🧠 Decision Framework¶

This document provides a structured framework for making consistent, value-aligned decisions across the GetCimple platform. It builds upon the core principles and reasoning frameworks established in our First Principles document.

📌 Purpose: To ensure decisions at all levels of GetCimple's development and operation consistently align with our core values and stakeholder needs.

🌟 Framework Overview¶

The GetCimple Decision Framework creates a consistent approach to evaluating options based on our dual-stakeholder focus. It helps teams make decisions that create win-win outcomes for directors (oversight) and management teams (implementation).

┌─────────────────────────┐         ┌─────────────────────────┐
│                         │         │                         │
│   Director Perspective  │         │  Management Perspective │
│   (Oversight Layer)     │         │  (Implementation Layer) │
│                         │         │                         │
└───────────┬─────────────┘         └────────────┬────────────┘
            │                                     │
            ▼                                     ▼
┌─────────────────────────┐         ┌─────────────────────────┐
│                         │         │                         │
│   Value Questions       │         │   Value Questions       │
│   - Liability Reduction │         │   - Implementation      │
│   - Time Efficiency     │         │     Clarity             │
│   - Oversight Quality   │         │   - Workload Balance    │
│                         │         │   - Communication Ease  │
└───────────┬─────────────┘         └────────────┬────────────┘
            │                                     │
            └─────────────────┬──────────────────┘
                              │
                              ▼
                     ┌─────────────────┐
                     │                 │
                     │  Decision       │
                     │  Evaluation     │
                     │                 │
                     └────────┬────────┘
                              │
                              ▼
              ┌─────────────────────────────┐
              │                             │
              │  Documentation & Validation │
              │                             │
              └─────────────────────────────┘

📋 Decision Types¶

This framework applies to different types of decisions:

Strategic Decisions: High-impact choices about platform direction, feature prioritization, and market positioning
Design Decisions: Choices about user experience, workflows, and interface elements
Technical Decisions: Architecture, technology stack, and implementation approaches
Operational Decisions: Day-to-day choices about support, communication, and processes

🔄 Decision Process¶

1. Define the Decision Context¶

Before evaluating options, establish:

Decision Statement: Clearly articulate what decision needs to be made
Stakeholder Impact: Identify which stakeholders will be affected
Constraints: Recognize time, resource, or technical limitations
Decision Urgency: Determine timeline requirements

2. Generate Options¶

Brainstorm potential approaches
Include the "do nothing" option where relevant
Consider both conventional and innovative approaches
Aim for 3-5 viable options

3. Evaluate Against Core Values¶

For each option, rate alignment with our core values (1-5 scale):

Value	Low Alignment (1)	High Alignment (5)
Simplicity	Adds complexity or cognitive load	Reduces complexity or makes simpler
Stakeholder-Centric	Benefits only one stakeholder	Creates win-win for both stakeholders
Calm Productivity	Creates urgency or stress	Promotes sustainable pace
Pragmatic Profitability	Resource-intensive with low value	Efficient use of resources with high value
Real-World Utility	Theoretical benefit only	Immediate practical utility

4. Apply Dual Stakeholder Lens¶

For each option, evaluate:

Director Perspective (Oversight Layer)¶

Time Value: How efficiently does this use director time?
Liability Reduction: Does this help demonstrate due diligence?
Oversight Clarity: Does this improve governance transparency?
Decision Support: Does this facilitate better board decisions?

Management Perspective (Implementation Layer)¶

Implementation Clarity: Are expectations and tasks clearly defined?
Workload Balance: Is the implementation effort reasonable?
Upward Communication: Does this help communicate compliance to the board?
Operational Integration: Does this fit with existing operations?

5. Document and Decide¶

Document your decision process:

Decision: [Brief description of the decision]
Options Considered: [List of options evaluated]
Selected Approach: [The chosen option]
Rationale:
- [Core value alignment]
- [Director perspective benefits]
- [Management perspective benefits]
- [Other considerations]
Stakeholder Impact: [How this affects each stakeholder]
Implementation Plan: [Next steps to execute the decision]

📊 Decision Matrix Template¶

Use this matrix to evaluate options against our core criteria:

Option	Simplicity (1-5)	Stakeholder-Centric (1-5)	Calm Productivity (1-5)	Pragmatic Profitability (1-5)	Real-World Utility (1-5)	Director Value (1-5)	Management Value (1-5)	Total Score
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4

🚩 Decision Red Flags¶

Watch for these warning signs that a decision may not align with our principles:

Single Stakeholder Focus: Benefits only directors or only management
Complex for Complexity's Sake: Adds unnecessary sophistication
Technical Interest-Driven: Prioritizes interesting technology over user value
High Cognitive Load: Requires significant mental effort to understand
Urgency Without Purpose: Rushed without clear justification
Narrow Perspective: Fails to consider all stakeholder viewpoints

💡 Decision Examples¶

Feature Prioritization Example¶

Decision: Should we prioritize developing the "Executive Dashboard" or "Policy Workflow Automation"?

Decision Matrix:

Option	Simplicity	Stakeholder-Centric	Calm Productivity	Pragmatic Profitability	Real-World Utility	Director Value	Management Value	Total
Executive Dashboard	4	3	4	3	4	5	2	25
Policy Workflow Automation	3	5	5	4	5	4	5	31

Selected Approach: Policy Workflow Automation

Rationale:

Stakeholder Balance: Creates stronger win-win between directors and management
Management Value: Significantly reduces administrative burden for management
Director Value: Still provides high value to directors through improved oversight
Calm Productivity: Reduces urgency and ad-hoc requests between governance layers

Design Decision Example¶

Decision: How should we design the Essential Eight compliance status indicators?

Options:

Detailed percentage-based compliance metrics
Simple traffic light system (Red/Yellow/Green)
Five-level maturity indicators with detailed breakdowns
Text-only descriptive status
Dual-indicator system showing current vs. target maturity

Selected Approach: Dual-indicator system showing current vs. target maturity with progress visualization