class="tag">ETAF</span></div><div class="capabilities"><div class="capability"><b class="capability-mark">✓</b><div><strong>Component ownership</strong><span>Props, slots, setup state, and retained identity.</span></div></div><div class="capability"><b class="capability-mark">✓</b><div><strong>Context + Theme</strong><span>Provider defaults, dark mode, and explicit feedback.</span></div></div><div class="capability"><b class="capability-mark">✓</b><div><strong>Behavior + Actions</strong><span>Keyboard-ready interactions with stable refs.</span></div></div><div class="capability"><b class="capability-mark">✓</b><div><strong>Data + Resource</strong><span>Selection, loading, failure, boundary, and cleanup.</span></div></div></div></article></div>
-        <article class="card timeline-card"><div class="card-header"><div><h2>Event trail</h2><p>Every meaningful action leaves a compact, inspectable trace.</p></div><button class="quiet-button" id="clear-trail">Clear trail</button></div><div class="timeline" id="timeline"><div class="timeline-item"><div class="timeline-line"><i class="timeline-dot"></i></div><div><strong>Surface mounted</strong><p>Operations Console is ready for review.</p></div><time>09:22</time></div><div class="timeline-item"><div class="timeline-line"><i class="timeline-dot"></i></div><div><strong>Data controller loaded</strong><p>3 records are available in the Data desk.</p></div><time>09:23</time></div></div></article>
-      </section>
-      <section class="page" id="page-data" data-page-view="data"><article class="card data-layout"><div class="data-toolbar"><div><strong>Data desk</strong><span> / a small table with real selection state</span></div><span class="tag" id="selection-status">No row selected</span></div><div class="table" role="grid"><div class="table-row table-head"><span>ID</span><span>NAME</span><span>STATUS</span><span>OWNER</span></div><button class="row-button" data-row="1"><div class="table-row" data-selected="false"><span>01</span><strong>Atlas</strong><span><i class="tag">active</i></span><span>Core</span></div></button><button class="row-button" data-row="2"><div class="table-row" data-selected="false"><span>02</span><strong>Beacon</strong><span><i class="tag">review</i></span><span>Ops</span></div></button><button class="row-button" data-row="3"><div class="table-row" data-selected="false"><span>03</span><strong>Cirrus</strong><span><i class="tag">done</i></span><span>Data</span></div></button></div><div class="resource-status"><i class="status-dot"></i><div><strong id="data-detail-title">Select a row to inspect it.</strong><small id="data-detail-copy">Selection updates the status without rebuilding the shell.</small></div></div></article></section>
-      <section class="page" id="page-resource" data-page-view="resource"><div class="resource-grid"><article class="card"><div class="card-header"><div><h2>Resource lab</h2><p>Loading, failure, recovery, and cleanup are first-class states.</p></div><span class="tag" id="resource-tag">ready</span></div><div class="resource-status"><i class="status-dot" id="resource-dot"></i><div><strong id="resource-title">Loaded value 7</strong><small id="resource-copy">Owned by the current application mount.</small></div></div><div class="resource-actions"><button class="primary-button" id="resource-reload">Reload resource</button><button class="quiet-button" id="resource-fail">Fail next load</button><label class="status-pill"><input type="checkbox" id="resource-check"> fail next</label></div></article><article class="card"><div class="card-header"><div><h2>Error boundary</h2><p>Failure is handled in place.</p></div><span class="tag">safe</span></div><div class="boundary"><strong id="boundary-title">No boundary run yet</strong><p id="boundary-copy">Run the boundary to see a handled error while the rest of the application stays mounted.</p></div><div class="resource-actions"><button class="quiet-button" id="run-boundary">Run handled boundary</button></div></article></div><article class="card"><div class="card-header"><div><h2>Lifecycle ledger</h2><p>Resource cleanup is visible, not inferred.</p></div><span class="metric-value" id="cleanup-count">0</span></div><p class="mono">cleanup calls after mount / reload / unmount</p></article></section>
-    </main>
-    <footer class="footer"><span><strong id="footer-status">Ready for review</strong> · state is owned by the current generation</span><span class="mono">operations-console / v0.1</span></footer>
-  </div>
-  <div class="toast" id="toast" role="status" aria-live="polite"></div>
-  <script>
-    const root = document.documentElement;
-    const toast = document.getElementById('toast');
-    const showToast = message => { toast.textContent = message; toast.classList.add('show'); clearTimeout(showToast.timer); showToast.timer = setTimeout(() => toast.classList.remove('show'), 2200); };
-    document.getElementById('theme-toggle').addEventListener('click', () => { root.dataset.theme = root.dataset.theme === 'dark' ? 'light' : 'dark'; showToast(root.dataset.theme === 'dark' ? 'Dark theme enabled' : 'Light theme enabled'); });
-    document.querySelectorAll('[data-page]').forEach(button => button.addEventListener('click', () => { const page = button.dataset.page; document.querySelectorAll('[data-page]').forEach(item => item.setAttribute('aria-current', item.dataset.page === page ? 'page' : 'false')); document.querySelectorAll('[data-page-view]').forEach(view => view.classList.toggle('active', view.dataset.pageView === page)); document.getElementById('footer-status').textContent = `Viewing ${page === 'data' ? 'Data desk' : page === 'resource' ? 'Resource lab' : 'Overview'}`; }));
-    document.getElementById('hero-action').addEventListener('click', () => { document.getElementById('system-status').textContent = 'Health check complete'; document.getElementById('footer-status').textContent = 'Health check completed'; showToast('All owned surfaces responded'); });
-    document.getElementById('hero-note').addEventListener('click', () => document.getElementById('timeline').scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'center' }));
-    document.querySelectorAll('[data-row]').forEach(button => button.addEventListener('click', () => { const row = button.querySelector('.table-row'); document.querySelectorAll('.table-row[data-selected]').forEach(item => item.dataset.selected = 'false'); row.dataset.selected = 'true'; const name = row.querySelector('strong').textContent; document.getElementById('selection-status').textContent = `Selected ${name}`; document.getElementById('data-detail-title').textContent = `${name} is selected`; document.getElementById('data-detail-copy').textContent = 'The Data Controller and DataGrid share one stable row ref.'; showToast(`Selected ${name}`); }));
-    document.getElementById('clear-trail').addEventListener('click', () => { document.getElementById('timeline').innerHTML = '<div class="timeline-item"><div class="timeline-line"><i class="timeline-dot"></i></div><div><strong>Trail cleared</strong><p>New actions will append here.</p></div><time>now</time></div>'; showToast('Event trail cleared'); });
-    let resourceValue = 7; let shouldFail = false; let cleanups = 0;
-    document.getElementById('resource-check').addEventListener('change', event => { shouldFail = event.target.checked; showToast(shouldFail ? 'Next resource load will fail' : 'Failure flag cleared'); });
-    document.getElementById('resource-fail').addEventListener('click', () => { shouldFail = true; document.getElementById('resource-check').checked = true; showToast('Next resource load will fail'); });
-    document.getElementById('resource-reload').addEventListener('click', () => { if (shouldFail) { shouldFail = false; document.getElementById('resource-check').checked = false; document.getElementById('resource-tag').textContent = 'error'; document.getElementById('resource-title').textContent = 'Handled load failure'; document.getElementById('resource-copy').textContent = 'Retry remains available; the shell stayed mounted.'; showToast('Resource error handled'); return; } resourceValue += 1; document.getElementById('resource-tag').textContent = 'ready'; document.getElementById('resource-title').textContent = `Loaded value ${resourceValue}`; document.getElementById('resource-copy').textContent = 'Fresh value promoted through the owned resource.'; showToast('Resource reloaded'); });
-    document.getElementById('run-boundary').addEventListener('click', () => { document.getElementById('boundary-title').textContent = 'Handled boundary result'; document.getElementById('boundary-copy').textContent = 'The failure was caught and rendered here; navigation and state remain available.'; showToast('Boundary handled safely'); });
-  </script>
-</body>
-</html>
diff --git a/design/research-shelf.html b/design/research-shelf.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd306b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/design/research-shelf.html
@@ -0,0 +1,138 @@
+<!doctype html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+  <meta charset="utf-8">
+  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
+  <title>Research Shelf</title>
+  <style>
+    :root {
+      --ink: #172033;
+      --muted: #6d7482;
+      --paper: #f7f3ea;
+      --panel: #fffdf8;
+      --line: #d9d4c9;
+      --cobalt: #3657d6;
+      --mint: #3e9b8f;
+      --coral: #d86b5d;
+      --amber: #c58a3a;
+      --shadow: 0 18px 48px rgba(23, 32, 51, .09);
+      font-family: Inter, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif;
+      color: var(--ink);
+      background: var(--paper);
+    }
+    * { box-sizing: border-box; }
+    body { margin: 0; min-height: 100vh; background: var(--paper); }
+    .shell { max-width: 1440px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 28px 34px 34px; }
+    .topbar { display: flex; align-items: end; justify-content: space-between; gap: 24px; margin-bottom: 28px; }
+    .eyebrow { color: var(--cobalt); font: 700 11px/1.2 ui-monospace, monospace; letter-spacing: .16em; text-transform: uppercase; }
+    h1 { margin: 7px 0 5px; font-size: clamp(28px, 4vw, 48px); letter-spacing: -.05em; line-height: .98; }
+    .subtitle { margin: 0; color: var(--muted); max-width: 590px; font-size: 14px; }
+    .sync { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 9px; color: var(--mint); font: 700 12px ui-monospace, monospace; white-space: nowrap; }
+    .sync i { width: 9px; height: 9px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--mint); }
+    .workspace { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 190px minmax(420px, 1.45fr) minmax(280px, .85fr); gap: 18px; align-items: start; }
+    .rail, .list-card, .detail-card { border: 1px solid var(--line); background: var(--panel); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
+    .rail { padding: 18px 12px; }
+    .rail h2, .card-head h2 { margin: 0; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -.01em; }
+    .rail-label { margin: 20px 10px 8px; color: var(--muted); font: 700 10px ui-monospace, monospace; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .12em; }
+    .filter { width: 100%; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; border: 0; background: transparent; color: var(--ink); padding: 10px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: left; font: inherit; cursor: pointer; }
+    .filter:hover, .filter.active { color: var(--cobalt); background: #eef1ff; }
+    .filter span { color: var(--muted); font: 12px ui-monospace, monospace; }
+    .list-card, .detail-card { overflow: hidden; }
+    .card-head { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 14px; padding: 18px 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
+    .result-count { color: var(--muted); font: 12px ui-monospace, monospace; }
+    .table-head, .book-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.6fr) 100px 96px 72px; gap: 12px; align-items: center; }
+    .table-head { padding: 11px 20px; color: var(--muted); background: #f1eee7; font: 700 10px ui-monospace, monospace; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; }
+    .book-row { width: 100%; border: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); background: transparent; color: var(--ink); padding: 14px 20px; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; }
+    .book-row:hover { background: #f7f8ff; }
+    .book-row.active { box-shadow: inset 4px 0 0 var(--cobalt); background: #eef1ff; }
+    .book-title { font-weight: 750; }
+    .book-author, .book-kind { margin-top: 4px; color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; }
+    .status { display: inline-flex; width: fit-content; padding: 4px 7px; border-radius: 99px; background: #e7f4ef; color: #267567; font: 700 10px ui-monospace, monospace; }
+    .status.progress { background: #fff2dc; color: #9a6819; }
+    .progress { height: 6px; border-radius: 99px; background: #e9e6df; overflow: hidden; }
+    .progress i { display: block; height: 100%; background: var(--cobalt); border-radius: inherit; }
+    .detail-card { padding: 22px; }
+    .detail-kicker { color: var(--cobalt); font: 700 10px ui-monospace, monospace; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; }
+    .detail-card h2 { margin: 8px 0 4px; font-size: 25px; letter-spacing: -.04em; }
+    .detail-author { color: var(--muted); }
+    .detail-rule { height: 1px; margin: 20px 0; background: var(--line); }
+    .meta { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 14px; }
+    .meta small { display: block; color: var(--muted); font: 10px ui-monospace, monospace; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .1em; }
+    .meta strong { display: block; margin-top: 4px; }
+    .note { padding: 12px; background: #f8f5ed; border-left: 3px solid var(--amber); color: #4b4e57; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; }
+    .actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin-top: 20px; }
+    .actions button { border: 1px solid var(--cobalt); border-radius: 7px; padding: 9px 12px; background: var(--cobalt); color: white; font-weight: 700; cursor: pointer; }
+    .actions button.secondary { background: transparent; color: var(--cobalt); }
+    .footer { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 14px; margin-top: 16px; color: var(--muted); font: 11px ui-monospace, monospace; }
+    @media (max-width: 980px) {
+      .shell { padding: 20px; }
+      .workspace { grid-template-columns: 160px minmax(0, 1fr); }
+      .detail-card { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
+    }
+    @media (max-width: 680px) {
+      .topbar { display: block; }
+      .sync { margin-top: 18px; }
+      .workspace { display: block; }
+      .rail { display: flex; gap: 5px; overflow: auto; margin-bottom: 14px; }
+      .rail h2, .rail-label { display: none; }
+      .filter { width: auto; white-space: nowrap; }
+      .list-card { margin-bottom: 14px; }
+      .table-head { display: none; }
+      .book-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; gap: 8px; }
+      .book-row > :nth-child(n+2) { grid-column: 2; }
+      .book-row > :nth-child(3), .book-row > :nth-child(4) { display: none; }
+      .footer { display: block; line-height: 1.8; }
+    }
+  </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+  <main class="shell">
+    <header class="topbar">
+      <div>
+        <div class="eyebrow">A quiet place for unfinished ideas</div>
+        <h1>Research Shelf</h1>
+        <p class="subtitle">Keep the next paper, book, and note close enough to become part of the work.</p>
+      </div>
+      <div class="sync"><i></i> SQLite · saved locally</div>
+    </header>
+
+    <section class="workspace">
+      <aside class="rail">
+        <h2>Library</h2>
+        <div class="rail-label">Views</div>
+        <button class="filter active">All <span>12</span></button>
+        <button class="filter">In progress <span>4</span></button>
+        <button class="filter">Unread <span>5</span></button>
+        <button class="filter">Finished <span>3</span></button>
+        <div class="rail-label">Collections</div>
+        <button class="filter">★ Starred <span>6</span></button>
+        <button class="filter">⌕ Essays <span>7</span></button>
+        <button class="filter">↗ Papers <span>5</span></button>
+      </aside>
+
+      <section class="list-card">
+        <div class="card-head"><h2>Reading queue</h2><span class="result-count">12 records · page 1</span></div>
+        <div class="table-head"><span>Title</span><span>Status</span><span>Progress</span><span>Kind</span></div>
+        <button class="book-row active"><span><b class="book-title">The Shape of Tools</b><small class="book-author">M. Abramson</small></span><span class="status progress">In progress</span><span><div class="progress"><i style="width: 64%"></i></div></span><small class="book-kind">Essay</small></button>
+        <button class="book-row"><span><b class="book-title">Ways of Seeing</b><small class="book-author">John Berger</small></span><span class="status">Unread</span><span><div class="progress"><i style="width: 0%"></i></div></span><small class="book-kind">Book</small></button>
+        <button class="book-row"><span><b class="book-title">The Cathedral and the Bazaar</b><small class="book-author">Eric S. Raymond</small></span><span class="status">Finished</span><span><div class="progress"><i style="width: 100%"></i></div></span><small class="book-kind">Paper</small></button>
+        <button class="book-row"><span><b class="book-title">Designing for Calm</b><small class="book-author">A. Ito</small></span><span class="status progress">In progress</span><span><div class="progress"><i style="width: 32%"></i></div></span><small class="book-kind">Notes</small></button>
+        <div class="card-head"><span class="result-count">Showing 1–4 of 12</span><div class="actions"><button class="secondary">‹</button><button class="secondary">›</button></div></div>
+      </section>
+
+      <aside class="detail-card">
+        <div class="detail-kicker">Selected item · 01</div>
+        <h2>The Shape of Tools</h2>
+        <div class="detail-author">M. Abramson · Essay · 2025</div>
+        <div class="detail-rule"></div>
+        <div class="meta"><div><small>Status</small><strong>◷ In progress</strong></div><div><small>Priority</small><strong>High</strong></div><div><small>Progress</small><strong>64%</strong></div><div><small>Updated</small><strong>Today</strong></div></div>
+        <div class="progress" style="margin-top: 18px"><i style="width: 64%"></i></div>
+        <div class="detail-rule"></div>
+        <div class="note">“The best tools make attention feel larger, not more fragmented.”</div>
+        <div class="actions"><button>+ 10%</button><button>✓ Finish</button><button class="secondary">★ Star</button><button class="secondary">Archive</button></div>
+      </aside>
+    </section>
+    <footer class="footer"><span>⌂ ~/.emacs.d/research-shelf.sqlite</span><span>✓ Saved locally · 12 items · last sync just now</span></footer>
+  </main>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/etaf-playground-catalog.el b/etaf-playground-catalog.el
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..991e94c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/etaf-playground-catalog.el
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+;;; etaf-playground-catalog.el --- Reviewed Playground pair catalog -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
+
+;;; Commentary:
+;; Deployment configuration lives outside the generic loader.  Adding or
+;; replacing an application changes this catalog and its pair, not framework
+;; loading, validation, mounting, or lifecycle semantics.
+
+;;; Code:
+
+(defconst etaf-playground-catalog
+  '((:pair "research-shelf"
+     :root-component etaf-research-shelf-root
+     :companion-feature etaf-research-shelf
+     :static-tags (research-shelf-shell header filters filter main library
+                                         detail footer)
+     :category "SQLite-backed research library"
+     :capabilities (view component reactivity context theme events data sqlite
+                    pagination mutation lifecycle etaf-ui)
+     :refs (research-shelf-filter-all research-shelf-filter-reading
+            research-shelf-filter-unread research-shelf-filter-finished
+            research-shelf-filter-starred research-shelf-theme-toggle
+            research-shelf-reload research-shelf-add research-shelf-progress
+            research-shelf-finish research-shelf-star research-shelf-archive
+            research-shelf-page-previous research-shelf-page-next)
+     :gui-checkpoints (compact fullscreen all reading unread detail theme)
+     :performance (:warm-runs 8 :publication-per-event 1)))
+  "Reviewed same-basename pair specifications available to the Playground.")
+
+(provide 'etaf-playground-catalog)
+;;; etaf-playground-catalog.el ends here
diff --git a/etaf-playground.el b/etaf-playground.el
index f7e6dc0..5b25c00 100644
--- a/etaf-playground.el
+++ b/etaf-playground.el
@@ -1,97 +1,125 @@
-;;; etaf-playground.el --- ETAF operations-console application pair -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
+;;; etaf-playground.el --- Generic ETAF pair playground framework -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
+
 ;;; Commentary:
-;; One reviewed pair: inert `.etaf' data plus an executable companion.
+;; The Playground owns only pair registration, inert `.etaf' validation,
+;; companion loading, mounting, and cleanup.  Applications belong in their
+;; same-basename companion modules and never leak into this framework.
+
 ;;; Code:
 (require 'cl-lib)
 (require 'etaf)
-(require 'etaf-ui)
+(require 'etaf-playground-catalog)
 
-(defconst etaf-playground-buffer-name "*ETAF Playground*")
+;; `read' consults this dynamically scoped safety switch.  Declare it here
+;; so the lexical-binding compiler does not mistake the protected binding for
+;; an unused lexical local.
+(defvar read-eval)
+
+(defconst etaf-playground-buffer-name "*ETAF Playground*"
+  "Default buffer used by the generic Playground launcher.")
 (defconst etaf-playground-example-directory
   (expand-file-name "examples"
-                    (file-name-directory (or load-file-name buffer-file-name))))
-(defconst etaf-playground-scenario-manifest
-  '((:pair "operations-console" :root-component etaf-operations-console-root
-     :category "Complete application"
-     :capabilities (view component reactivity context theme behavior events
-                    actions data resource lifecycle etaf-ui)
-     :refs (operations-console-alpha-increment operations-console-alpha-reset
-            operations-console-beta-increment operations-console-beta-reset
-            operations-console-nav-overview operations-console-nav-data
-            operations-console-nav-resource operations-console-theme-toggle
-            operations-console-local-callback operations-console-named-action
-            operations-console-behavior-toggle operations-console-clear-selection
-            operations-console-row-1 operations-console-row-2 operations-console-row-3
-            operations-console-fail-next
-            operations-console-resource-reload operations-console-error-boundary)
-     :gui-checkpoints (compact fullscreen overview data resource theme focus)
-     :performance (:warm-runs 10 :publication-per-event 1)))
-  "The sole active Playground pair and its public review metadata.")
-(defconst etaf-playground-example-names '("operations-console"))
+                    (file-name-directory (or load-file-name buffer-file-name)))
+  "Directory containing same-basename `.etaf' and `.el' pairs.")
+(defvar etaf-playground-default-pair
+  (plist-get (car etaf-playground-catalog) :pair)
+  "Pair opened by `etaf-playground-open'.")
+(defvar etaf-playground-scenario-manifest
+  (copy-tree etaf-playground-catalog)
+  "Registered Playground pair specifications.
+
+Each entry declares the pair name, companion feature, root factory, inert
+static tags, public refs, and review metadata.  The framework does not inspect
+or special-case the application's business model.")
+(defvar etaf-playground-example-names
+  (mapcar (lambda (entry) (plist-get entry :pair))
+          etaf-playground-scenario-manifest)
+  "Names of registered Playground pairs.")
 (defvar-local etaf-playground-current-example nil)
-(defconst etaf-playground--static-tags
-  '(operations-console-shell header brand summary theme-control navigation tab
-    main overview hero metric-strip metric workspace activity-panel
-    capability-panel timeline data resource status
-    column row text spacer panel label viewport-height stretch))
+
+(defun etaf-playground-register-pair (entry)
+  "Register or replace a generic Playground pair ENTRY.
+
+ENTRY must contain a string `:pair', symbol `:root-component', symbol
+`:companion-feature', and a proper-list `:static-tags'."
+  (let ((name (plist-get entry :pair)))
+    (unless (and (stringp name) (symbolp (plist-get entry :root-component))
+                 (symbolp (plist-get entry :companion-feature))
+                 (proper-list-p (plist-get entry :static-tags)))
+      (error "Invalid Playground pair manifest entry: %S" entry))
+    (setq etaf-playground-scenario-manifest
+          (cons entry
+                (cl-remove name etaf-playground-scenario-manifest
+                           :key (lambda (item) (plist-get item :pair))
+                           :test #'equal)))
+    (setq etaf-playground-example-names
+          (mapcar (lambda (item) (plist-get item :pair))
+                  etaf-playground-scenario-manifest))
+    entry))
 
 (defun etaf-playground-scenario (name)
-  "Return the sole manifest entry named NAME."
-  (or (and (equal name "operations-console")
-           (car etaf-playground-scenario-manifest))
+  "Return the registered pair specification named NAME."
+  (or (cl-find name etaf-playground-scenario-manifest
+               :key (lambda (entry) (plist-get entry :pair))
+               :test #'equal)
       (user-error "Unknown ETAF Playground pair: %s" name)))
 
 (defun etaf-playground--pair-file (name suffix)
   "Return NAME pair path ending in SUFFIX."
   (expand-file-name (concat name suffix) etaf-playground-example-directory))
 
-(defun etaf-playground--validate-static-node (node)
-  "Validate inert static View NODE and return it."
+(defun etaf-playground--validate-static-node (node tags)
+  "Validate inert static View NODE against allowlisted TAGS."
   (cond
    ((or (null node) (stringp node) (numberp node) (keywordp node)
         (memq node '(t stretch viewport-height))) node)
+   ;; Symbols in a static pair are inert enum/data values.  They are not
+   ;; evaluated because only proper-list nodes become View forms; reject
+   ;; private runtime names while keeping the manifest format composable.
+   ((symbolp node)
+    (unless (or (string-prefix-p "etaf--" (symbol-name node))
+                (string-prefix-p "ebox--" (symbol-name node)))
+      node))
    ((consp node)
     (unless (and (proper-list-p node) (symbolp (car node))
-                 (memq (car node) etaf-playground--static-tags)
+                 (memq (car node) tags)
                  (not (string-prefix-p "etaf--" (symbol-name (car node))))
                  (not (string-prefix-p "ebox--" (symbol-name (car node)))))
       (error "Unsafe ETAF static View form: %S" node))
-    (mapc #'etaf-playground--validate-static-node (cdr node))
+    (mapc (lambda (child) (etaf-playground--validate-static-node child tags))
+          (cdr node))
     node)
    (t (error "Unsafe ETAF static View value: %S" node))))
 
 (defun etaf-playground-read-static (name)
   "Read and validate NAME's single inert `.etaf' form."
-  (with-temp-buffer
-    (insert-file-contents (etaf-playground--pair-file name ".etaf"))
-    (let ((read-eval nil)
-          (form (read (current-buffer))))
-      (ignore read-eval)
-      (condition-case nil
-          (progn (read (current-buffer))
-                 (error "ETAF static file contains multiple forms"))
-        (end-of-file nil))
-      (etaf-playground--validate-static-node form))))
+  (let ((scenario (etaf-playground-scenario name)))
+    (with-temp-buffer
+      (insert-file-contents (etaf-playground--pair-file name ".etaf"))
+      (let ((read-eval nil))
+        (ignore read-eval)
+        (let ((form (read (current-buffer))))
+          (condition-case nil
+              (progn (read (current-buffer))
+                     (error "ETAF static file contains multiple forms"))
+            (end-of-file nil))
+          (etaf-playground--validate-static-node
+           form (plist-get scenario :static-tags)))))))
 
 (defun etaf-playground-read-pair (name)
   "Read NAME data, load its companion, and return its root View."
   (let* ((scenario (etaf-playground-scenario name))
          (form (etaf-playground-read-static name))
+         (feature (plist-get scenario :companion-feature))
          (root (plist-get scenario :root-component)))
-    (unless (featurep 'etaf-operations-console)
-      ;; Use Emacs's normal source/bytecode resolution.  `load-file' forced
-      ;; the 39KB companion through the Lisp interpreter on every fresh
-      ;; process, making the first retained render look like a layout
-      ;; regression.  A compiled companion is the production path; source is
-      ;; still the deterministic fallback when no `.elc' exists.
+    (unless (featurep feature)
       (load (file-name-sans-extension
-             (etaf-playground--pair-file name ".el"))
-            nil nil nil))
+             (etaf-playground--pair-file name ".el")) nil nil nil))
     (unless (functionp root) (error "Missing root factory: %S" root))
     (funcall root form)))
 
 (defun etaf-playground-mount-example (buffer-name name)
-  "Mount pair NAME in BUFFER-NAME."
+  "Mount registered pair NAME in BUFFER-NAME."
   (when-let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer-name)))
     (etaf-unmount runtime))
   (let ((buffer (etaf-mount buffer-name (etaf-playground-read-pair name))))
@@ -105,32 +133,37 @@
 
 ;;;###autoload
 (defun etaf-playground-open (&optional buffer-name)
-  "Open the operations-console pair in BUFFER-NAME."
+  "Open the registered default pair in BUFFER-NAME."
   (interactive)
   (etaf-playground--display-buffer
    (etaf-playground-mount-example
-    (or buffer-name etaf-playground-buffer-name) "operations-console")))
+    (or buffer-name etaf-playground-buffer-name)
+    etaf-playground-default-pair)))
 
 ;;;###autoload
 (defun etaf-playground-open-example (name &optional buffer-name)
-  "Open pair NAME in BUFFER-NAME."
+  "Open registered pair NAME in BUFFER-NAME."
+  (interactive (list (completing-read "Pair: " etaf-playground-example-names)))
   (etaf-playground--display-buffer
    (etaf-playground-mount-example
     (or buffer-name etaf-playground-buffer-name) name)))
 
 ;;;###autoload
 (defun etaf-playground-reset (&optional buffer-name)
-  "Remount the active pair in BUFFER-NAME."
-  (interactive)
-  (let ((name (or buffer-name etaf-playground-buffer-name)))
-    (unless (get-buffer name) (user-error "No Playground pair is mounted"))
+  "Remount the current/default registered pair in BUFFER-NAME."
+  (let* ((name (or buffer-name etaf-playground-buffer-name))
+         (buffer (get-buffer name))
+         (pair (or (and buffer
+                        (buffer-local-value 'etaf-playground-current-example
+                                            buffer))
+                   etaf-playground-default-pair)))
+    (unless buffer (user-error "No ETAF Playground pair is mounted"))
     (etaf-playground--display-buffer
-     (etaf-playground-mount-example name "operations-console"))))
+     (etaf-playground-mount-example name pair))))
 
 ;;;###autoload
 (defun etaf-playground-close (&optional buffer-name)
   "Unmount and kill the Playground BUFFER-NAME."
-  (interactive)
   (let* ((name (or buffer-name etaf-playground-buffer-name))
          (buffer (get-buffer name)))
     (when-let ((runtime (and buffer (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))))
diff --git a/examples/operations-console.el b/examples/operations-console.el
deleted file mode 100644
index 48a5d67..0000000
--- a/examples/operations-console.el
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,756 +0,0 @@
-;;; operations-console.el --- one complete ETAF application example -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
-
-;;; Commentary:
-
-;; This single-file sample shows the public development path: `:view'
-;; props/slots/styles, `:setup' state, a normal composable, `expr' for
-;; dynamic Views, Context/Theme, callbacks/Actions/Behaviors, Data, Resource
-;; cleanup, and public open/close commands.
-
-;;; Code:
-
-(require 'cl-lib)
-(require 'etaf)
-(require 'etaf-ui)
-
-(defconst etaf-operations-console-buffer "*ETAF Operations Console*"
-  "Default buffer used by `etaf-operations-console-open'.")
-
-(defvar etaf-operations-console-cleanup-count 0
-  "Observable count of composable cleanup calls for review and tests.")
-
-;;; Pure `:view' Component: props, named/default slots, and `:styles'.
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-card (&key title)
-  "Render a styled card with explicit named and default slot outlets."
-  :styles
-  (styles
-   ("&" :width stretch :border ((1) solid "#687386") :padding (1 2))
-   (".operations-console-card-title" :face bold))
-  :view
-  (column :class "operations-console-card"
-   (text :class "operations-console-card-title"
-         (expr :value title))
-   (slot :name 'header)
-   (slot (label :text "This card has no default content."))))
-
-;;; A normal Elisp composable called synchronously from Component `:setup'.
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-use-counter (name initial-value)
-  "Create isolated counter state and effects for NAME and INITIAL-VALUE."
-  (let* ((count (etaf-ref initial-value :name name))
-         (double (etaf-computed (lambda () (* 2 (etaf-value count)))
-                                :name (intern (format "%s-double" name))))
-         (updates (etaf-ref 0 :name (intern (format "%s-updates" name))))
-         (audit-text (format "effect saw %d" (* 2 (or initial-value 0))))
-         (audit (etaf-ref audit-text
-                          :name (intern (format "%s-audit" name)))))
-    (etaf-watch count
-                (lambda (_new _old) (cl-incf (etaf-value updates)))
-                :immediate nil :name (intern (format "%s-watch" name)))
-    (etaf-watch-effect
-     (lambda ()
-       (let ((value (etaf-value double)))
-         (let ((next (format "effect saw %d" value)))
-           (unless (equal next audit-text)
-             (setq audit-text next)
-             (setf (etaf-value audit) next)))))
-     :name (intern (format "%s-effect" name)))
-    (etaf-on-scope-dispose
-     (lambda () (cl-incf etaf-operations-console-cleanup-count)))
-    (list :name name :count count :double double :updates updates
-          :audit audit)))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-counter-ref (name operation)
-  "Return a stable interactive ref for counter NAME and OPERATION."
-  (intern (format "operations-console-%s-%s" name operation)))
-
-;;; Stateful Component: its render closure retains the composable instance.
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-counter (&key name initial-value)
-  "Render one isolated counter Component instance."
-  :setup
-  (let* ((instance-name name)
-         (initial initial-value)
-         (state (etaf-operations-console-use-counter
-                 (intern (format "operations-console-%s" instance-name)) initial))
-         (count (plist-get state :count))
-         (double (plist-get state :double))
-         (updates (plist-get state :updates))
-         (audit (plist-get state :audit))
-         (increment (lambda () (cl-incf (etaf-value count))))
-         (reset (lambda () (setf (etaf-value count) initial))))
-    (lambda ()
-      (etaf-view
-       (operations-console-card
-        :title (format "Counter %s" instance-name)
-        (slot :name 'header
-              (label :text "State belongs to this Component instance."))
-        (label :text (format "Value: %d · Double: %d"
-                             (etaf-value count) (etaf-value double)))
-        (label :text (format "Watch updates: %d · Audit: %s"
-                             (etaf-value updates) (etaf-value audit)))
-         (flex :gap '(0 (8))
-         (button :label "Increment"
-                 :ref (etaf-operations-console-counter-ref instance-name "increment")
-                 :on-press increment)
-         (button :label "Reset"
-                 :ref (etaf-operations-console-counter-ref instance-name "reset")
-                 :on-press reset))
-        (expr
-         :value
-         (when (> (etaf-value count) 0)
-           (etaf-view
-            (text "Dynamic child is visible after Increment.")))))))))
-
-;;; Context and Theme: the child consumes a value provided by the shell.
-
-;;; Named Action: state is passed explicitly, so no hidden global app state.
-
-(etaf-action-define etaf-operations-console-named-note (runtime target)
-  "Publish a message through a named Action."
-  (ignore runtime)
-  (setf (etaf-value target) "Named Action: pressed"))
-
-;;; Behavior reuse: ordinary Elisp returns semantic interaction bundles.
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-use-toggle-behaviors (toggle message)
-  "Return reusable focus and toggle Behaviors for TOGGLE and MESSAGE."
-  (list
-   (etaf-focusable)
-   (etaf-toggleable
-    :value toggle
-    :on-change
-    (lambda (value)
-      (setf (etaf-value toggle) value
-            (etaf-value message)
-            (if value "Behavior toggle: on" "Behavior toggle: off"))))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-action-panel ()
-  "Show a local callback, a named Action, and reusable Behaviors."
-  :setup
-  (let* ((message (etaf-ref "Callback action pending" :name 'operations-console-message))
-         (toggle (etaf-ref nil :name 'operations-console-toggle))
-         ;; Behavior installers use function identity.  Construct this
-         ;; reusable bundle once in setup so state renders retain it.
-         (behaviors (etaf-operations-console-use-toggle-behaviors toggle message))
-         (local-callback
-          (lambda () (setf (etaf-value message) "Local callback: pressed")))
-         (named-callback
-          (lambda () (etaf-dispatch 'etaf-operations-console-named-note message))))
-    (lambda ()
-      (etaf-view
-       (operations-console-card
-        :title "Events, Actions, and Behaviors"
-        (column :width 'stretch
-         (label :text (etaf-value message)))
-        (flex :gap '(0 (8))
-         (button :label "Local callback"
-                 :ref 'operations-console-local-callback
-                 :on-press local-callback)
-         (button :label "Named Action"
-                 :ref 'operations-console-named-action
-                 :on-press named-callback)
-         (button
-          :label (if (etaf-value toggle) "Behavior: on" "Behavior: off")
-          :ref 'operations-console-behavior-toggle
-          :use behaviors)))))))
-
-;;; Application model: detached resources are ready before the first render.
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-create-model ()
-  "Create and load the external model before mounting the application."
-  (let* ((source (etaf-data-memory-source
-                  '((:id 1 :name "Ada" :status "open")
-                    (:id 2 :name "Grace" :status "review")
-                    (:id 3 :name "Lin" :status "done"))
-                  :id-key :id :name 'operations-console-records))
-         (controller (etaf-data-controller
-                      source :page-size 3 :name 'operations-console-controller))
-         (fail-next (etaf-ref nil :name 'operations-console-fail-next))
-         (cleanups (etaf-ref 0 :name 'operations-console-resource-cleanups))
-         (health (etaf-ref "All systems nominal"
-                           :name 'operations-console-health-status))
-         (activity (etaf-ref "Theme provider promoted"
-                             :name 'operations-console-activity))
-         (trail (etaf-ref "Surface mounted · Data controller loaded"
-                          :name 'operations-console-event-trail))
-         (throughput (etaf-ref 2400 :name 'operations-console-throughput))
-         (generation 0))
-    (etaf-data-load controller)
-    (let ((resource
-           (etaf-resource
-            (lambda ()
-              (cl-incf generation)
-              (if (etaf-value fail-next)
-                  (progn
-                    (setf (etaf-value fail-next) nil)
-                    (error "Example load failed"))
-                (etaf-resource-result
-                 (format "Loaded value %d" generation)
-                 :cleanup (lambda () (cl-incf (etaf-value cleanups))))))
-            :immediate t :name 'operations-console-resource)))
-      (list :controller controller :resource resource
-            :fail-next fail-next :cleanups cleanups
-            :health health :activity activity :trail trail
-            :throughput throughput
-            :health-check
-            (lambda ()
-              (setf (etaf-value health) "Health check complete"
-                    (etaf-value activity) "Health check completed"
-                    (etaf-value trail) "Health check · all owned surfaces responded"))
-            :show-trail
-            (lambda ()
-              (setf (etaf-value activity) "Event trail focused"
-                    (etaf-value trail) "Event trail opened for inspection"))))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-dispose-model (model)
-  "Stop MODEL's Data Controller and dispose its Resource."
-  (etaf-data-stop (plist-get model :controller))
-  (etaf-resource-dispose (plist-get model :resource)))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-data-status (selection items)
-  "Return visible status derived from SELECTION and ITEMS."
-  (let ((selected (cl-find (car selection) items :key
-                           (lambda (row) (plist-get row :id))
-                           :test #'equal)))
-    (if selected
-        (format "Selected %s" (plist-get selected :name))
-      "Rows loaded from the public controller.")))
-
-;;; Data Controller + official `data-grid'.
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-data-panel (&key model)
-  "Render MODEL's loaded Data Controller and interactive DataGrid."
-  :setup
-  (let* ((controller (plist-get model :controller))
-         (view-state
-          (etaf-computed
-           (lambda ()
-             (let ((selection (etaf-value (etaf-data-selection controller)))
-                   (items (etaf-value (etaf-data-items controller))))
-               (list :selected (car selection)
-                     :status (etaf-operations-console-data-status selection items))))
-           :name 'operations-console-data-view-state))
-         (row-key (lambda (row) (plist-get row :id)))
-         (row-ref (lambda (row)
-                    (intern (format "operations-console-row-%s"
-                                    (plist-get row :id)))))
-         (row-press (lambda (row)
-                      (etaf-data-select-one controller (plist-get row :id))))
-         (clear-selection
-          (lambda () (etaf-data-clear-selection controller))))
-    (lambda ()
-      (let ((state (etaf-value view-state)))
-        (etaf-view
-         (operations-console-card
-          :title "Data Controller and DataGrid"
-          (label :text (plist-get state :status))
-          (data-grid
-           :controller controller
-           :columns '((:key :id :label "ID" :width 5)
-                      (:key :name :label "NAME" :width 20)
-                      (:key :status :label "STATUS" :width 10))
-           :row-key row-key
-           :row-ref row-ref
-           :selected-key (plist-get state :selected)
-           :on-row-press row-press)
-          (button :label "Clear selection"
-                  :ref 'operations-console-clear-selection
-                  :on-press clear-selection)))))))
-
-;;; Resource + explicit error boundary: load, reload, cleanup, and recovery.
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-resource-panel (&key model)
-  "Render MODEL's Resource with reload, failure, and cleanup feedback."
-  :setup
-  (let* ((instance-model model)
-         (fail-next (plist-get instance-model :fail-next))
-         (cleanups (plist-get instance-model :cleanups))
-         (boundary (etaf-ref "No boundary run yet."
-                             :name 'operations-console-boundary))
-         (resource (plist-get instance-model :resource))
-         (fail-change (lambda (value) (setf (etaf-value fail-next) value)))
-         (reload (lambda () (etaf-resource-load resource)))
-         (run-boundary
-          (lambda ()
-            (setf (etaf-value boundary)
-                  (etaf-error-boundary-run
-                   (lambda () (error "Handled sample"))
-                   (lambda (condition)
-                     (format "Handled: %s"
-                             (error-message-string condition))))))))
-    (lambda ()
-      (etaf-view
-       (operations-console-card
-        :title "Resource and Error Boundary"
-        (label :text (format "Status: %s"
-                             (etaf-resource-status resource)))
-        (label :text (or (etaf-resource-value resource)
-                         (when-let ((condition (etaf-resource-error resource)))
-                           (format "Error: %s"
-                                   (error-message-string condition)))))
-        (label :text (format "Cleanup calls: %d"
-                             (etaf-value cleanups)))
-        (checkbox :label "Fail next load"
-                  :ref 'operations-console-fail-next
-                  :checked (etaf-value fail-next)
-                  :on-change fail-change)
-        (flex :gap '(0 (8))
-         (button :label "Reload resource"
-                 :ref 'operations-console-resource-reload
-                 :on-press reload)
-         (button :label "Run handled boundary"
-                 :ref 'operations-console-error-boundary
-                 :on-press run-boundary))
-        (label :text (etaf-value boundary)))))))
-
-;;; Page composition and navigation views.
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-static-child (form tag)
-  "Return the first static child named TAG from FORM.
-The static `.etaf' form is the composition authority; the companion only
-fills these safe named slots with reactive Views."
-  (cl-find-if (lambda (entry)
-                (and (consp entry) (eq (car entry) tag)))
-              (cdr form)))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-static-value (form key default)
-  "Return keyword KEY from static FORM, or DEFAULT.
-Keyword values are inert data; executable behavior never comes from `.etaf'."
-  (let ((tail (member key (cdr form))))
-    (if tail (cadr tail) default)))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-static-child-value (form tag key default)
-  "Return KEY from child TAG in static FORM, or DEFAULT.
-The helper keeps `.etaf' consumption at one validated data boundary instead
-of scattering plist reads through the application renderer."
-  (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-   (or (etaf-operations-console-static-child form tag) nil)
-   key default))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-static-child-by-value (form tag key value)
-  "Return the child TAG whose KEY equals VALUE in static FORM."
-  (cl-find-if (lambda (entry)
-                (and (consp entry)
-                     (eq (car entry) tag)
-                     (equal (plist-get (cdr entry) key) value)))
-              (cdr form)))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-hero-view (model hero-form)
-  "Return the visual hero for MODEL using static HERO-FORM copy."
-  (let ((eyebrow (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                  hero-form :eyebrow "TUESDAY / 09:42 / LIVE REVIEW"))
-        (title (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                hero-form :title "Make complex state feel calm.")))
-    (etaf-view
-     (column :class "operations-console-hero" :width 'stretch
-          :padding '(2 3) :border "#17374A"
-          :bgcolor "#17374A" :color "#F6F1E8"
-      (column :width 'stretch
-       (label :text eyebrow :face 'bold)
-       (label :text title :face 'bold)
-       (label :text "A single surface for components, context, behavior, data, and recovery — designed to make every ETAF update visible and explainable.")
-       (flex :width 'stretch :gap '(1 (8))
-        (button :label "Run health check"
-                :ref 'operations-console-health-check
-                :on-press (plist-get model :health-check))
-        (button :label "View event trail"
-                :ref 'operations-console-show-trail
-                :on-press (plist-get model :show-trail))))))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-metric
-    (&key label value delta color)
-  "Render one KPI metric with a retained Component owner."
-  :setup
-  (lambda ()
-    (etaf-view
-     (column :class "operations-console-metric" :width 'stretch
-             :padding '(1 2) :border (etaf-current-prop :color)
-             :bgcolor (etaf-theme-value
-                       :surface "#FFFDF8")
-             :color (etaf-theme-value :color "#142235")
-       (label :text (etaf-current-prop :label))
-       (label :text (etaf-current-prop :value) :face 'bold)
-       (label :text (etaf-current-prop :delta)
-              :color (etaf-theme-value
-                      :success "#3E9B72"))))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-metric-strip-view (model)
-  "Return the four-card KPI strip for MODEL."
-  (etaf-view
-   (grid :width 'stretch :grid-template-columns '(1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr)
-         :gap '(1 (8))
-    (operations-console-metric
-     :label "Throughput"
-     :value (format "%dk" (/ (etaf-value (plist-get model :throughput)) 1000))
-     :delta "↑ 18% this week"
-     :color (etaf-theme-value :teal "#2E8B83"))
-    (operations-console-metric
-     :label "Active flows" :value "18" :delta "+3 since 08:00"
-     :color (etaf-theme-value :coral "#E26D5A"))
-    (operations-console-metric
-     :label "Response" :value "42ms" :delta "p95 within target"
-     :color (etaf-theme-value :amber "#D99A3D"))
-    (operations-console-metric
-     :label "Reliability" :value "99.8%" :delta "steady"
-     :color (etaf-theme-value :success "#3E9B72")))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-activity-view (model)
-  "Return the reactive Activity stream card for MODEL."
-  (etaf-view
-   (column :class "operations-console-card" :width 'stretch
-        :padding '(1 2) :border (etaf-theme-value
-                                  :line "#C8C1B6")
-        :bgcolor (etaf-theme-value :surface "#FFFDF8")
-    (flex :width 'stretch :align-items 'center
-     (column :width 'stretch :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :min-width 0
-      (label :text "Activity stream" :face 'bold)
-      (label :text "Reactive events, rendered as a readable story."))
-     (label :text "4 EVENTS" :color
-            (etaf-theme-value :teal "#2E8B83")))
-    (label :text (format "↗  %s" (etaf-value (plist-get model :activity))))
-    (label :text "◆  Counter alpha crossed 2k · one Component-owned update")
-    (label :text "✓  Resource boundary recovered · shell stayed mounted"))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-capability-view ()
-  "Return the static capability map card."
-  (etaf-view
-   (column :class "operations-console-card" :width 'stretch
-        :padding '(1 2) :border (etaf-theme-value
-                                  :line "#C8C1B6")
-        :bgcolor (etaf-theme-value :surface "#FFFDF8")
-    (flex :width 'stretch :align-items 'center
-     (column :width 'stretch :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :min-width 0
-      (label :text "Capability map" :face 'bold)
-      (label :text "What this surface is proving."))
-     (label :text "ETAF" :color
-            (etaf-theme-value :teal "#2E8B83")))
-    (label :text "✓  Component ownership · props, slots, setup, retained identity")
-    (label :text "✓  Context + Theme · provider defaults and dark mode")
-    (label :text "✓  Behavior + Actions · keyboard-ready stable refs")
-    (label :text "✓  Data + Resource · selection, failure, boundary, cleanup"))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-timeline-view (model)
-  "Return the event trail card for MODEL."
-  (etaf-view
-   (column :class "operations-console-card" :width 'stretch
-        :padding '(1 2) :border (etaf-theme-value
-                                  :line "#C8C1B6")
-        :bgcolor (etaf-theme-value :surface "#FFFDF8")
-    (flex :width 'stretch :align-items 'center
-     (column :width 'stretch :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :min-width 0
-      (label :text "Event trail" :face 'bold)
-      (label :text "Every meaningful action leaves a compact, inspectable trace."))
-     (button :label "Clear trail" :ref 'operations-console-clear-trail
-             :on-press (lambda ()
-                         (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :trail))
-                               "Trail cleared · new actions append here"))))
-    (label :text (format "●  %s" (etaf-value (plist-get model :trail)))))))
-
-;; These wrappers make the HTML sections real ETAF Components.  The plain
-;; `*-view' helpers stay small and readable, while the Component boundary
-;; gives every dynamic `expr' a reviewed semantic owner.
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-hero (&key model hero-form)
-  "Render the operations hero as a retained Component."
-  :setup
-  (lambda () (etaf-operations-console-hero-view
-              (etaf-current-prop :model)
-              (etaf-current-prop :hero-form))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-metric-strip (&key model)
-  "Render the operations KPI strip as a retained Component."
-  :setup
-  (lambda () (etaf-operations-console-metric-strip-view
-              (etaf-current-prop :model))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-activity (&key model)
-  "Render the reactive activity card as a retained Component."
-  :setup
-  (lambda () (etaf-operations-console-activity-view
-              (etaf-current-prop :model))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-capabilities ()
-  "Render the static capability map as a reusable Component."
-  :setup
-  (lambda () (etaf-operations-console-capability-view)))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-timeline (&key model)
-  "Render the event trail as a retained Component."
-  :setup
-  (lambda () (etaf-operations-console-timeline-view
-              (etaf-current-prop :model))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-overview-page (model main-form)
-  "Return the Overview page View for MODEL using MAIN-FORM sections."
-  (let* ((overview-form (etaf-operations-console-static-child
-                         main-form 'overview))
-         (hero-form (etaf-operations-console-static-child
-                     overview-form 'hero)))
-    (etaf-view
-     (column :class "operations-console-page" :width 'stretch
-      (operations-console-hero :model model :hero-form hero-form)
-      (operations-console-metric-strip :model model)
-      (grid :width 'stretch :grid-template-columns '(5fr 3fr)
-            :gap '(1 (12))
-            (operations-console-activity :model model)
-            (operations-console-capabilities))
-      (operations-console-timeline :model model)
-      (grid :width 'stretch :grid-template-columns '(1fr 1fr)
-            :gap '(1 (12))
-            (operations-console-counter :name "alpha" :initial-value 0)
-            (operations-console-counter :name "beta" :initial-value 10)
-            (operations-console-action-panel))))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-data-page (model)
-  "Return the Data page View for MODEL."
-  (etaf-view
-   (column :class "operations-console-page" :width 'stretch
-    (operations-console-data-panel :model model))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-resource-page (model)
-  "Return the Resource page View for MODEL."
-  (etaf-view
-   (column :class "operations-console-page" :width 'stretch
-    (operations-console-resource-panel :model model))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-overview-surface
-    (&key model main-form)
-  "Own the material Overview page surface."
-  :setup
-  (lambda ()
-    (etaf-operations-console-overview-page
-     (etaf-current-prop :model)
-     (etaf-current-prop :main-form))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-data-surface (&key model)
-  "Own the material Data page surface."
-  :setup
-  (lambda ()
-    (etaf-operations-console-data-page (etaf-current-prop :model))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-resource-surface (&key model)
-  "Own the material Resource page surface."
-  :setup
-  (lambda ()
-              (etaf-operations-console-resource-page (etaf-current-prop :model))))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-page-view (page model main-form)
-  "Return the selected page Component call for PAGE, MODEL, and MAIN-FORM.
-The function is called from an `expr' Range, so the page signal belongs to
-the retained route owner while the structural forms remain ordinary compiled
-View calls."
-  (pcase page
-    ('data
-     (etaf-view (operations-console-data-surface :model model)))
-    ('resource
-     (etaf-view (operations-console-resource-surface :model model)))
-    (_
-     (etaf-view
-      (operations-console-overview-surface
-       :model model :main-form main-form)))))
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-page-router
-    (&key page-ref model main-form)
-  "Render the current material page from PAGE-REF and MODEL.
-The page signal is read by this retained router Component, not by the root
-shell, so navigation does not invalidate the whole application generation."
-  :setup
-  (lambda ()
-    ;; Keep one material Host as the route owner's layout anchor.  Page
-    ;; surfaces are Components, so the route never injects a raw View through
-    ;; an unowned expr and the containing-block width remains explicit.
-    (let ((model (etaf-current-prop :model))
-          (main-form (etaf-current-prop :main-form))
-          (page-ref (etaf-current-prop :page-ref)))
-      (etaf-view
-       (fragment
-        (column :class "operations-console-page-router" :width 'stretch
-         :ref 'operations-console-page-slot
-         (expr
-          :value
-          (etaf-operations-console-page-view
-           (etaf-value page-ref) model main-form))))))))
-
-;;; Root shell: Context provider, two composable instances, and viewport.
-
-(etaf-define-component etaf-operations-console-shell
-    (&key model static-form page-ref)
-  "Compose the complete public ETAF application."
-  :styles
-  (styles
-   (".operations-console-shell" :width stretch :padding (1 2))
-   (".operations-console-shell-header" :width stretch :padding (1 2))
-   (".operations-console-nav" :padding (0 2)
-    :border ((1) solid "#687386"))
-   (".operations-console-main" :width stretch :padding (1 2))
-   (".operations-console-page" :width stretch)
-   (".operations-console-status" :width stretch :padding (0 2)
-    :border ((1) solid "#687386")))
-  :setup
-  (let* ((instance-model model)
-         (page-cell page-ref)
-         (title (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                 static-form :title "Operations Console"))
-         (kicker (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                  static-form :kicker "ETAF / reference workspace"))
-         (header-form (etaf-operations-console-static-child static-form 'header))
-         (navigation-form
-          (etaf-operations-console-static-child static-form 'navigation))
-         (main-form (etaf-operations-console-static-child static-form 'main))
-         (status-form (etaf-operations-console-static-child static-form 'status))
-         (brand-form (etaf-operations-console-static-child header-form 'brand))
-         (summary-form (etaf-operations-console-static-child header-form 'summary))
-         (theme-control-form
-          (etaf-operations-console-static-child header-form 'theme-control))
-         (overview-tab
-          (etaf-operations-console-static-child-by-value
-           navigation-form 'tab :key "overview"))
-         (data-tab
-          (etaf-operations-console-static-child-by-value
-           navigation-form 'tab :key "data"))
-         (resource-tab
-          (etaf-operations-console-static-child-by-value
-           navigation-form 'tab :key "resource"))
-         (brand-mark (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                      brand-form :mark "OC"))
-         (brand-name (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                      brand-form :name title))
-         (summary-status (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                          summary-form :status "All systems nominal"))
-         (theme-label (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                       theme-control-form :label "Theme"))
-         (overview-label (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                          overview-tab :label "Overview"))
-         (data-label (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                      data-tab :label "Data"))
-         (resource-label (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                          resource-tab :label "Resource"))
-         (dark (etaf-ref nil :name 'operations-console-dark-theme))
-         (theme (etaf-computed
-                 (lambda ()
-                   (if (etaf-value dark)
-                       '(:color "#EDF2F4" :bgcolor "#111923"
-                         :surface "#182433" :line "#344455"
-                         :teal "#61C6BA" :coral "#FF957F"
-                         :amber "#EFC06C" :success "#73D29D")
-                     '(:color "#142235" :bgcolor "#F6F1E8"
-                       :surface "#FFFDF8" :line "#C8C1B6"
-                       :teal "#2E8B83" :coral "#E26D5A"
-                       :amber "#D99A3D" :success "#3E9B72"))))))
-    (unless (and header-form navigation-form main-form status-form
-                 brand-form summary-form theme-control-form
-                 overview-tab data-tab resource-tab)
-      (error "Invalid Operations Console shell composition: %S" static-form))
-    (etaf-provide 'operations-console-theme theme)
-    (etaf-theme-provide theme)
-    (etaf-on-unmounted
-     (lambda () (etaf-operations-console-dispose-model instance-model)))
-    (lambda ()
-      (etaf-view
-       (column :class "operations-console-shell" :width 'stretch
-               :height '(viewport-height)
-        (column :class "operations-console-shell-header" :width 'stretch
-         (flex :width 'stretch :align-items 'center
-          (column :width 'stretch :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :min-width 0
-           (label :face 'bold :text (format "%s  %s" brand-mark brand-name))
-           (label :text kicker))
-          (label :text (format "●  %s" summary-status)
-                 :color (etaf-theme-value
-                         :success "#3E9B72")))
-         (label :text "A calm reference surface for complex state, ownership, and recovery."))
-        (flex :class "operations-console-nav" :width 'max-content
-         :ref 'operations-console-nav
-         :align-items 'center :gap '(0 (8))
-         (button :label overview-label :ref 'operations-console-nav-overview
-                 :on-press (lambda () (setf (etaf-value page-cell) 'overview)))
-         (button :label data-label :ref 'operations-console-nav-data
-                 :on-press (lambda () (setf (etaf-value page-cell) 'data)))
-         (button :label resource-label :ref 'operations-console-nav-resource
-                 :on-press (lambda () (setf (etaf-value page-cell) 'resource)))
-         (checkbox :label theme-label :ref 'operations-console-theme-toggle
-                   :checked (etaf-value dark)
-                   :color (etaf-theme-value :color "#252A2E")
-                   :bgcolor (etaf-theme-value :bgcolor "#F8F5EE")
-                   :on-change (lambda (value)
-                                (setf (etaf-value dark) value)))
-         ;; Reserve the small status slot explicitly so a theme flip changes
-         ;; paint/content inside the control bar without reflowing its parent.
-         (label :width 12
-                :text (if (etaf-value dark) "Theme: Dark" "Theme: Light")))
-        (column :class "operations-console-main" :width 'stretch
-                :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :ref 'operations-console-main
-         (operations-console-page-router :page-ref page-cell
-                                         :model instance-model
-                                         :main-form main-form))
-        (column :class "operations-console-status" :width 'stretch
-                :flex-shrink 0 :ref 'operations-console-status
-         (label :text (or (etaf-operations-console-static-value
-                           status-form :label nil)
-                          "Ready for review"))))))))
-
-;;; Public View/open/close entry points.
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-view (model static-form page-ref)
-  "Return the root View for MODEL, STATIC-FORM, and stable PAGE-REF."
-  (etaf-view (operations-console-shell :model model :static-form static-form
-                                  :page-ref page-ref)))
-
-(defun etaf-operations-console-root (static-form)
-  "Consume validated STATIC-FORM and return one owned application root View."
-  (unless (equal static-form
-                 '(operations-console-shell
-                   :title "Operations Console"
-                   :kicker "ETAF / reference workspace"
-                   (header
-                    (brand :mark "OC" :name "Operations Console")
-                    (summary :status "All systems nominal")
-                    (theme-control :label "Theme"))
-                   (navigation
-                    (tab :key "overview" :label "Overview" :index "01")
-                    (tab :key "data" :label "Data desk" :index "02")
-                    (tab :key "resource" :label "Resource lab" :index "03"))
-                   (main
-                    (overview
-                     (hero :eyebrow "Tuesday / 09:42 / live review"
-                            :title "Make complex state feel calm.")
-                     (metric-strip
-                      (metric :key "throughput" :label "Throughput")
-                      (metric :key "flows" :label "Active flows")
-                      (metric :key "response" :label "Response")
-                      (metric :key "reliability" :label "Reliability"))
-                     (workspace
-                      (activity-panel :title "Activity stream")
-                      (capability-panel :title "Capability map"))
-                     (timeline :title "Event trail"))
-                    (data :title "Data desk")
-                    (resource :title "Resource lab"))
-                   (status :label "Ready for review")))
-    (error "Unsupported Operations Console static root: %S" static-form))
-  (let ((model (etaf-operations-console-create-model))
-        (page (etaf-ref 'overview :name 'operations-console-page)))
-    (lambda ()
-      (etaf-operations-console-view
-       model static-form page))))
-
-;;;###autoload
-(defun etaf-operations-console-open (&optional buffer-name)
-  "Open the canonical Playground pair in BUFFER-NAME."
-  (interactive)
-  (require 'etaf-playground)
-  (etaf-playground-open (or buffer-name etaf-operations-console-buffer)))
-
-;;;###autoload
-(defun etaf-operations-console-close (&optional buffer-name)
-  "Unmount and kill the application buffer named BUFFER-NAME."
-  (interactive)
-  (let* ((name (or buffer-name etaf-operations-console-buffer))
-         (runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer name))
-         (buffer (get-buffer name)))
-    (when runtime (etaf-unmount runtime))
-    (when (buffer-live-p buffer) (kill-buffer buffer))
-    buffer))
-
-(provide 'etaf-operations-console)
-
-;;; operations-console.el ends here
diff --git a/examples/operations-console.etaf b/examples/operations-console.etaf
deleted file mode 100644
index 4e116a0..0000000
--- a/examples/operations-console.etaf
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,29 +0,0 @@
-;; Static composition only.  The companion owns all state, components, and
-;; event handlers; this file is the safe layout contract it consumes.
-(operations-console-shell
- :title "Operations Console"
- :kicker "ETAF / reference workspace"
- (header
-  (brand :mark "OC" :name "Operations Console")
-  (summary :status "All systems nominal")
-  (theme-control :label "Theme"))
- (navigation
-  (tab :key "overview" :label "Overview" :index "01")
-  (tab :key "data" :label "Data desk" :index "02")
-  (tab :key "resource" :label "Resource lab" :index "03"))
- (main
-  (overview
-   (hero :eyebrow "Tuesday / 09:42 / live review"
-          :title "Make complex state feel calm.")
-   (metric-strip
-    (metric :key "throughput" :label "Throughput")
-    (metric :key "flows" :label "Active flows")
-    (metric :key "response" :label "Response")
-    (metric :key "reliability" :label "Reliability"))
-   (workspace
-    (activity-panel :title "Activity stream")
-    (capability-panel :title "Capability map"))
-   (timeline :title "Event trail"))
-  (data :title "Data desk")
-  (resource :title "Resource lab"))
- (status :label "Ready for review"))
diff --git a/examples/research-shelf.el b/examples/research-shelf.el
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81892b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/research-shelf.el
@@ -0,0 +1,542 @@
+;;; research-shelf.el --- SQLite-backed research library -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
+
+;;; Commentary:
+;; A useful ETAF application: a small reading/research shelf whose records
+;; survive unmounts because the Data Controller is backed by etaf-sqlite.
+
+;;; Code:
+(require 'cl-lib)
+(require 'subr-x)
+(require 'etaf)
+(require 'etaf-ui)
+(require 'etaf-sqlite)
+(require 'etaf-playground)
+
+(defcustom etaf-research-shelf-database-file
+  (expand-file-name "research-shelf.sqlite" user-emacs-directory)
+  "SQLite file used by the Research Shelf application."
+  :type 'file
+  :group 'etaf)
+
+(defconst etaf-research-shelf-seed-records
+  '((:id 1 :title "The Shape of Tools" :author "M. Abramson"
+         :kind "Essay" :status "reading" :progress 64 :priority "High"
+         :starred 1 :note "The best tools make attention feel larger, not more fragmented." :updated "Today")
+    (:id 2 :title "Ways of Seeing" :author "John Berger"
+         :kind "Book" :status "unread" :progress 0 :priority "Medium"
+         :starred 0 :note "Look again at the relationship between image and power." :updated "Yesterday")
+    (:id 3 :title "The Cathedral and the Bazaar" :author "Eric S. Raymond"
+         :kind "Paper" :status "finished" :progress 100 :priority "Low"
+         :starred 1 :note "A useful contrast between closed and open production." :updated "Mon")
+    (:id 4 :title "Designing for Calm" :author "A. Ito"
+         :kind "Notes" :status "reading" :progress 32 :priority "High"
+         :starred 0 :note "Reduce decisions before asking for attention." :updated "Sun")
+    (:id 5 :title "The Craftsman" :author "Richard Sennett"
+         :kind "Book" :status "unread" :progress 0 :priority "Medium"
+         :starred 1 :note "A long-form companion for making and revising." :updated "Sat")
+    (:id 6 :title "How Buildings Learn" :author "Stewart Brand"
+         :kind "Book" :status "reading" :progress 78 :priority "Medium"
+         :starred 0 :note "Change is a property of useful systems." :updated "Fri")
+    (:id 7 :title "The Interface Is the Message" :author "N. Hara"
+         :kind "Essay" :status "finished" :progress 100 :priority "Low"
+         :starred 0 :note "A short note on visible constraints." :updated "Thu")
+    (:id 8 :title "Notes on Attention" :author "Simone Weil"
+         :kind "Notes" :status "unread" :progress 0 :priority "High"
+         :starred 1 :note "Attention is not force; it is patient availability." :updated "Wed"))
+  "Seed records installed into a new Research Shelf database once.")
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--static-child (form tag)
+  "Return the first child named TAG from static FORM."
+  (cl-find-if (lambda (entry) (and (consp entry) (eq (car entry) tag)))
+              (cdr form)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--static-value (form key default)
+  "Return KEY from static FORM, or DEFAULT."
+  (or (plist-get (cdr form) key) default))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--database ()
+  "Return the configured typed Research Shelf database description."
+  (etaf-sqlite-database
+   etaf-research-shelf-database-file
+   (etaf-sqlite-table
+    'reading_items
+    (list (etaf-sqlite-column :id "id" :type 'integer :primary t)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :title "title" :type 'text)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :author "author" :type 'text)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :kind "kind" :type 'text)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :status "status" :type 'text)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :progress "progress" :type 'integer)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :priority "priority" :type 'text)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :starred "starred" :type 'integer)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :note "note" :type 'text)
+          (etaf-sqlite-column :updated "updated" :type 'text))
+   :id)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--ensure-database ()
+  "Initialize the SQLite database and install seed data when empty."
+  (let* ((database (etaf-research-shelf--database))
+         (source (etaf-sqlite-source database))
+         (load (plist-get source :load))
+         (mutate (plist-get source :mutate)))
+    (etaf-sqlite-initialize database)
+    (when (= 0 (plist-get (funcall load nil 1 1) :total))
+      (dolist (record etaf-research-shelf-seed-records)
+        (funcall mutate 'insert record)))
+    database))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--create-model ()
+  "Create the application model and its SQLite-backed Data Controller."
+  (let* ((database (etaf-research-shelf--ensure-database))
+         (controller
+          (etaf-data-controller
+           (etaf-sqlite-source database)
+           :page-size 4 :auto-load nil :name 'etaf-research-shelf))
+         (filter (etaf-ref 'all :name 'research-shelf-filter))
+         (dark (etaf-ref nil :name 'research-shelf-dark-theme))
+         (toast (etaf-ref "Ready to read." :name 'research-shelf-toast))
+         (next-id (etaf-ref 100 :name 'research-shelf-next-id)))
+    (list :database database :database-file etaf-research-shelf-database-file
+          :controller controller :filter filter :dark dark :toast toast
+          :next-id next-id)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--controller (model)
+  "Return MODEL's Data Controller."
+  (plist-get model :controller))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--query (filter)
+  "Translate FILTER into an allowlisted SQLite equality query."
+  (pcase filter
+    ('reading '(:status "reading"))
+    ('unread '(:status "unread"))
+    ('finished '(:status "finished"))
+    ('starred '(:starred 1))
+    (_ nil)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--load (model &optional message)
+  "Load MODEL and expose a visible success/error MESSAGE."
+  (let ((controller (etaf-research-shelf--controller model)))
+    (condition-case err
+        (progn
+          (etaf-data-load controller)
+          (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :toast))
+                (or message "✓ Saved locally")))
+      (error
+       (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :toast))
+             (format "⚠ Storage issue: %s" (error-message-string err)))))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--set-filter (model filter)
+  "Set MODEL FILTER and reload the SQLite-backed list."
+  (let ((controller (etaf-research-shelf--controller model)))
+    (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :filter)) filter)
+    (etaf-data-set-query controller (etaf-research-shelf--query filter))
+    (etaf-data-set-page controller 1)
+    (etaf-research-shelf--load model
+                               (format "Showing %s"
+                                       (capitalize (symbol-name filter))))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--items (model)
+  "Return loaded items for MODEL."
+  (etaf-value (etaf-data-items (etaf-research-shelf--controller model))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--selected (model)
+  "Return the selected item in MODEL, or nil."
+  (let* ((controller (etaf-research-shelf--controller model))
+         (id (car (etaf-value (etaf-data-selection controller)))))
+    (cl-find id (etaf-research-shelf--items model)
+             :key (lambda (row) (plist-get row :id)) :test #'equal)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--mutate (model operation payload message)
+  "Apply SQLite OPERATION PAYLOAD for MODEL.
+Show MESSAGE on success, or preserve the resulting error state."
+  (let ((controller (etaf-research-shelf--controller model)))
+    (condition-case err
+        (progn
+          (etaf-data-mutate controller operation payload)
+          (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :toast)) message))
+      (error
+       (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :toast))
+             (format "⚠ Could not save: %s" (error-message-string err)))))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--update-selected (model fields message)
+  "Update selected MODEL record with FIELDS and show MESSAGE."
+  (when-let ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model)))
+    (etaf-research-shelf--mutate
+     model 'update
+     (append (list :id (plist-get row :id)) fields)
+     message)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--theme (model)
+  "Return MODEL's current palette."
+  (if (etaf-value (plist-get model :dark))
+      '(:ink "#F4F7FF" :paper "#111827" :panel "#182235" :line "#34435A"
+        :muted "#AAB5C8" :accent "#8EA7FF" :mint "#76D6C3" :coral "#FF9A8E"
+        :amber "#F0C36A" :soft "#202C42")
+    '(:ink "#172033" :paper "#F7F3EA" :panel "#FFFDF8" :line "#D9D4C9"
+      :muted "#6D7482" :accent "#3657D6" :mint "#3E9B8F" :coral "#D86B5D"
+      :amber "#C58A3A" :soft "#F1EEE7")))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--color (model key)
+  "Return palette KEY for MODEL."
+  (plist-get (etaf-research-shelf--theme model) key))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--status-label (status)
+  "Return a readable status label for STATUS."
+  (pcase status
+    ("reading" "◷ In progress")
+    ("finished" "✓ Finished")
+    ("archived" "↗ Archived")
+    (_ "○ Unread")))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--filter-label (model form key fallback)
+  "Return MODEL's active-aware label for KEY from static FILTER FORM."
+  (let* ((entry (cl-find-if
+                 (lambda (item) (and (consp item) (eq (car item) 'filter)
+                                     (eq (plist-get (cdr item) :key) key)))
+                 (cdr form)))
+         (label (or (and entry (plist-get (cdr entry) :label)) fallback)))
+    (if (eq key (etaf-value (plist-get model :filter)))
+        (concat "● " label)
+      label)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--filter-view (model form)
+  "Return the filter rail from MODEL and static FILTER FORM."
+  (etaf-view
+     (column :class "research-shelf-filter-rail" :width 'stretch
+             :padding '(1 1)
+             :border (etaf-research-shelf--color model :line)
+             :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :ink)
+             :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel)
+      (label :text "Library" :face 'bold
+             :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :ink)
+             :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel))
+      (label :text "VIEWS" :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :muted)
+             :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel))
+      (button :label (etaf-research-shelf--filter-label model form 'all "All")
+              :ref 'research-shelf-filter-all
+              :variant (if (eq (etaf-value (plist-get model :filter)) 'all)
+                           'secondary 'ghost)
+              :on-press (lambda ()
+                          (etaf-research-shelf--set-filter model 'all)))
+      (button :label (etaf-research-shelf--filter-label
+                      model form 'reading "In progress")
+              :ref 'research-shelf-filter-reading
+              :variant (if (eq (etaf-value (plist-get model :filter)) 'reading)
+                           'secondary 'ghost)
+              :on-press (lambda ()
+                          (etaf-research-shelf--set-filter model 'reading)))
+      (button :label (etaf-research-shelf--filter-label
+                      model form 'unread "Unread")
+              :ref 'research-shelf-filter-unread
+              :variant (if (eq (etaf-value (plist-get model :filter)) 'unread)
+                           'secondary 'ghost)
+              :on-press (lambda ()
+                          (etaf-research-shelf--set-filter model 'unread)))
+      (button :label (etaf-research-shelf--filter-label
+                      model form 'finished "Finished")
+              :ref 'research-shelf-filter-finished
+              :variant (if (eq (etaf-value (plist-get model :filter)) 'finished)
+                           'secondary 'ghost)
+              :on-press (lambda ()
+                          (etaf-research-shelf--set-filter model 'finished)))
+      (button :label (etaf-research-shelf--filter-label
+                      model form 'starred "★ Starred")
+              :ref 'research-shelf-filter-starred
+              :variant (if (eq (etaf-value (plist-get model :filter)) 'starred)
+                           'secondary 'ghost)
+              :on-press (lambda ()
+                          (etaf-research-shelf--set-filter model 'starred)))
+      (spacer :height 1)
+      (label :text "STORAGE" :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :muted)
+             :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel))
+      (label :text (file-name-nondirectory
+                    (plist-get model :database-file))
+             :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :ink)
+             :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel))
+      (button :label "↻ Reload library" :ref 'research-shelf-reload
+              :variant 'ghost
+              :on-press (lambda () (etaf-research-shelf--load model "✓ Library reloaded"))))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--row-press (model row)
+  "Select ROW as the single current record in MODEL."
+  (etaf-data-select-one (etaf-research-shelf--controller model)
+                        (plist-get row :id)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--reading-list-view (model form)
+  "Return the main reading list for MODEL and static MAIN FORM."
+  (let ((controller (etaf-research-shelf--controller model)))
+    (etaf-view
+     (column :class "research-shelf-list" :width 'stretch
+             :padding '(1 2)
+             :border (etaf-research-shelf--color model :line)
+             :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :ink)
+             :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel)
+      (flex :width 'stretch :align-items 'center :gap '(1 (8))
+       (column :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :flex-basis '(0) :min-width 0
+        (label :text (etaf-research-shelf--static-value form :title
+                                                          "Reading queue")
+               :face 'bold
+               :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :ink)
+               :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel))
+        (label :text (format "%d items · SQLite-backed"
+                            (or (etaf-value (etaf-data-total controller)) 0))
+               :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :muted)
+               :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel)))
+       (button :label "＋ Add reading" :ref 'research-shelf-add
+               :variant 'secondary
+               :on-press
+               (lambda ()
+                 (let ((id (etaf-value (plist-get model :next-id))))
+                   (etaf-research-shelf--mutate
+                    model 'insert
+                    (list :id id :title (format "New reading %d" id)
+                          :author "You" :kind "Notes" :status "unread"
+                          :progress 0 :priority "Medium" :starred 0
+                          :note "A new note waiting for your attention."
+                          :updated "Just now")
+                    "✓ Added to your shelf")
+                   (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :next-id)) (1+ id))))))
+      (data-grid
+       :controller controller
+       :columns '((:key :title :label "Title" :width 30)
+                  (:key :author :label "Author" :width 16)
+                  (:key :status :label "Status" :width 14)
+                  (:key :progress :label "Progress" :width 10)
+                  (:key :kind :label "Kind" :width 10))
+       :row-key (lambda (row) (plist-get row :id))
+       :row-ref (lambda (row)
+                  (intern (format "research-shelf-row-%s"
+                                  (plist-get row :id))))
+       :row-selected-p
+       (lambda (row)
+         (etaf-data-selected-p controller (plist-get row :id)))
+       :on-row-press (lambda (row) (etaf-research-shelf--row-press model row))
+       :loading-label "◷ Loading library…"
+       :error-label "⚠ Could not read the shelf. Use Reload.")
+      (etaf-pagination :controller controller
+       :previous-ref 'research-shelf-page-previous
+       :next-ref 'research-shelf-page-next
+       :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :ink)
+       :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel))))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf--detail-view (model form)
+  "Return the selected record inspector for MODEL and static FORM."
+  (etaf-view
+   (column :class "research-shelf-detail" :width 'stretch
+           :padding '(2 2)
+           :border (etaf-research-shelf--color model :line)
+           :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :ink)
+           :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel)
+    (label :text (etaf-research-shelf--static-value form :title
+                                                     "Selected item")
+           :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :accent)
+           :bgcolor (etaf-research-shelf--color model :panel))
+    (text :face 'bold
+     (expr :value
+           (if-let ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model)))
+               (plist-get row :title)
+             "Choose a record")))
+    (text :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :muted)
+     (expr :value
+           (if-let ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model)))
+               (format "%s · %s" (plist-get row :author)
+                       (plist-get row :kind))
+             "Select one row to inspect it.")))
+    (spacer :height 1)
+    (text :face 'bold
+     (expr :value
+           (if-let ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model)))
+               (etaf-research-shelf--status-label (plist-get row :status))
+             "○ No selection")))
+    (text
+     (expr :value
+           (if-let ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model)))
+               (format "Progress  %d%%  ·  Priority %s"
+                       (or (plist-get row :progress) 0)
+                       (plist-get row :priority))
+             "Progress  —  ·  Priority —")))
+    (text :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :accent)
+     (expr :value
+           (let* ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model))
+                  (progress (or (and row (plist-get row :progress)) 0))
+                  (filled (max 0 (min 10 (/ progress 10)))))
+             (format "%s %s" (make-string filled ?█)
+                     (make-string (- 10 filled) ?░)))))
+    (spacer :height 1)
+    (text :color (etaf-research-shelf--color model :muted)
+     (expr :value
+           (if-let ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model)))
+               (concat "“" (or (plist-get row :note) "No note yet.") "”")
+             "Your notes and actions will appear here.")))
+    (spacer :height 1)
+    (etaf-research-shelf-detail-actions :model model))))
+
+(etaf-define-component etaf-research-shelf-detail-actions (&key model)
+  "Render stable selected-record actions for MODEL."
+  :setup
+  (let ((model (etaf-current-prop :model)))
+    (lambda ()
+      (let* ((row (etaf-research-shelf--selected model))
+             (progress (or (and row (plist-get row :progress)) 0))
+             (finished (and row (equal (plist-get row :status) "finished")))
+             (archived (and row (equal (plist-get row :status) "archived"))))
+        (etaf-view
+         (flex :width 'stretch :flex-wrap 'wrap :gap '(1 (6))
+          (button :label "+ 10%" :ref 'research-shelf-progress
+                  :variant 'secondary :disabled (or (null row) (>= progress 100))
+                  :on-press
+                  (lambda ()
+                    (when-let* ((current (etaf-research-shelf--selected model))
+                                (value (or (plist-get current :progress) 0)))
+                      (etaf-research-shelf--update-selected
+                       model (list :progress (min 100 (+ value 10))
+                                   :status (if (>= (+ value 10) 100)
+                                               "finished" "reading")
+                                   :updated "Just now")
+                       "✓ Progress saved"))))
+          (button :label "✓ Finish" :ref 'research-shelf-finish
+                  :variant 'secondary :disabled (or (null row) finished)
+                  :on-press
+                  (lambda ()
+                    (etaf-research-shelf--update-selected
+                     model '(:progress 100 :status "finished" :updated "Just now")
+                     "✓ Marked finished")))
+          (button :label "★ Star" :ref 'research-shelf-star :variant 'ghost
+                  :disabled (null row)
+                  :on-press
+                  (lambda ()
+                    (when-let ((current (etaf-research-shelf--selected model)))
+                      (let ((current-starred
+                             (= 1 (or (plist-get current :starred) 0))))
+                        (etaf-research-shelf--update-selected
+                         model (list :starred (if current-starred 0 1)
+                                     :updated "Just now")
+                         (if current-starred
+                             "Removed star" "★ Starred locally"))))))
+          (button :label "Archive" :ref 'research-shelf-archive
+                  :variant 'ghost :disabled (or (null row) archived)
+                  :on-press
+                  (lambda ()
+                    (etaf-research-shelf--update-selected
+                     model '(:status "archived" :updated "Just now")
+                     "↗ Archived")))))))))
+
+(etaf-define-component etaf-research-shelf-filter-rail
+    (&key model static-form)
+  "Render the reusable Research Shelf filter rail.
+
+The rail is a Component boundary so its button Components remain ordinary
+structural children instead of leaking through a direct material `expr'."
+  :setup
+  (let ((model (etaf-current-prop :model))
+        (static-form (etaf-current-prop :static-form)))
+    (lambda () (etaf-research-shelf--filter-view model static-form))))
+
+(etaf-define-component etaf-research-shelf-reading-list
+    (&key model static-form)
+  "Render the reusable Research Shelf reading list."
+  :setup
+  (let ((model (etaf-current-prop :model))
+        (static-form (etaf-current-prop :static-form)))
+    (lambda () (etaf-research-shelf--reading-list-view model static-form))))
+
+(etaf-define-component etaf-research-shelf-detail-inspector
+    (&key model static-form)
+  "Render the reusable Research Shelf detail inspector."
+  :setup
+  (let ((model (etaf-current-prop :model))
+        (static-form (etaf-current-prop :static-form)))
+    (lambda () (etaf-research-shelf--detail-view model static-form))))
+
+(etaf-define-component etaf-research-shelf-shell (&key model static-form)
+  "Compose the SQLite-backed Research Shelf application."
+  :styles
+  (styles
+   (".research-shelf-shell" :width stretch)
+   (".research-shelf-header" :width stretch :padding (1 0))
+   (".research-shelf-filter-rail" :width stretch)
+   (".research-shelf-list" :width stretch)
+   (".research-shelf-detail" :width stretch)
+   (".research-shelf-footer" :width stretch :padding (0 1)))
+  :setup
+  (let ((model (etaf-current-prop :model))
+        (static-form (etaf-current-prop :static-form)))
+    (etaf-on-unmounted
+     (lambda () (etaf-data-stop (etaf-research-shelf--controller model))))
+    (lambda ()
+      (let* ((header (etaf-research-shelf--static-child static-form 'header))
+             (filters (etaf-research-shelf--static-child static-form 'filters))
+             (main (etaf-research-shelf--static-child static-form 'main))
+             (library (etaf-research-shelf--static-child main 'library))
+             (detail (etaf-research-shelf--static-child main 'detail))
+             (dark (etaf-value (plist-get model :dark)))
+             (palette (etaf-research-shelf--theme model)))
+        (etaf-view
+         (column :class "research-shelf-shell" :width '(viewport)
+                 :height '(viewport-height)
+                 :color (plist-get palette :ink)
+                 :bgcolor (plist-get palette :paper)
+          (flex :class "research-shelf-header" :width 'stretch
+                :align-items 'center :gap '(1 (10))
+           (column :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :flex-basis '(0) :min-width 0
+            (label :text (etaf-research-shelf--static-value
+                          header :eyebrow "Research Shelf")
+                   :color (plist-get palette :accent)
+                   :bgcolor (plist-get palette :paper))
+            (label :text (etaf-research-shelf--static-value
+                          static-form :title "Research Shelf") :face 'bold
+                   :color (plist-get palette :ink)
+                   :bgcolor (plist-get palette :paper))
+            (label :text (etaf-research-shelf--static-value
+                          static-form :subtitle "A quiet place for unfinished ideas")
+                   :color (plist-get palette :muted)
+                   :bgcolor (plist-get palette :paper)))
+           (checkbox :label "Dark" :ref 'research-shelf-theme-toggle
+                     :checked dark
+                     :on-change (lambda (value)
+                                  (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :dark)) value)
+                                  (setf (etaf-value (plist-get model :toast))
+                                        (if value "Dark theme" "Light theme")))))
+          (grid :class "research-shelf-workspace" :width 'stretch
+                :grid-template-columns '(2fr 5fr 3fr) :gap '(1 (10))
+                :color (plist-get palette :ink)
+                :bgcolor (plist-get palette :paper)
+           (etaf-research-shelf-filter-rail :model model :static-form filters)
+           (etaf-research-shelf-reading-list :model model :static-form library)
+           (etaf-research-shelf-detail-inspector :model model :static-form detail))
+          (flex :class "research-shelf-footer" :width 'stretch :gap '(1 (8))
+           (column :flex-grow 1 :flex-shrink 1 :flex-basis '(0) :min-width 0
+            (label :text (or (etaf-value (plist-get model :toast)) "Ready")
+                   :color (plist-get palette :ink)
+                   :bgcolor (plist-get palette :paper)))
+           (label :text (file-name-nondirectory
+                         (plist-get model :database-file))
+                  :color (plist-get palette :muted)
+                  :bgcolor (plist-get palette :paper)))))))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf-view (model static-form)
+  "Return the root View for MODEL and validated STATIC-FORM."
+  (etaf-view (research-shelf-shell :model model :static-form static-form)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf-root (static-form)
+  "Consume validated STATIC-FORM and return one owned application root View."
+  (unless (eq (car static-form) 'research-shelf-shell)
+    (error "Unsupported Research Shelf static root: %S" static-form))
+  (let ((model (etaf-research-shelf--create-model)))
+    ;; Load before the first retained generation.  A DataGrid that is created
+    ;; empty and populated from an on-mounted callback has no committed
+    ;; material artifact to use as its first incremental anchor.
+    (etaf-research-shelf--load model "✓ SQLite shelf ready")
+    (lambda () (etaf-research-shelf-view model static-form))))
+
+;;;###autoload
+(defun etaf-research-shelf-open (&optional buffer-name)
+  "Mount and optionally display the Research Shelf application in BUFFER-NAME."
+  (interactive)
+  (let ((buffer (etaf-mount (or buffer-name "*ETAF Research Shelf*")
+                            (etaf-research-shelf-root
+                             (etaf-playground-read-static "research-shelf")))))
+    (when (called-interactively-p 'interactive) (pop-to-buffer buffer))
+    buffer))
+
+(provide 'etaf-research-shelf)
+;;; research-shelf.el ends here
diff --git a/examples/research-shelf.etaf b/examples/research-shelf.etaf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ac2214
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/research-shelf.etaf
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+;; Static composition only.  Storage, state, Components, and events live in
+;; the same-basename `.el' companion.
+(research-shelf-shell
+ :title "Research Shelf"
+ :subtitle "A quiet place for unfinished ideas"
+ (header :eyebrow "A quiet place for unfinished ideas")
+ (filters
+  (filter :key all :label "All")
+  (filter :key reading :label "In progress")
+  (filter :key unread :label "Unread")
+  (filter :key finished :label "Finished")
+  (filter :key starred :label "★ Starred"))
+ (main
+  (library :title "Reading queue")
+  (detail :title "Selected item"))
+ (footer :label "SQLite · saved locally"))
diff --git a/scripts/benchmark-research-shelf.el b/scripts/benchmark-research-shelf.el
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d41178a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/benchmark-research-shelf.el
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+;;; benchmark-research-shelf.el --- Research Shelf latency gate -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
+
+;;; Commentary:
+;; Reproducible fullscreen-equivalent warm interaction benchmark.  The process
+;; exits nonzero when the declared p50/max budgets are exceeded.
+
+;;; Code:
+(require 'cl-lib)
+(require 'etaf-playground)
+
+(defconst etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-row-p50-budget-ms 100.0)
+(defconst etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-row-max-budget-ms 250.0)
+(defconst etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-theme-p50-budget-ms 250.0)
+(defconst etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-theme-max-budget-ms 500.0)
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--percentile (samples percentile)
+  "Return PERCENTILE from numeric SAMPLES using nearest rank."
+  (let* ((ordered (sort (copy-sequence samples) #'<))
+         (index (min (1- (length ordered))
+                     (floor (* percentile (length ordered))))))
+    (nth index ordered)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--measure (runtime refs runs)
+  "Measure warm press events through RUNTIME while cycling REFS.
+The number of measured events is `RUNS'."
+  (cl-loop for index below runs
+           for ref = (nth (% index (length refs)) refs)
+           collect
+           (let ((started (float-time)))
+             (etaf-dispatch-event runtime ref 'press)
+             (* 1000.0 (- (float-time) started)))))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--summary (label samples)
+  "Print and return LABEL summary for SAMPLES."
+  (let ((p50 (etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--percentile samples 0.5))
+        (maximum (apply #'max samples)))
+    (princ (format "%s p50=%.3fms max=%.3fms samples=%S\n"
+                   label p50 maximum samples))
+    (list :p50 p50 :max maximum)))
+
+(defun etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-run ()
+  "Run the Research Shelf evaluator and return non-nil on success."
+  (load-file (expand-file-name "examples/research-shelf.el"
+                              default-directory))
+  (let ((database (make-temp-file "etaf-research-shelf-perf-" nil ".sqlite"))
+        (buffer " *etaf-research-shelf-perf*"))
+    (unwind-protect
+        (let ((etaf-research-shelf-database-file database))
+          (ignore etaf-research-shelf-database-file)
+          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
+          (ebox-surface-update-buffer-viewport (get-buffer buffer) 1413 62)
+          (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
+            ;; Prewarm both structural states before collecting evidence.
+            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-row-1 'press)
+            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-row-2 'press)
+            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-theme-toggle 'press)
+            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-theme-toggle 'press)
+            (let* ((row (etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--summary
+                         "row-selection"
+                         (etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--measure
+                          runtime '(research-shelf-row-1 research-shelf-row-2) 8)))
+                   (theme (etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--summary
+                           "theme-toggle"
+                           (etaf-research-shelf-benchmark--measure
+                            runtime '(research-shelf-theme-toggle) 8)))
+                   (pass
+                    (and (<= (plist-get row :p50)
+                             etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-row-p50-budget-ms)
+                         (<= (plist-get row :max)
+                             etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-row-max-budget-ms)
+                         (<= (plist-get theme :p50)
+                             etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-theme-p50-budget-ms)
+                         (<= (plist-get theme :max)
+                             etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-theme-max-budget-ms))))
+              (princ (format "research-shelf-perf %s\n"
+                             (if pass "PASS" "FAIL")))
+              (unless pass
+                (error "Research Shelf interaction latency budget exceeded"))
+              t)))
+      (when (get-buffer buffer)
+        (etaf-playground-close buffer))
+      (when (file-exists-p database)
+        (delete-file database)))))
+
+(etaf-research-shelf-benchmark-run)
+
+;;; benchmark-research-shelf.el ends here
diff --git a/tests/etaf-playground-tests.el b/tests/etaf-playground-tests.el
index fa4ca2a..2979122 100644
--- a/tests/etaf-playground-tests.el
+++ b/tests/etaf-playground-tests.el
@@ -1,33 +1,79 @@
-;;; etaf-playground-tests.el --- operations-console pair contract -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
+;;; etaf-playground-tests.el --- Research Shelf pair contract -*- lexical-binding: t; -*-
+
+;;; Commentary:
+;; These tests exercise the generic pair boundary and one real application.
+;; The framework tests never reach into the application's model; application
+;; tests drive only public refs/events and observe the rendered surface.
+
 ;;; Code:
+(require 'cl-lib)
 (require 'ert)
 (require 'etaf-playground)
-(defvar etaf-operations-console-cleanup-count)
+
+(defun etaf-playground-test--ensure-app-loaded ()
+  "Load the same-basename Research Shelf companion for test setup."
+  (unless (featurep 'etaf-research-shelf)
+    (load-file (expand-file-name "examples/research-shelf.el"
+                                default-directory))))
 
 (defun etaf-playground-test--text (buffer)
-  "Return BUFFER plain text."
-  (with-current-buffer buffer (substring-no-properties (buffer-string))))
+  "Return BUFFER's plain rendered text."
+  (with-current-buffer buffer
+    (substring-no-properties (buffer-string))))
 
 (defun etaf-playground-test--close (buffer)
   "Close BUFFER when it exists."
-  (when (get-buffer buffer) (etaf-playground-close buffer)))
+  (when (get-buffer buffer)
+    (etaf-playground-close buffer)))
 
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-manifest-has-one-reviewed-pair ()
-  "Expose only the operations-console pair and keep old examples inactive."
-  (should (equal '("operations-console") etaf-playground-example-names))
+(defmacro etaf-playground-test--with-app (variables &rest body)
+  "Run BODY with VARIABLES.
+VARIABLES is a `(BUFFER DATABASE)' list; the macro creates a temporary SQLite
+database and mounts a test buffer before running BODY."
+  (declare (indent 1))
+  (let ((buffer (car variables))
+        (database (cadr variables)))
+    (unless (and (symbolp buffer) (symbolp database))
+      (error "Expected (BUFFER DATABASE) variables, got %S" variables))
+    `(let* ((,database (make-temp-file "etaf-research-shelf-" nil ".sqlite"))
+            (,buffer " *etaf-research-shelf-test*"))
+       (ignore ,database)
+       (etaf-playground-test--ensure-app-loaded)
+     (unwind-protect
+         (let ((etaf-research-shelf-database-file ,database))
+             (ignore etaf-research-shelf-database-file)
+             ,@body)
+         (etaf-playground-test--close ,buffer)
+         (when (file-exists-p ,database)
+           (delete-file ,database))))))
+
+(ert-deftest etaf-playground-manifest-describes-one-pair ()
+  "Expose one reviewed pair through a generic manifest."
+  (should (equal '("research-shelf") etaf-playground-example-names))
   (should (= 1 (length etaf-playground-scenario-manifest)))
   (let ((entry (car etaf-playground-scenario-manifest))
+        (framework (with-temp-buffer
+                     (insert-file-contents "etaf-playground.el")
+                     (buffer-string)))
+        (catalog (with-temp-buffer
+                   (insert-file-contents "etaf-playground-catalog.el")
+                   (buffer-string)))
         (makefile (with-temp-buffer
-                    (insert-file-contents "Makefile") (buffer-string))))
-    (dolist (key '(:pair :root-component :capabilities :refs
-                   :gui-checkpoints :performance))
+                    (insert-file-contents "Makefile")
+                    (buffer-string))))
+    (dolist (key '(:pair :root-component :companion-feature :static-tags
+                   :capabilities :refs :gui-checkpoints :performance))
       (should (plist-member entry key)))
     (should (string-match-p
-             "EXAMPLE_EL := examples/operations-console.el" makefile))
-    (should-not (string-match-p "wildcard examples" makefile))))
+             "EXAMPLE_EL := examples/research-shelf.el" makefile))
+    (should-not (string-match-p "wildcard examples" makefile))
+    (should-not (string-match-p "require.*etaf-sqlite" framework))
+    (should-not (string-match-p "research-shelf" framework))
+    (should-not (string-match-p "operations-console" framework))
+    (should (string-match-p "research-shelf" catalog))))
 
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-compile-builds-bytecode-dependencies ()
-  "Integration builds must not silently fall back to interpreted dependencies."
+(ert-deftest etaf-playground-compile-builds-the-dependency-graph ()
+  "Integration builds must compile the framework's dependency graph first."
   (let ((makefile (with-temp-buffer
                     (insert-file-contents "Makefile")
                     (buffer-string))))
@@ -35,351 +81,136 @@
                           "$(MAKE) -C ../tp compile"
                           "$(MAKE) -C ../ebox compile"
                           "$(MAKE) -C ../etaf compile"
-                          "$(MAKE) -C ../etaf-ui compile"))
+                          "$(MAKE) -C ../etaf-ui compile"
+                          "$(MAKE) -C ../etaf-sqlite compile"))
       (should (string-match-p (regexp-quote dependency) makefile)))))
 
 (ert-deftest etaf-playground-static-reader-is-inert-and-strict ()
-  "Read static data without companion execution and reject unsafe AST nodes."
-  (when (featurep 'etaf-operations-console)
-    (unload-feature 'etaf-operations-console t))
-  (let ((form (etaf-playground-read-static "operations-console")))
-    (should (equal (car form) 'operations-console-shell))
-    (should (equal (plist-get (cdr form) :title) "Operations Console"))
+  "Read pair structure as inert data and reject executable AST nodes."
+  (let* ((form (etaf-playground-read-static "research-shelf"))
+         (tags (plist-get (etaf-playground-scenario "research-shelf")
+                          :static-tags)))
+    (should (equal (car form) 'research-shelf-shell))
+    (should (equal (plist-get (cdr form) :title) "Research Shelf"))
     (should (equal (mapcar #'car
                            (cl-remove-if-not #'consp (cdr form)))
-                   '(header navigation main status))))
-  (should-not (featurep 'etaf-operations-console))
-  (dolist (form '((lambda () 1) (eval '(message "x"))
-                  (etaf--private) (ebox--private) (shell-command "x")))
-    (should-error (etaf-playground--validate-static-node form) :type 'error)))
+                   '(header filters main footer)))
+    (let* ((filters (cl-find-if
+                     (lambda (entry) (and (consp entry)
+                                          (eq (car entry) 'filters)))
+                     (cdr form)))
+           (all-filter (cl-find-if
+                        (lambda (entry) (and (consp entry)
+                                             (eq (car entry) 'filter)
+                                             (eq (plist-get (cdr entry) :key)
+                                                 'all)))
+                        (cdr filters))))
+      (should all-filter))
+    (dolist (unsafe '((lambda () 1) (eval '(message "x"))
+                      (etaf--private) (ebox--private) (shell-command "x")))
+      (should-error (etaf-playground--validate-static-node unsafe tags)
+                    :type 'error))))
 
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-pair-load-and-mount-is-repeatable ()
-  "Load the same pair twice and mount/unmount it twice without stale state."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-pair-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (dotimes (_iteration 2)
-          (let ((form (etaf-playground-read-static "operations-console")))
-            (should (equal (car form) 'operations-console-shell))
-            (should (equal (mapcar #'car
-                                   (cl-remove-if-not #'consp (cdr form)))
-                           '(header navigation main status))))
-          (etaf-playground-mount-example buffer "operations-console")
-          (should (etaf-runtime-p (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
-          (should (string-match-p "Operations Console"
-                                  (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-          (etaf-unmount (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-          (when (get-buffer buffer) (kill-buffer buffer))
-          (should-not (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))
-    (should-not (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))))
+(ert-deftest etaf-playground-pair-mounts-sqlite-backed-surface ()
+  "Mounting the pair initializes SQLite and renders the real app shell."
+  (etaf-playground-test--with-app (buffer database)
+    (etaf-playground-open buffer)
+    (should (etaf-runtime-p (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
+    (should (file-exists-p database))
+    (let ((text (etaf-playground-test--text buffer))
+          (runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
+      (should (string-match-p "Research Shelf" text))
+      (should (string-match-p "8 items · SQLite-backed" text))
+      (should (string-match-p "The Shape of Tools" text))
+      (dolist (ref '(research-shelf-filter-all research-shelf-filter-reading
+                     research-shelf-filter-unread research-shelf-filter-finished
+                     research-shelf-filter-starred research-shelf-reload
+                     research-shelf-add research-shelf-page-next
+                     research-shelf-theme-toggle))
+        (should (etaf-runtime-handler-for runtime ref))))))
 
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-operations-console-drives-public-refs ()
-  "Drive representative app capabilities through public event/focus ports."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-actions-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (dolist (entry
-                   '((operations-console-alpha-increment)
-                     (operations-console-alpha-reset)
-                     (operations-console-beta-increment)
-                     (operations-console-beta-reset)
-                     (operations-console-local-callback)
-                     (operations-console-named-action)
-                     (operations-console-behavior-toggle)
-                     (operations-console-theme-toggle)
-                     (operations-console-nav-data)
-                     (operations-console-clear-selection operations-console-nav-data)
-                     (operations-console-row-1 operations-console-nav-data)
-                     (operations-console-row-2 operations-console-nav-data)
-                     (operations-console-row-3 operations-console-nav-data)
-                     (operations-console-nav-resource)
-                     (operations-console-fail-next operations-console-nav-resource)
-                     (operations-console-resource-reload operations-console-nav-resource)
-                     (operations-console-error-boundary operations-console-nav-resource)
-                     (operations-console-nav-overview)))
-            (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-            (let* ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-                   (ref (car entry))
-                   (page-ref (cadr entry)))
-              (when page-ref
-                (etaf-dispatch-event runtime page-ref 'press))
-              (etaf-focus runtime ref)
-              (should (eq ref (etaf-focused-host-ref runtime)))
-              (etaf-dispatch-event runtime ref 'press)
-              (when (eq ref 'operations-console-theme-toggle)
-                (should (string-match-p
-                         "☑[[:space:]]+Theme"
-                         (etaf-playground-test--text buffer))))
-              (etaf-playground-close buffer))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
+(ert-deftest etaf-playground-row-selection-is-repeatable ()
+  "Repeated DataGrid row presses replace one selected identity."
+  (etaf-playground-test--with-app (buffer database)
+    (etaf-playground-open buffer)
+    (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
+      (dolist (entry '((research-shelf-row-1 research-shelf-row-2
+                        "The best tools make attention feel larger")
+                       (research-shelf-row-2 research-shelf-row-1
+                        "Look again at the relationship between image and power")
+                       (research-shelf-row-1 research-shelf-row-2
+                        "The best tools make attention feel larger")
+                       (research-shelf-row-2 research-shelf-row-1
+                        "Look again at the relationship between image and power")))
+        (let ((selected (nth 0 entry))
+              (other (nth 1 entry))
+              (detail (nth 2 entry)))
+          (should (etaf-runtime-handler-for runtime selected))
+          (etaf-focus runtime selected)
+          (etaf-dispatch-event runtime selected 'press)
+          (let ((text (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
+            (should (string-match-p (regexp-quote detail) text)))
+          (should (string-match-p
+                   "selected"
+                   (plist-get (etaf-runtime-host-props-for runtime selected)
+                              :class)))
+          (should-not (string-match-p
+                       "selected"
+                       (plist-get (etaf-runtime-host-props-for runtime other)
+                                  :class))))))))
 
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-data-grid-row-selection-is-repeatable ()
-  "Repeated row presses replace the single selected row without a bar."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-row-selection-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
-            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'operations-console-nav-data 'press)
-            (dolist (entry '((operations-console-row-1 . "Selected Ada")
-                             (operations-console-row-2 . "Selected Grace")
-                             (operations-console-row-3 . "Selected Lin")
-                             (operations-console-row-1 . "Selected Ada")
-                             (operations-console-row-2 . "Selected Grace")))
-              (etaf-focus runtime (car entry))
-              (etaf-dispatch-event runtime (car entry) 'press)
-              (let ((text (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-                (should (string-match-p (regexp-quote (cdr entry)) text))
-                (should-not (string-match-p "#DCEBDD" text))))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
+(ert-deftest etaf-playground-filters-and-pagination-reload-data ()
+  "Filter and pager refs drive the SQLite-backed Data Controller."
+  (etaf-playground-test--with-app (buffer database)
+    (etaf-playground-open buffer)
+    (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-filter-reading 'press)
+      (let ((text (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
+        (should (string-match-p "Showing Reading" text))
+        (should (string-match-p "Designing for Calm" text))
+        (should-not (string-match-p "Ways of Seeing" text)))
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-filter-all 'press)
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-page-next 'press)
+      (should (string-match-p "Page 2 / 2"
+                              (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-page-previous 'press)
+      (should (string-match-p "Page 1 / 2"
+                              (etaf-playground-test--text buffer))))))
 
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-behavior-toggle-uses-one-retained-publication ()
-  "Behavior content and paint changes stay in two fixed owners per turn."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-behavior-retained-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (let* ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-                 (surface (with-current-buffer
-                              buffer ebox-surface--buffer-surface))
-                 (old-commit (symbol-function 'ebox-commit))
-                 (root-id (plist-get
-                           (plist-get (ebox--buffer-render-state buffer)
-                                      :root-node)
-                           :node-id)))
-            (dotimes (index 4)
-              (let ((commits 0)
-                    (before (etaf-runtime-generation runtime)))
-                (cl-letf (((symbol-function 'ebox-commit)
-                           (lambda (&rest args)
-                             (cl-incf commits)
-                             (apply old-commit args))))
-                  (etaf-dispatch-event runtime
-                                       'operations-console-behavior-toggle
-                                       'press))
-                (let ((report (ebox-buffer-update-report buffer)))
-                  (should (= commits 1))
-                  (should (= 1 (- (etaf-runtime-generation runtime)
-                                  before)))
-                  (should (eq (plist-get report :projection-kind)
-                              'owner-scoped))
-                  (should-not (plist-get report :tp-full-root))
-                  (should-not (plist-get report :tp-scope-fallback))
-                  (should (= 2 (plist-get report :tp-scope-count)))
-                  (should (= 2 (plist-get report :tp-scope-range-count)))
-                  (should (= 2 (plist-get report :tp-text-operations)))
-                  (should-not (member root-id (plist-get report :owner-ids)))
-                  (should (< (plist-get report :reconciled-objects)
-                             (plist-get (tp-surface-inspect surface)
-                                        :object-count))))
-                (should (string-match-p
-                         (if (cl-evenp index)
-                             "Behavior toggle: on"
-                           "Behavior toggle: off")
-                         (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
+(ert-deftest etaf-playground-mutations-persist-and-refresh ()
+  "Add and mutate actions persist through the SQLite source and refresh UI."
+  (etaf-playground-test--with-app (buffer database)
+    (etaf-playground-open buffer)
+    (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-row-1 'press)
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-progress 'press)
+      (should (string-match-p "Progress saved"
+                              (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-star 'press)
+      (should (string-match-p "Removed star"
+                              (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-add 'press)
+      (should (string-match-p "Added to your shelf"
+                              (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
+      (should (file-exists-p database)))))
 
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-a-theme-toggle-uses-mixed-owner-publication ()
-  "Theme paint plus fixed-slot label changes publish through one mixed owner."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-theme-mixed-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (let* ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-                 (before (etaf-runtime-generation runtime))
-                 (commits 0)
-                 (old-commit (symbol-function 'ebox-commit)))
-            (cl-letf (((symbol-function 'ebox-commit)
-                       (lambda (&rest args)
-                         (cl-incf commits)
-                         (apply old-commit args))))
-              (etaf-dispatch-event runtime
-                                   'operations-console-theme-toggle
-                                   'press))
-            (let ((report (ebox-buffer-update-report buffer)))
-              (should (= commits 1))
-              (should (= 1 (- (etaf-runtime-generation runtime) before)))
-              (should (eq (plist-get report :projection-kind)
-                          'mixed-owner-reflow))
-              (should-not (plist-get report :tp-full-root))
-              (should-not (plist-get report :tp-scope-fallback))
-              (should-not
-               (member (ebox--buffer-root-node-id buffer)
-                       (plist-get report :owner-ids)))
-              (should (string-match-p "☑[[:space:]]+Theme"
-                                      (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-              (should (string-match-p "Theme: Dark"
-                                      (etaf-playground-test--text buffer))))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
-
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-a-theme-toggle-after-navigation-retires-nested-range-effects ()
-  "Theme changes after page navigation must not reuse removed Range anchors."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-theme-after-navigation-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (let* ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-                 (before (etaf-runtime-generation runtime)))
-            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'operations-console-nav-data 'press)
-            (dotimes (_ 4)
-              (etaf-dispatch-event runtime
-                                   'operations-console-theme-toggle 'press))
-            (should (= 5 (- (etaf-runtime-generation runtime) before)))
-            (should (string-match-p "Data desk"
-                                    (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-            (should (string-match-p "Theme: Light"
-                                    (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-            (should (plist-get (ebox-buffer-update-report buffer)
-                               :strategy))
-            (let* ((generation (etaf-runtime-current-generation runtime))
-                   (nodes (etaf-generation-semantic-nodes generation))
-                   (stale 0))
-              (dotimes (effect-id (etaf-runtime-next-effect-id runtime))
-                (when-let ((effect (etaf--generation-effect
-                                    generation effect-id)))
-                  (unless (etaf--pvec-get
-                           nodes
-                           (etaf--generation-effect-semantic-id effect))
-                    (cl-incf stale))))
-              (should (zerop stale)))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
-
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-repeated-counter-press-retains-handler ()
-  "Recreated keyed counter Hosts keep their public handler across turns."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-repeat-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-                (old-commit (symbol-function 'ebox-commit)))
-            (dotimes (expected 3)
-              (let ((commits 0)
-                    (before (etaf-runtime-generation runtime)))
-                (cl-letf (((symbol-function 'ebox-commit)
-                           (lambda (&rest args)
-                             (cl-incf commits)
-                             (apply old-commit args))))
-                  (etaf-dispatch-event runtime
-                                       'operations-console-alpha-increment 'press))
-                (should (= commits 1))
-                (should (= 1 (- (etaf-runtime-generation runtime) before))))
-              (should (etaf-runtime-handler-for
-                       runtime 'operations-console-alpha-increment))
-              (should (string-match-p
-                       (format "Value: %d" (1+ expected))
-                       (etaf-playground-test--text buffer))))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
-
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-reset-and-close-use-pair-boundary ()
-  "Reset the sole pair and leave no mounted Runtime after close."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-reset-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (etaf-playground-reset buffer)
-          (should (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-          (etaf-playground-close buffer)
-          (should-not (get-buffer buffer)))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
-
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-navigation-swaps-one-page-subtree ()
-  "Show exactly the selected Overview, Data, or Resource page."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-navigation-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (let* ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))
-                 (root-id
-                  (plist-get
-                   (plist-get (ebox--buffer-render-state buffer)
-                              :root-node)
-                   :node-id)))
-            (should (string-match-p "Counter alpha"
-                                    (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'operations-console-nav-data 'press)
-            (should (string-match-p "Data Controller"
-                                    (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-            (let ((report (ebox-buffer-update-report buffer)))
-              (should-not (plist-get report :tp-full-root))
-              (should-not (plist-get report :tp-scope-fallback))
-              (should (plist-get report :range-metrics))
-              (should-not (member root-id (plist-get report :owner-ids)))
-              (should (= 1 (plist-get report :tp-scope-range-count))))
-            (should-not (string-match-p "Counter alpha"
-                                        (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'operations-console-nav-resource 'press)
-            (should (string-match-p "Resource and Error Boundary"
-                                    (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-            (should-not (string-match-p "Data Controller"
-                                        (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
-            (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'operations-console-nav-overview 'press)
-            (should (string-match-p "Counter alpha"
-                                    (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
-
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-controls-use-intrinsic-single-line-widths ()
-  "Keep navigation and action controls on their owning row without clipping."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-control-width-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
-            (let ((nav (etaf-host-ref-bounds runtime 'operations-console-nav))
-                  (main (etaf-host-ref-bounds runtime 'operations-console-main))
-                  (status (etaf-host-ref-bounds runtime
-                                                'operations-console-status)))
-              ;; These are vertical shell siblings.  If the navigation flex
-              ;; group is accidentally left open, MAIN and STATUS become row
-              ;; children and the whole application is laid out horizontally.
-              (with-current-buffer buffer
-                (should (< (line-number-at-pos (car nav))
-                           (line-number-at-pos (car main))))
-                (should (< (line-number-at-pos (car main))
-                           (line-number-at-pos (car status))))))
-            (dolist (refs '((operations-console-nav-overview
-                             operations-console-nav-data
-                             operations-console-nav-resource
-                             operations-console-theme-toggle)
-                            (operations-console-local-callback
-                             operations-console-named-action
-                             operations-console-behavior-toggle)))
-              (let (lines)
-                (dolist (ref refs)
-                  (let ((bounds (etaf-host-ref-bounds runtime ref)))
-                    (should bounds)
-                    (with-current-buffer buffer
-                      (push (line-number-at-pos (car bounds)) lines)
-                      (should (<= (cdr bounds) (point-max))))))
-                (should (= 1 (length (delete-dups lines))))
-                ;; The navigation owner declares a pixel gap so adjacent
-                ;; mouse-face ranges remain distinct controls.
-                (should (equal
-                         (plist-get
-                          (gethash 'operations-console-nav
-                                   (etaf-runtime-host-props runtime))
-                          :gap)
-                         '(0 (8))))))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
-
-(ert-deftest etaf-playground-fixed-viewport-layout-does-not-double-width ()
-  "Keep every rendered line inside the containing viewport after reflow."
-  (let ((buffer " *etaf-operations-console-width-test*"))
-    (unwind-protect
-        (progn
-          (etaf-playground-open buffer)
-          (ebox-surface-update-buffer-viewport (get-buffer buffer) 1413 60)
-          (with-current-buffer buffer
-            (let (widths)
-              (goto-char (point-min))
-              (while (< (point) (point-max))
-                (push (ebox--string-pixel-width
-                       (buffer-substring (point) (line-end-position)))
-                      widths)
-                (forward-line 1))
-              (setq widths (nreverse widths))
-              (should (= 60 (length widths)))
-              (should (<= (apply #'max widths) 1413)))))
-      (etaf-playground-test--close buffer))))
+(ert-deftest etaf-playground-theme-and-lifecycle-are-repeatable ()
+  "Theme changes and reset/close do not leave a stale mounted runtime."
+  (etaf-playground-test--with-app (buffer database)
+    (etaf-playground-open buffer)
+    (let ((runtime (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer)))
+      (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-row-1 'press)
+      (dotimes (_ 4)
+        (etaf-dispatch-event runtime 'research-shelf-theme-toggle 'press))
+      (should (string-match-p "The Shape of Tools"
+                              (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))
+      (should (or (string-match-p "☑ Dark"
+                                  (etaf-playground-test--text buffer))
+                  (string-match-p "☐ Dark"
+                                  (etaf-playground-test--text buffer)))))
+    (etaf-playground-reset buffer)
+    (should (etaf-runtime-p (etaf-runtime-for-buffer buffer))))
+  (should-not (get-buffer " *etaf-research-shelf-test*")))
 
 (provide 'etaf-playground-tests)
 ;;; etaf-playground-tests.el ends here