Alignment & Evolution
How Outset Design remains coherent while allowing adaptation
Purpose
This page defines how Outset Design may be adopted, adapted, extended, or forked without losing coherence or misrepresenting its foundations.
What is canonical
The following elements are considered canonical and change slowly:
- The definition of an outset
- The Outset Stack (cognitive → normative → commitment → structural → temporal)
- The Outset Analysis Case (OAC) structure
- The scope limits described on this site
What may evolve freely
The following may evolve rapidly and independently:
- Examples and illustrative cases
- Domain-specific applications
- Complementary frameworks that reference Outset Design
- Tooling built around Outset Analysis
Forking and attribution
Outset Design may be forked or adapted, provided that:
- Changes to canonical elements are clearly disclosed
- Attribution to outsetdesign.org is preserved
- Derivative frameworks do not claim canonical status
Relationship to Fair Deal Policy (FDP)
Fair Deal Policy (FDP) is a canonical application of Outset Design. FDP has its own governance and evolution rules.
Alignment with Outset Design does not imply endorsement, certification, or compliance beyond what is explicitly stated.
Change discipline
Canonical elements are expected to evolve more slowly than their applications. Changes should be driven by demonstrated necessity, not convenience.