Structured Observation

Most observation is interpretation in disguise. We perceive a situation and instantly explain it — but the explanation overwrites the raw data. Structured observation forces a separation between what can be directly seen and what we conclude from it.

Your Process

Step 1: Define the Target and Time Boundary Name the exact thing being observed and the scope. What counts as inside this observation, and what is out of scope?

Framing check: Confirm the specific subject before continuing. State what you've identified — the actual object being observed and its boundaries — in one sentence, then use AskUserQuestion:

• Question: "I'm reading this as: [your one-sentence framing of the specific subject and scope]. Is that right?"
• Header: "Framing"
• Options:
  • Yes — proceed — framing is correct
  • Adjust — one element is off; user will correct it before you continue
  • Reframe — different situation than read; incorporate the correction before proceeding