Framework Basics
2.1 Core ConceptsYou don’t have to be a genius or a visionary or even a collage graduate to be successful. You just need a framework and a dream.
What is a framework?
Definition
A pre-established, reusable set of rules, conventions, and tools that provides a structured approach to defining and developing a specific type of system
Purpose
To provide a structured and reusable foundation to accelerate and facilitate the development, organisation, and implementation of systems
A framework is a pre-established, reusable set of rules, conventions, and tools that provides a structured approach to defining and developing a specific type of system or solution. It offers a foundation upon which organisations and professionals can build and organise their work. Frameworks are designed to accelerate and streamline the development process, promote best practices, and facilitate the creation of consistent and maintainable systems.
A system in this context can be defined as a set of interconnected and interdependent components or elements that work together to achieve a common set of objectives or functions. These components could include people, processes, hardware, software, data, facilities, and more. If the interactions and relationships among these components create a unified whole that functions as a complete and organised entity for a specific purpose, it is a system.
The purpose of a framework
The purpose of a framework is to provide a structured and reusable foundation to accelerate and facilitate the development, organisation, and implementation of systems. In its core, it is basically a predefined terminology or language, with predefined relations between the different terms or words.
The framework does not itself provide a turn-key solution for all specific situations or organisations. What it does is to provide an already thought through starting point to design, implement, maintain and improve a solution that is fit for purpose. Therefore, one must understand how to (and how not to) utilise a framework such as the CUBE® framework.
How to use a framework
A framework is a theoretical and abstract model of a generic version of reality. It does not accurately represent every single situation, context or organisation, which is not what a framework should do. Reality is full of deviations and special cases, but this should not come in the way of defining some kind of simplified version of reality that can be used to agree (and disagree) around.
To be able to interact with reality and collaborate, our brains make generalisation and creates simplified models for everything. One can quickly see that taking all information, knowledge, aspects and variables into consideration when trying to describe something to a peer is not feasible. To be able to collaborate effectively, we must build our language for communication around something that all involved can understand and use to convey ideas and thoughts.
The power of standardisation
Using braille (writing for visually impaired) as the form of communication when the majority involved doesn’t understand it or can read it effectively is not an optimal way of enabling collaboration. Of course, time and effort can be invested to ensure everyone learns and can use braille, but is it the most effective way to enable effective collaboration? Perhaps if the majority of the team involved or the key stakeholders are visually impaired, but most often it is not. Braille is however an excellent standard for visually impaired as it turns over 130 different languages into one consistent form. This is an excellent example of how a standardisation or framework is beneficial for the masses.
Just like braille code, a framework does not tell you what to write. But it provides the frames, structures and guidance how to use it effectively so that communication can occur effectively. The framework provides just this. Frames and structures that if used consistently provides additional information that does not need to be communicated as it is already embedded in word used.
An example of where one word says more than meets the ear
For example, the word “time report” on the surface conveys the information that there is some type of report for time, nothing more.
However, since this is a defined and commonly used word, there is more information that is not stated, because it does not need to be. It is known by the parties involved. This information is that the time report is a form where workers fill in what hours they have worked and what they spent the hours on. The time report should be handed in on a regular interval, weekly or monthly, and is typically used for invoicing customers or statistics to enable better decision making and improvements.
All this information was not communicated through the word, but through our mutual interpretation of what “time report” means. This mutual interpretation has been created by discussing and agreeing upon what we refer to when we say “time report.
Note that even though the purpose and practical use of a time report is fairly similar, a time report in one organisation can look and be used very differently than in other organisations.
The CUBE® framework is a starting point for effective collaboration
The CUBE® framework should be used as a starting point to align understanding, build a common mental model and language that is used to enable effective collaboration.
How not to use a framework
A frameworks can be a powerful tool if used in the correct way. However if used wrongly it can be a recipe for the complete opposite of its purpose. Frameworks are generic abstractions of reality and since it is an abstraction, it cannot take all variations and complexity of reality into consideration. One must be aware of this and see it as a strength, not a weakness.
If one would make the assumption that the consistency of the framework theory trumps the complexity in reality, one will have a difficult time getting the wanted results. A framework is not a religion based on deeply founded believes that if broken leads to punishment. There is no punishment for not following the theory down to the last word. Use the framework as a starting point and guide, then apply common sense and adapt the framework to your specific context and needs.
The CUBE® framework will not provide the solution to any problem, but if used as a foundation for effective collaboration, it will enable your organisation to solve the problem faster and more effectively.
Next Step
To navigate the CUBE® framework, read more about the structure…