What can you use Autonomy for?
Autonomy starts with whatever you want to put on the table. It might be an issue, a question, an investigation, a plan, an idea, an event or a decision. Other people can then add what they know, contribute evidence, discuss it, vote on what matters and help work out what happens next.
One structure. Hundreds of uses.
Start with something. Add what people know. Find out what matters. Work out what to do next.
So you know what’s agreed best and why.
Plan an event – a wedding
Bring the ideas, people and practical details together.
Start with your wedding. Add sections for the budget, guests, venue, suppliers and the day itself, then keep each option and its details together.
Wedding planning
Use these five headings as added content (AC). The bold titles beneath each are suggested further added content (FAC). Keep individual options, notes and contributions with the topic they concern. People can discuss and vote at every level.
Introduction and Vision
Budget Plan
Budget allocations, expense records and payment schedules.
Timeline and Checklist
Month-by-month or countdown to-do lists.
Vision and Inspiration
Mood boards, colour palettes and theme notes.
Guest List
Addresses, RSVP updates and dietary requirements.
Venue and Ceremony
Venue Research
Capacity, contracts, restrictions and site visit notes.
Ceremony Planning
Officiant details, vows, readings and music.
Seating Planner
Floor plans and table seating charts.
Vendor and Supplier Management
Supplier Contacts
Contact details, deposit records and contract terms.
Photographer and Videographer
Shot lists and style preferences.
Caterer and Menu
Tastings, bar options and cake design.
Entertainment
Band or DJ playlists and special dance timings.
Flowers and Decor
Florist research, hire items and lighting.
Hair and Makeup
Trials and wedding-day beauty schedules.
Transport
Travel plans for the wedding party and guests.
Attire and Wedding Party
Wedding Party
Contact details, outfit mood boards and gift records.
Attire and Accessories
Dress or suit research, fittings and jewellery.
Stationery
Save-the-dates, invitations, programmes and thank-you notes.
Day-Of and Post-Wedding
Wedding Day Timeline
A minute-by-minute schedule of what happens when.
Emergency Contacts
People to contact on the day and supplier arrival times.
Honeymoon Planning
Itineraries, packing lists and bookings.
Research and remember
Pool what people know and build a shared record.
What used to stand on this street? Bring together old photographs, documents, sources and neighbours’ memories.
Memories and local knowledge
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your subject and keep related contributions together.
Photos
Suggested further added content (FAC)
1970s
Photographs from the 1970s, with dates, locations and credits where known.
1980s
Photographs from the 1980s, with captions identifying places and people where appropriate.
1990s
Photographs from the 1990s. Add other decade headings to suit your collection.
Documents
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Maps
Street maps and historical maps, with their dates and sources.
Plans
Site plans, planning drawings and proposed changes, with dates and context.
Blueprints
Technical drawings of buildings or structures, with an explanation of what they show.
Sources
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Archives
Archive collections and catalogue references for further research.
Newspapers and Publications
Articles, books and local publications, with links or references.
Records
Official records and registers, with dates and the organisation holding them.
Memories
Suggested further added content (FAC)
People
Recollections of neighbours, families and familiar local characters.
Places
Memories of streets, shops, workplaces and buildings.
Events
First-hand recollections of local occasions, with approximate dates clearly marked.
Resolve an issue
Raise an issue in your neighbourhood and share the evidence behind it. Neighbours can discuss it, add their knowledge and experiences, and suggest solutions. Vote on the proposals to show which have support, then keep everyone updated on progress and the outcome.
Issues, evidence and solutions
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Keep neighbours’ contributions and proposed solutions connected to the original issue.
Supporting Evidence
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Photos
Images showing the issue, with dates and locations where known.
Documents
Relevant notices, reports and records.
Sources
Links people can follow to check the information.
Neighbours’ Experiences
Suggested further added content (FAC)
What Happened
First-hand accounts of the issue and when it occurred.
Who Is Affected
How the issue affects people in the neighbourhood.
Local Knowledge
Useful context and details others can add.
Possible Solutions
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Suggested Solutions
A separate entry for each proposed solution so neighbours can discuss and vote on it.
Costs and Practicalities
What each proposal would need, including costs, permissions and help.
Supporting and Challenging Evidence
Information that supports a proposal or highlights its limitations.
Progress and Outcomes
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Agreed Actions
What people have agreed to do and who is taking it forward.
Progress Updates
Dated developments and responses from those involved.
Outcome
What happened, whether the issue was resolved and what remains to be done.
Investigate
Piece together what happened, with evidence people can check.
Start with an incident, complaint or allegation. Add sections such as Statements, Evidence or People involved. Each can contain further added content, keeping individual accounts and supporting details together. People can discuss and vote on every level.
Evidence and timelines
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your subject and keep related contributions together.
Statements
Suggested further added content (FAC)
First-hand Accounts
Individual accounts of what someone saw or experienced, with dates where known.
Responses
Replies from the people or organisations concerned.
Clarifications
Corrections and explanations attached to the relevant account.
Evidence
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Photos and Video
Relevant images or recordings, with dates, context and sources.
Documents
Letters, reports and other documents supporting or challenging an account.
Sources
Links and references so others can check the information.
People involved
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Roles
Who was involved and in what capacity, using verified public information.
Public Statements
Relevant published statements and the sources they came from.
Timeline
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Before the Event
Dated developments leading up to the incident.
The Event
What happened and when, distinguishing confirmed details from uncertain accounts.
After the Event
Subsequent responses, changes and updates.
Findings
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Confirmed Details
What the available evidence establishes, with supporting references.
Conflicting Accounts
Where accounts disagree and what remains disputed.
Unanswered Questions
Missing information and questions still to be checked.
Compare and choose
Put the options together and see what has support.
Where shall we go on holiday? Bring the options together, compare costs, practical details and people’s experiences, then vote on the favourites.
Options, preferences and practical details
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your question and keep related contributions together.
Options
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Holiday Destinations
A separate entry for each destination, with accommodation and activity ideas.
Other Choices
Add the alternatives relevant to your own question.
Costs
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Prices
Accommodation, activity and travel prices, with dates and sources where available.
Extra Costs
Travel, booking fees and other costs that affect the comparison.
Budget
What people can spend and which options fit.
Needs and Preferences
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Holiday Preferences
Travel dates, activities, accommodation and the kind of holiday people enjoy.
Accessibility
Access needs and facilities to check for each option.
Experiences and Recommendations
Suggested further added content (FAC)
First-hand Experiences
Accounts from people who have visited the destinations or stayed at the suggested accommodation.
Favourite Options
Recommendations and the reasons behind them.
Things to Check
Limitations, unanswered questions and details to verify.
Practical Details
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Travel and Bookings
Routes, transport, accommodation and booking information for a holiday.
Timings
Proposed travel dates, journey times and itineraries.
Comparison
Compare what people experienced and find out what stood out.
Which food stalls were best at the event? Share what you tried, compare quality, value and service, and vote for your favourites. Keep people’s experiences and reasons with each stall so others can see what stood out and why.
Stalls, experiences and favourites
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your question and keep related contributions together.
Food Stalls
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Individual Stalls
Create a separate entry for each stall that was at the event.
What Was Served
Menus, dishes and prices from the event, with dates and sources where available.
Photos
Photographs of the food and stalls, with captions and credits where known.
People’s Experiences
Suggested further added content (FAC)
What You Tried
First-hand accounts of the dishes people actually bought and ate.
Quality and Taste
What people liked or disliked, with specific examples.
Service and Queues
Experiences of ordering, waiting times and service at the event.
Value for Money
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Price and Portions
What people paid and what they received.
Worth the Cost
Whether people felt their purchase offered good value, and why.
Favourites and Reasons
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Best Food
Which stalls people rated most highly for the food, with reasons.
Best Value
Which stalls people felt offered the best value.
Overall Favourite
People’s overall favourites, supported by their experiences.
Test an idea
Find out what people want before taking the next step.
Thinking of a weekend food stall? Ask what people would buy, compare menu ideas and find out what puts them off.
Preferences and needs
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your subject and keep related contributions together.
Names
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Name Ideas
Suggested names for the stall, product or service.
Feedback on Names
What each name communicates and whether people understand it.
Designs
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Design Options
Different layouts, packaging or visual concepts to compare.
Design Feedback
Comments on clarity, appearance and ease of use.
Products
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Menu or Product Options
A separate entry for each proposed item, with its description.
Price Options
Possible prices and feedback grounded in what people currently spend.
Trial Feedback
What people tried, what they chose and whether they would buy it again.
Preferences
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Current Choices
What people already buy or use, and why.
Likes and Dislikes
Features, flavours or experiences people value or avoid.
Needs
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Practical Requirements
Dietary, accessibility or other requirements the idea needs to meet.
Current Difficulties
Recent examples of problems people encounter with existing options.
Suggestions
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Changes to Try
Specific improvements people would like to test.
Questions to Test
Unanswered questions to explore in a trial.
Market research
Find out how your company can better serve people’s needs.
Put your company at the centre of the conversation. Ask the public and your staff how it could better meet their needs. Invite experiences and suggestions about your products, services and ways of working, then let people discuss and vote on ideas for improvement.
Public feedback and staff insights
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your question and keep related contributions together.
Public Feedback
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Customer Experiences
What people have bought or used, what worked and where they had difficulties.
Unmet Needs
What people need that the company does not currently provide.
Reasons for Choosing
Why people choose the company, choose an alternative or decide not to buy.
Staff Insights
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Everyday Challenges
Practical difficulties staff encounter in their work.
What Customers Ask For
Recurring questions, requests and feedback staff hear.
Ways of Working
Suggestions for making processes easier or improving the service people receive.
Products and Services
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Current Offer
Feedback on existing products and services, with examples.
Price and Value
People’s experiences of cost and what they receive in return.
New Ideas
Possible additions or changes to the company’s offer.
Suggested Improvements
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Public Suggestions
A separate entry for each improvement proposed by the public.
Staff Suggestions
A separate entry for each improvement proposed by staff.
Practical Details
The benefits, costs and limitations of each idea so people can discuss and vote on it.
Responses and Results
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Company Responses
Replies explaining which suggestions will be considered and why.
Trials and Changes
Updates on ideas being tested or put into practice.
Follow-up Feedback
Whether the changes helped and what still needs attention.
Make something together
Start with a spark and let others help shape it.
Build a festival programme together. Invite acts, activity ideas and improvements, then see what people support.
Creative projects
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your subject and keep related contributions together.
Acts
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Performer Suggestions
A separate entry for each suggested act, with examples of their work.
Performance Details
Availability, set length and technical requirements.
Programme Slots
Suggested timings and how each act fits the programme.
Activities
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Workshops
Suggested workshops, with audience, space and equipment needs.
Family Activities
Ideas for different ages and access needs.
Food and Stalls
Suggested vendors, stall ideas and practical requirements.
Designs
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Theme and Style
Visual directions and inspiration for the festival.
Site Layout
Stage, stall and activity locations, with access routes.
Posters and Programme
Draft artwork, programme layouts and feedback.
Resources
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Equipment
Items needed, what is available and what still needs sourcing.
People and Skills
Roles, skills and offers of help.
Budget
Estimated costs, funding options and spending updates.
Ideas
Suggested further added content (FAC)
New Suggestions
Additional ideas that do not yet fit another section.
Improvements
Changes to existing suggestions, with reasons.
Alternative Options
Different ways of delivering the same part of the project.
Campaign
Gather experience, develop responses and build support.
A playground entrance is difficult to use. Share experiences and evidence, propose changes and see which responses people back.
Solutions and campaigns
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your subject and keep related contributions together.
Experiences
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Access Difficulties
First-hand accounts of using the playground entrance.
Who Is Affected
How the problem affects different users and their needs.
When It Happens
Dates, frequency and circumstances in which the difficulty occurs.
Evidence
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Photos
Images showing the entrance and the problem, with dates and context.
Measurements and Documents
Relevant dimensions, plans and published guidance.
Reported Concerns
Previous reports and any responses received.
Possible solutions
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Proposed Changes
A separate entry for each suggested response.
Costs and Practicalities
Estimated costs, permissions and implementation requirements.
Supporting and Challenging Evidence
Reasons each proposal may work, its limitations and relevant examples.
Next steps
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Agreed Priorities
What participants support taking forward and why.
Campaign Activities
Suggested ways to build support or raise the issue.
Responsibilities and Updates
Who has agreed to do what, progress and replies received.
Follow it through
Keep updates and the eventual result with the conversation.
After the community fundraiser, add what happened, gather feedback and record the result for everyone to see.
Feedback and outcomes
Use these headings as added content (AC). Open each one for suggested further added content (FAC). Adapt the titles to your subject and keep related contributions together.
Updates
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Dated Progress
Updates titled by date so people can follow developments.
Changes to the Plan
What changed, why and what it means for the fundraiser.
Outstanding Items
What remains unfinished or needs a response.
Feedback
Suggested further added content (FAC)
What Worked
Participants’ experiences of the parts that went well.
What Should Change
Specific difficulties and improvements for next time.
Participant Experiences
Individual accounts from organisers, volunteers and attendees.
Decisions
Suggested further added content (FAC)
What Was Agreed
The choices made and when they were agreed.
Reasons and Evidence
The information and discussion behind each decision.
Who Decided
Who made the decision and how it was reached.
Actions
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Responsibilities
Who agreed to carry out each action.
Completed Actions
What was done and when, with relevant records.
Remaining Actions
Unfinished work, expected dates and progress updates.
Results
Suggested further added content (FAC)
Money Raised
The verified total and a clear breakdown of income and costs.
What It Achieved
How the funds were used and what the fundraiser delivered.
Lessons for Next Time
What others can learn from the experience.
All of these use the same Autonomy app. Start with your subject, add the suggested added content (AC) headings, then use further added content (FAC) to organise the details beneath each. These are suggested layouts you can adapt. People can contribute, discuss and vote at every level.
Spot it early. Learn from each other.
What people add can help a group today and become useful knowledge for another community tomorrow.
Spot problems early
Easy, anonymous posting lets people raise concerns as they emerge. Others can add observations and experiences, helping reveal a developing problem before its impact grows.
Several people notice the same small problem. Their contributions together can make a recurring pattern easier to recognise.
Share good practice
Build a shared code of good practice by keeping successful solutions, their evidence and their outcomes together. Shared tags help other communities find relevant examples through search and adapt what worked.
A community records how it tackled a problem, what it tried and what happened. Another community can find it by its tags and build on that experience.
Keep the reasons and results
Keep a decision connected to its options, evidence and discussion, so people can see what was agreed and why. Record what worked and what did not, helping others avoid repeating the same work or mistakes.
After choosing a plan, add updates and the result to the original post. The reasons stay with the decision, and the experience becomes useful to the next group.
