Tim Beiko proposed a "barbell" model for community input, combining early structured engagement with late-stage validation through dedicated testnets

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It can be challenging for stakeholders outside core developer teams to know when and how deeply to engage with Ethereum governance. To address this, I propose a two-stage community input process—a “barbell” strategy: explicit, structured community engagement at the beginning, paired with a community testnet for validation near the end of the implementation cycle.

3. Ensure Strong, Early Community Input: Governance isn’t just about developers; it’s about the entire ecosystem. Beiko emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from the community early in the decision-making process. This includes engaging with researchers, client teams, application developers, and even end-users to understand their needs and concerns before major decisions are finalized.