Canon (MCF 2.2)
Purpose of This Document
This section contains the canonical specification of the MicroCanvas Framework (MCF) version 2.2.
The content under /canon defines the authoritative semantics, constraints, and invariants of the framework.
It is intended to serve as a stable reference for academic review, methodological evaluation, and controlled derivation.
This specification is normative.
Scope
The canonical specification defines:
- Core definitions and terminology
- The epistemic stage model
- Evidence-first progression logic
- Decision thresholds and reversibility rules
- Governance, auditability, and misuse boundaries
- Failure modes and termination logic
- Versioning rules and framework boundaries
The canonical specification does not define:
- Operational workflows
- Prescriptive tools or templates
- Scoring or maturity models
- Implementation programs
- Certification or compliance schemes
Canonical Status and Authority
All content in /canon is considered authoritative for MCF 2.2.
In case of inconsistency between this specification and any other material (including books, articles, tools, diagnostics, or training content), the canonical specification prevails.
No other section of the documentation may override, reinterpret, or extend the semantics defined herein.
Non-Operational Nature
MCF 2.2 is defined as an epistemic framework, not an execution methodology (Steup, 2005).
The canonical specification:
- Does not prescribe sequences of action
- Does not define required deliverables
- Does not impose workflows or phase gates
- Does not assume organizational maturity or readiness
Operationalization, tooling, and delivery models are considered derivative layers and are explicitly excluded from the canonical scope.
Identity Statement
MCF 2.2 is a canonical epistemic framework that defines evidence-first progression and decision integrity constraints for innovation decisions (Kelly, 2006; Steup, 2005). It specifies authoritative semantics and boundaries for interpreting epistemic stages, evidence quality, and decision thresholds. The canon is normative and supersedes derivative materials. It does not prescribe workflows, deliverables, or operational methods.
Epistemic Orientation
Canonical stages in MCF 2.2 represent states of epistemic resolution, not workflow phases.
Progression through stages is:
- Non-linear
- Evidence-driven
- Reversible under defined conditions
- Compatible with parallel activity
Any interpretation of stages as mandatory process steps is non-canonical.
Evidence and Decision Integrity
All progression logic within MCF 2.2 is grounded in evidence quality, not activity completion.
The canonical specification defines:
- Evidence sufficiency thresholds
- Evidence decay and revalidation logic
- Conditions for regression or deferral
- Decision reversibility constraints
Activity without evidentiary support is considered theatrical and carries no epistemic weight.
Misuse and Boundary Conditions
The canonical specification explicitly defines boundaries for acceptable use.
MCF 2.2 must not be represented as:
- A guarantee of innovation success
- A certification or compliance standard
- A maturity scorecard by default
- A linear delivery methodology
Use outside these boundaries constitutes misrepresentation.
Versioning and Stability
This document defines MCF 2.2.
Subsequent versions may introduce:
- Clarifications
- Formal corrections
- Errata
They may not introduce new semantics without a version increment.
Canonical content is designed for long-term stability.
Relationship to Derivative Materials
All other materials (books, tools, diagnostics, programs, extensions) are considered derivative interpretations of this specification.
Derivative materials:
- Must reference canonical sections explicitly
- May not introduce conflicting semantics
- May be updated independently
The canonical specification remains the sole source of truth.
Intended Audience
This document is written for:
- Researchers and academic reviewers
- Framework designers and methodologists
- Governance and audit stakeholders
- Advanced practitioners requiring epistemic clarity
It is not intended as an onboarding guide or instructional manual.
Reading Guidance
Readers unfamiliar with epistemic or evidence-based frameworks are encouraged to consult derivative explanatory materials.
Such materials are informational only and do not carry canonical authority.