Case Studies Index

Purpose

Case studies are used in this work as evidence artifacts.

They document what was observed, how an interaction was structured, and what predictably happened, without analysis, advice, or attribution of intent.

They exist to support encyclopedia entries, not to persuade, teach, or accuse.

How Case Studies Are Used

Case studies are standalone documents.

They are not embedded inside encyclopedia articles. Instead, encyclopedia sections reference them where relevant.

This allows:

one case study to support multiple concepts
one concept to be illustrated by multiple cases
theory and observation to remain clearly separated

The encyclopedia explains structures and mechanisms. Case studies show how those structures appear in practice.

What a Case Study Contains

Each case study follows a consistent structure:

What Was Encountered — A plain description of the initial interaction.
What Happened — A step-by-step account of how the interaction unfolded.
How the Interaction Works — The observable mechanics of engagement.
What the Structure Relies On — The assumptions required for the interaction to function.
What Responsibility Shifts — Where effort, risk, and outcomes are placed.
What Predictably Happens — The consistent outcomes produced by the structure.
Why This Case Exists — How the case supports specific encyclopedia sections.

No case study:

• names organisations or individuals

• assigns motive or intent

• offers guidance or solutions

Relationship to Encyclopedia Sections

Encyclopedia articles may reference case studies using their identifiers (e.g. CS-001).

References indicate:

which assumptions are illustrated
which mechanisms are observable
where abstract concepts appear in real interactions

Case studies do not introduce new theory. They only support existing entries.

Current Case Studies

CS-001

Endless Scroll Funnel

Documents how long pages with delayed disclosure produce perceived legitimacy and value through sustained engagement.

Supports: Section 1 · Chapter 2 · Assumptions People Hold — Assumptions relating to effort, legitimacy, and authority

CS-002

Assessment Questionnaire

Documents how multi-question forms simulate evaluation and insight without verifiable measurement.

Supports: Section 1 · Chapter 2 · Assumptions People Hold — Assumptions relating to assessment, personalisation, and accuracy

Ongoing Expansion

New case studies may be added over time.

Existing encyclopedia articles may reference future cases without modification. Case studies remain stable once locked.

This structure allows the work to grow without rewriting its foundations.