Lexicon

actions

Actions (or “events”) are occurrences or processes initiated by individuals or systems that result in a change or impact on a given situation, environment, or system.

Uses of “Actions”

In the context of organization and systems design, actions are the measurable processes or events through which resources are created, exchanged, or transformed, driving the flow of value within the system.

agents

Agents are individuals or entities that act or make decisions on behalf of themselves or others, influencing outcomes through their actions or choices in various systems.

Uses of “Agents”

In the context of organizations and systems, agents are individuals or entities—human or automated—that act autonomously or on behalf of others, making decisions and facilitating interactions within decentralized networks, such as DAOs, to drive collaboration, resource exchange, and the creation of public goods. This definition is largely similar across several frameworks, such as Anticapture, Modular Politics and primitives.

agreements

Agreements are mutual understandings or contracts between parties that outline the terms and conditions of their interactions, roles, or responsibilities to ensure aligned actions and expectations.

Uses of “Agreements”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, agreements refer to formalized, often decentralized, commitments or rules established between agents or entities that govern interactions, resource exchanges, and decision-making, ensuring coordinated actions and aligned objectives within social and technological coordination systems.

attestations

Attestations are verified digital statements or claims, often issued by organizations, used as trusted resources for communication and decision-making, providing authenticated information about individuals, events, or processes.

Definition

Attestations in web3 are verifiable claims issued using a decentralized identifier, signed using public-key cryptography, and often stored using a public blockchain (such as Ethereum). Attestations can be used to record any kind of data, and are typically used to prove a relationship, action, preference or property of a related party. In web3 settings, tools like Ethereum Attestation Service and Disco are typically used to facilitate the issuance, discovery and verification of attestations.

At its core, attestation is simply evidence or proof of something. In the case of Web3, it contains digital signatures and cryptographic proofs that state a fact about an identity or entity. These proofs can be used to prove the identity of a user, confirm that a device or system is trustworthy, or to demonstrate that certain conditions have been met.”

— Sunil Tom Jose / Medium

Web3 attestations can be made about one’s own self or someone/something else, and can also be corroborated by the attestation’s recipient or a third party. This allows attestations to be used for a wide variety of applications, most of which have not yet been invented. To be successful, the Impact Attestation space needs experimentation with a wide variety of onchain and real-world use cases to develop useful schemas and common practices around which a thriving ecosystem may be built.

‘Let’s take a look at some real-world examples of attestation. In our everyday lives, we use several types of attestation to prove our identity and access certain services or benefits:

• Drivers License: Proves that we have permission to drive Passport: Proves our citizenship and ability to travel across borders Educational Certificate: Proves that we have achieved a particular education milestone

• Internet Certificate: SSL/TLS certificates, are electronic documents used to verify the identity of websites, servers, and other online entities In the context of Web3, attestations are needed to enable most of the real-world use cases.

In a recent example, JP Morgan used Verifiable Credential, a form of attestation, to execute its first DeFi transaction on a public blockchain. Attestations allow the bridging of Web2 and real-life identity to Web3, while maintaining distributed trust.

— Sunil Tom Jose / Medium

In Web3, attestation applications include:

• Proof of Digital Asset Ownership : Generation of digital signatures on the blockchain to attest that a specific address owns a certain quantity or type of digital assets, like NFTs.

• Identity Verification : Obtaining individual identity verification through decentralized identity systems on the blockchain.

• Smart Contract Execution Proof : Smart contracts issue attestations to prove they have executed as expected, triggering certain conditions or events.

• Data Integrity and Provenance : Ensuring data integrity and immutability by generating digital signatures on the blockchain, where signatures are verified successfully only if the data remains unaltered.

  • https://www.gate.io/learn/articles/bridging-web2-and-web3-exploring-the-history-of-attestation-and-related-projects/1733

autonomy

Autonomy refers to the ability of individuals or entities to make independent decisions and act freely, without external control, while being responsible for the outcomes of their actions.

Uses of “Autonomy”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, autonomy refers to the capacity of agents or decentralized units to operate independently, make decisions, and take actions within governance frameworks, enabling flexible coordination and self-management without reliance on centralized control in social and technological systems.

blockchain

A blockchain is a type of distributed database system for managing information that can reduce the need for central authorities or trusted intermediaries to oversee interactions and make sure the network rules are being followed. This enables participants to engage in peer-to-peer data and value transfers, and potentially, to contribute to the design, functioning, and management of the network – i.e. to build networks based on multi-stakeholder governance. Blockchains are a subset of distributed ledger technologies (DLT)—ie. all blockchains are distributed ledgers, but not all distributed ledgers are blockchains.

In a blockchain network, identical copies of a database are stored on multiple computers, resulting in a single, shared ledger that records the history of interactions and asset ownership in the network, and maintains the rules governing interactions. This distributed structure leads to a lot of discussion about the extent and value of decentralization, but beware the hype: decentralization could refer to many different things, like the distribution of hardware, software, or decision-making power. Distributed computing power is not the same as distributed political power.

In a blockchain, data is arranged into “blocks” that are “chained” together using advanced cryptography, hence the name blockchain and the nickname “crypto”. It is extremely difficult to secretly modify or delete records once they are added to the chain, so blockchains are often said to be “immutable” or tamper-evident (as in, everyone knows if anyone tries to tamper with the record). This means users can have high confidence in the integrity of the shared data.

Cryptocurrencies

As well as managing information, blockchains can issue their own “cryptocurrencies” (eg. bitcoin on the Bitcoin network, or ether on the Ethereum network) that enable peer-to-peer value transfers and are used to reward participants for helping maintain the blockchain ledger. To maintain agreement about the “true” state of the shared ledger without a centralized authority, blockchains use a “consensus mechanism” that combines cryptography with game-theoretic incentives (eg. payments or penalties paid in cryptocurrencies) in ways that maximize confidence in the integrity of the ledger.

Blockchains can be public or private, permissioned or permissionless. In permissioned chains (often used by corporate entities), access and functionality are strictly controlled. In public networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon or Solana, anyone with an internet connection can participate, in principle.

New societal governance mechanisms?

Information management is a critical part of modern societies. Since blockchains enable a wider degree of participation in the design and management of computer networks (relative to typical modern systems), and since cryptocurrencies can be programed to incentivize specific kinds of cooperative behavior, blockchain networks expand the scope to build sophisticated, large scale networks outside of traditional structures. For example, they make it possible to build transnational networks that are difficult, though not impossible, for governments to control, because states tend to assert regulatory authority via centralized bureaucracies or trusted intermediaries.

daos

A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is, by one definition, a blockchain-based organization run by smart contracts and governed collectively by its members without centralized control.

decentralization

Decentralization refers to the distribution of power, decision-making, and control away from a central authority to multiple individuals or entities, allowing for more distributed and autonomous operations.

Uses of “Decentralization”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, decentralization refers to the distribution of decision-making power, control, and resource management across a network of autonomous agents or nodes, rather than being concentrated in a central authority, enabling more transparent, resilient, and collaborative coordination in both social and technological systems.

decisions

Decisions are the choices made by individuals or groups to select a course of action from various options, influencing outcomes and guiding behavior or processes.

Uses of “Decisions”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, decisions refer to the choices made by agents or decentralized units within governance frameworks, determining actions, resource allocations, or policies that shape the behavior and outcomes of social and technological coordination systems.

defi

DeFi (Decentralized Finance) is a blockchain-based financial ecosystem that offers open, permissionless access to financial services like lending, borrowing, and payments, empowering individuals in underserved regions and circumstances to participate without relying on traditional banks or financial institutions.

delegation

In Web3 governance, delegation refers to the process where token holders transfer their voting power or decision-making authority to a trusted representative, allowing more efficient participation in decentralized decision-making processes.

dlt

evaluation

Evaluation is the process of assessing the quality, effectiveness, or outcomes of actions, projects, or systems to determine their success and inform improvements.

Uses of “Evaluation”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, evaluation refers to the process of assessing the effectiveness, performance, or impact of actions, decisions, or systems within decentralized coordination frameworks, enabling agents to optimize governance, resource management, and collaboration based on feedback and analysis.

execution

Execution is the process of carrying out a planned action or task to completion according to a set of instructions or objectives.

Uses of “Execution”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, execution refers to the process by which decentralized agents or systems carry out actions, tasks, or decisions according to defined protocols and governance structures, enabling the completion of coordinated operations within social and technological frameworks.

frameworks

Frameworks are flexible, broadly useful conceptual structures for building and/or organizing something else.

Some popular frameworks are:

• Anticapture
• Modular Politics

Frameworks developed at SuperBenefit:

• Primitives Framework

goals

Goals are collectively defined objectives that guide the team’s autonomous actions and decision-making, aligning individual contributions with the organization’s shared purpose without the need for centralized direction.

governance

Digital governance in the context of Web3 and DAOs refers to the decentralized, blockchain-based system where rules, decisions, and resource allocation are managed collectively by token holders or participants through transparent, automated mechanisms like smart contracts.

Articles on governance:

• Governance for better futures - DAO 2 DAO Co-operation
• Governance for better futures - Meta-governance
• Governance for better futures - New and Old

Types of Governance

• Community Governance
• Stakeholder Governance
• Operational Governance

Governance Frameworks

• Anticapture

grants

Grants are financial awards given by governments, organizations, or institutions to support specific projects, research, or initiatives, typically without the expectation of repayment, to advance goals in areas such as education, innovation, or community development.

In Web3, grants are decentralized, often community-governed financial contributions aimed at funding public goods, projects, or initiatives that align with the values of transparency, inclusivity, and open-source development.

groups

impact

In the context of Web3, impact refers to the measurable positive outcomes or changes, such as improving access, transparency, and equity across social, environmental, and economic systems.

metagovernance

models

Models are structured frameworks or representations used to simplify and understand complex systems, processes, or behaviors, providing guidance for analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Uses of “Models”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, models refer to structured representations of processes, interactions, or organizational dynamics that guide decision-making, resource allocation, and coordination within decentralized social and technological frameworks, providing a blueprint for how various components like agents, tasks, and protocols interact to achieve system goals.

modules

Modules are self-contained, interchangeable units or components that perform specific functions within a larger system, allowing for flexibility, customization, and scalability when building or modifying that system.

Uses of “Modules”

The term modules is used across various contexts to describe different types of self-contained components: in organizational design, they represent functional units of processes or teams; in grassroots movements and nonprofit organizations, they refer to adaptable, repeatable strategies or tools for mobilization; in coordination systems, they enable flexible collaboration structures; and in blockchain technology, they are units of code or governance mechanisms that can be independently developed, deployed, and integrated into larger systems for decentralized management.

Modules in systems and org design

In the context of organization and systems design, modules are configurable, self-contained components that perform specific governance functions, which can be combined and modified to form larger, more complex systems.

Modules allow for flexibility in designing organizational processes by enabling users to select and arrange different components to meet their needs. These components can operate independently or in combination with others, facilitating customization and scalability. In decentralized systems, such as those found in Web3, modules support interoperability and portability, allowing governance tools to be shared across different platforms and adapted to new contexts efficiently.

networks

Networks are interconnected systems of individuals or entities that communicate and collaborate to share information, resources, or influence, enabling the coordination and flow of activities across various nodes.

Uses of “Networks”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, networks refer to interconnected systems of agents, resources, and technologies that facilitate decentralized coordination, communication, and collaboration, enabling secure interactions and governance across both social and technological frameworks.

nfts

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital assets used to verify ownership and authenticity of items like art, collectibles, and in-game assets, enabling creators to securely track and manage digital content beyond financial applications.

organization

patterns

permissions

Permissions generally refer to the rights or privileges granted to individuals or entities, determining what actions they are allowed to perform within a particular environment or group.

Uses of “Permissions”

In the DAO Primitives and Modular Politics frameworks, permissions refer to the specific rights or access controls granted to agents or participants, determining their ability to execute tasks, interact with resources, or make changes within decentralized social and technological coordination systems, ensuring controlled and secure coordination across decentralized social and technological governance systems.

platforms

Platforms are structures or environments that facilitate interactions, exchanges, or services between agents, enabling the development and coordination of various activities or solutions.

Uses of “Platforms”

DAO Primitives Framework

primitives#^83b042

policies

practices

Practices are established methods or routines followed by individuals or groups to guide actions and achieve specific outcomes.

In the context of organizations and systems, practices are the established methods or processes that guide behavior, decision-making, and coordination, especially in decentralized settings like Web3/DAOs, to achieve collective goals and social impact.

primitives

Primitives are the most basic, foundational elements or operations in any system or domain, serving as the essential building blocks from which more complex structures, processes, or concepts are created.

Uses of “Primitives”

Primitives can be seen across various domains, such as programming (e.g., data types, basic operations like addition), hardware (e.g., logic gates, transistors), and software architecture (e.g., messaging protocols, database queries). Their simplicity and generality make them highly reusable, flexible, and reliable, allowing systems to scale and evolve while maintaining clarity and modularity.

In both web3 tooling and systems design, “primitives” refer to basic, foundational components or operations that are simple, reusable, and interoperable, serving as essential building blocks for creating more complex applications, services, or systems by combining or extending them.

Primitives in Systems Design

In systems design andorganization ,primitives refer to the most basic, foundational components or operations that cannot be simplified further but are used to build more complex systems. These building blocks provide standardized functionality or abstractions, allowing for the creation of larger, more sophisticated systems by combining or extending them.

Primitives in web3

Inweb3 tooling,primitives refer to basic building blocks or fundamental components that developers use to create decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain-based systems. These include elements like tokens, wallets, smart contracts, consensus mechanisms, and decentralized identities, which serve as reusable, interoperable pieces of code or protocols. By combining and extending these primitives, developers can efficiently build more complex applications and services within the decentralized ecosystem.

Primitives in Practice

Organizations can benefit from primitives by leveraging these basic building blocks to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance flexibility. By breaking down complex tasks or systems into simpler, reusable components, they can standardize operations, reduce redundancy, and adapt quickly to changes.

In organization design, primitives might include basic structures like teams, roles, or decision-making protocols. For example, an organization may establish core decision-making primitives, such as a standardized approval process or a defined escalation path for resolving issues.

These elements are simple, repeatable, and can be applied across different departments or projects, allowing the organization to maintain consistency while adapting to various challenges. By utilizing these foundational building blocks, organizations can ensure that their operations are efficient, flexible, and aligned with their strategic goals.

Concepts Related to Primitives

Many concepts are used in relation to primitives, and the specific qualities which define a primitive may shift from one situation to another. In the context of DAO primitives, we’re referring to the social practices, software modules and coordination protocols used in the design and implementation of platforms for purpose-aligned networks of small autonomous teams.

Since interacting with DAO Primitives can require us to navigate information-dense realms full of abstract memes and contextually-shifting jargon, it can be helpful to familiarize ourselves with some basic concepts, and how they can relate to one another in useful ways.

Below is a practical framework for using these concepts to inform our approach to DAO Primitives. You’ll see these terms come up a lot in this realm, so here’s one way to make sense of them.

Resources

resources#^22f819

In the context of organizations and systems, particularly in Web3, resources refer to the assets— such as funds, data, infrastructure, or human capacity —that are collectively managed, shared, and allocated through decentralized networks to achieve common goals.

Platforms

platforms#^2f34bd

In the context of organizations and systems, platforms are digital or organizational infrastructures that facilitate the interaction, collaboration, and exchange of resources or services, especially in decentralized environments like Web3/DAOs, enabling the creation and distribution of public goods and driving social impact initiatives.

• Primitives
  • Practices
  • Protocols
  • Modules
• Policies
• Permissions

rolesroles

Roles, in the context of Web3 and systems or organizational design, are defined responsibilities or functions assigned to individuals or entities within social and technological coordination systems, guiding actions, decision-making, and interactions to ensure efficient decentralized collaboration and governance.

• Responsibilities
  • Functions
  • Tasks
• Authorities
  • Permissionspermissions
  • Compensation
• Eligibility
• Accountability

Assets

actions

actions#^a16991

• Agreementsagreements
• Transactions

Agentsagents

Agents are individuals or entities that act or make decisions on behalf of themselves or others, influencing outcomes through their actions or choices in various systems or environments.

In the context of organization and systems design, agents are individuals or entities responsible for initiating, controlling, or participating in actions, typically engaging in the exchange or management of resources to achieve objectives.

• Individuals
• Groupsgroups
• Bots

For practical purposes, these concepts are loosely organized in alignment with the REA ontology for information systems. It’s not that important, so feel free to remix them however you like.

progress

Definition coming soon..

proposals

protocols

Protocols are standardized sets of rules or procedures, both digital (like blockchain communication frameworks) and social (like governance models), that enable coordinated actions and interactions among participants within decentralized systems or networks.

In the context of Web3 and organizational or systems design, protocols are standardized sets of rules and procedures that govern both social and technological interactions, enabling decentralized coordination, secure communication, and structured decision-making across networks and organizations.

purpose

Purpose refers to the guiding goal or reason behind actions or decisions, driving individuals or organizations toward specific outcomes or objectives.

Uses of “Purpose”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, purpose refers to the overarching goal or mission that guides decentralized coordination and decision-making processes, shaping the actions of agents and the structure of both social and technological systems to align with shared values and outcomes.

resources

Resources are assets or materials, such as money, time, equipment, or knowledge, that are utilized to achieve goals, complete tasks, or support activities.

Uses of “Resources”

DAO Primitives Framework

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Anticapture

In Anticapture, resources are defined as anything that can be used to achieve desired outcomes, including tangible assets like food, money, and energy, as well as intangible ones like attention and social reputation. The term distinguishes between private resources, controlled by a single agents, and shared resources, governed by a network of agents. Shared resources are particularly vulnerable to capture, making decentralized governance essential to protect them from misuse or control by bad actors

Anticapture#^f53fa2

roles

Roles are defined responsibilities or functions assigned to individuals or entities within a group or system, guiding actions and decision-making to achieve specific objectives.

Uses of “Roles”

DAO Primitives Framework

primitives#^096d38

sustainability

Sustainability in the context of Web3 refers to the development and use of decentralized, technological coordination systems that promote long-term environmental, social, and economic resilience by reducing resource consumption, enhancing transparency, and fostering equitable participation.

systems

Systems are organized sets of interconnected elements or components that work together to achieve a specific purpose or function through coordinated processes and interactions.

Uses of “Systems”

In the context of Web3 and systems design, systems refer to interconnected structures of social and technological components that work together to coordinate actions, manage resources, and achieve organizational goals, often relying on decentralized protocols to enhance collaboration, governance, and flexibility across platforms.

tasks

Tasks are specific, coordinated actions or duties assigned to roles or agents within decentralized systems, driving the execution of processes and the achievement of collective goals in both social and technological coordination frameworks.

teams

Teams, especially in the context of Web3 and decentralized work, are self-managing, autonomous groups of individuals who collaborate through distributed networks, making decisions collectively to achieve shared goals.

transformation

Systems transformation refers to the fundamental shift in how societal structures and processes operate, driven by decentralized technologies that enable more transparent, equitable, and inclusive solutions for addressing complex social challenges.

web3