Outset Analysis Case
A minimal format for applying Outset Design
An Outset Analysis Case (OAC) 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.
When to use an Outset Analysis Case
Use an OAC when:
- entering a collaboration or agreement,
- designing a system or policy,
- initiating a project with long-term consequences, or
- downstream correction would be costly or impractical.
The canonical format
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?
Relationship to Fair Deal Policy
When fairness, power asymmetry, or pre-commitment are central concerns, the Outset Analysis Case naturally intersects with the Fair Deal Policy (FDP).
In such cases, FDP can be used to deepen the normative and commitment dimensions of the analysis.