diff --git a/platform/framework/README.md b/platform/framework/README.md
index 4726e36268..8fbe80d58d 100644
--- a/platform/framework/README.md
+++ b/platform/framework/README.md
@@ -2,4 +2,22 @@ Framework-level components for Open MCT Web. This is Angular and Require,
 with an extra layer to mediate between them and act as an extension 
 mechanism to allow plug-ins to be introduced declaratively.
 
+# Implementation Notes
 
+The framework layer is responsible for performing a four-stage initialization
+process. These stages are:
+
+1. __Loading definitions.__ JSON declarations are loaded for all bundles which
+   will constitute the application, and wrapped in a useful API for subsequent
+   stages. _Sources in `src/load`_
+2. __Resolving extensions.__ Any scripts which provide implementations for
+   extensions exposed by bundles are loaded, using Require.
+   _Sources in `src/resolve`_
+3. __Registering extensions.__ Resolved extensions are registered with Angular,
+   such that they can be used by the application at run-time. This stage
+   includes both registration of Angular built-ins (directives, controllers,
+   routes, and services) as well as registration of non-Angular extensions.
+   _Sources in `src/register`_
+4. __Bootstrapping.__ JSON declarations are loaded for all bundles which
+   will constitute the application, and wrapped in a useful API for subsequent
+   stages. _Sources in `src/bootstrap`_