CDI Framework

Published

Jun 2026

  • ID: CDI-ECO-002
  • Type: Framework Chapter
  • Audience: Analysts, researchers, project leads, and trainees
  • Theme: From questions to systems

The CDI framework organizes analytical work as a pathway.

Complex data question
→ structured discovery
→ reproducible acquisition
→ validated analysis
→ defensible interpretation
→ clear reporting
→ decision support

Why a framework is needed

Complex data work often fails not because individual methods are weak, but because the workflow is fragmented.

A strong analytical system needs:

  • a clear question;
  • traceable data sources;
  • reproducible acquisition;
  • documented assumptions;
  • validated outputs;
  • transparent interpretation;
  • communication that supports decisions.

CDI system logic

Each CDI System Guide should answer five questions:

  1. What problem does this system solve?
  2. What inputs does it require?
  3. What workflow does it follow?
  4. What outputs does it produce?
  5. How can the outputs support interpretation, reporting, or decisions?