Outset Analysis Case (OAC)
A minimal format for applying Outset Design

Purpose
An Outset Analysis Case is a concise, structured analysis of a situation at the point where outcomes are still being shaped. Its purpose is to surface assumptions, commitments, structures, and timing before they become locked in.

Canonical format (v1.0)

1. Context
What situation, decision, or system is being initiated?

2. Cognitive outset
How is the situation currently framed? What assumptions or defaults are implicit?

3. Normative outset
What principles, values, or legitimacy constraints apply? What would be unacceptable?

4. Commitment outset
What commitments, obligations, or lock-ins would begin? Who becomes bound, and how?

5. Structural outset
What structures, roles, incentives, or control surfaces are set? Where does power concentrate?

6. Temporal outset
What sequencing or timing creates irreversibility or compounding effects?

7. No-go conditions
Under what conditions should this not proceed?

8. Review horizon
When and how should this outset be revisited?

Status
Canonical practice format ·· v1.0. Intended to evolve slowly.