Create component-lifecycle.md

contributor-docs/component-lifecycle.md

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+# Component Lifecycle
+
+## Planned
+**Description**: The initial stage where a new component idea is proposed.
+
+**Criteria**:
+The component has some work in progress started which may include: 
+  - Purpose and rationale for the component written in a tracking issue
+  - Documentation including usage guidelines and basic accessibility considerations
+  - Initial Figma component design proposed
+  - Existing code work in a pull request or Primer Recipe
+
+**Activities**:
+  - Discussing the component's necessity and potential use cases.
+  - Gathering initial feedback from the design and engineering teams.
+
+### New
+**Description**: The component is new and ready to use, with ongoing support and potential changes. 
+
+**Criteria**:
+- Used in production environments.
+- Initial feedback incorporated.
+- Documentation in progress.
+
+**Activities**:
+- Iterative improvements based on feedback.
+- Communicating upcoming changes to users.
+- Supporting users in adopting the new component.
+
+**Note:** The component should only be labelled as new in a new release and should be migrated to ready on a specific target date, usually within 3 months.
+
+## Ready
+**Description**: The component is ready for use.
+
+**Criteria**:
+  - Implemented and tested.
+  - Comprehensive documentation available.
+  - Meets accessibility requirements.
+
+**Activities**:
+  - Finalized design and development.
+  - Tested in various environments.
+  - Providing ongoing support and guidance.
+
+
+## Phase Out
+**Description**: The component is no longer recommended but can be used as needed with caution, with plans to be deprecated.
+
+**Criteria**:
+  - Documentation includes alternative components or patterns.
+  - Deprecation date announced.
+  - Migration paths considered and documentation started.
+
+**Activities**:
+  - Communicating deprecation plans to users.
+  - Supporting the component until its removal.
+  - Encouraging migration to new components.
+
+## Deprecated
+**Description**: The component is no longer recommended and should not be used. Users need to migrate to alternatives.
+
+**Criteria**:
+  - Deprecation warnings included in the component.
+  - Removal date announced and documented.
+  - Migration paths provided and accessible.
+
+**Activities**:
+  - Removing the component from the design system.
+  - Assisting users in migrating to alternative components.
+  - Updating documentation to reflect the deprecation.