The Harm Blindness Framework

A Framework for Systematic Stakeholder Harm Analysis in Technology Development

Overview

The Harm Blindness Framework is a structured methodology for identifying potential stakeholder harms during technology development and organizational decision-making. It proposes a checkpoint-based approach designed to surface harm considerations that may otherwise be overlooked.

The framework emerged from analysis of historical case studies examining patterns of stakeholder harm across different time periods and contexts. The accompanying validation study documents the methodology and findings.

This work is offered as a contribution to the broader conversation on responsible technology development. The full paper includes detailed methodology, case study analysis, and proposed implementation approaches.

Research Materials

The framework and supporting research are available for review. For detailed methodology, validation approach, and implementation guidance, please refer to the primary paper.

Available Documents

The Harm Blindness Framework: A Practical Application Methodology

Primary White Paper - The complete framework methodology for stakeholder harm prevention in technology development. Includes theoretical foundations, practical application guidelines, and implementation approaches.

Download Full Paper (PDF)

Historical Validation Study

An interactive database of historical case studies documenting patterns of stakeholder harm across different time periods and contexts. Explore cases spanning from ancient civilizations to modern industrial practices.

Explore Case Database

Corporate Cost-Benefit Analysis

An interactive database examining corporate cases and litigation costs in relation to harm prevention approaches. Browse documented cases across industries including pharmaceutical, automotive, energy, and technology sectors.

Explore Case Database

Supporting Materials

Implementation checklist, checkpoint templates, and supplementary guides are available for those interested in applying the framework.

Implementation Guide Checkpoint Templates Severity Escalation Protocol

License

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

Terms:

  • Free to use for educational, research, and non-commercial purposes
  • Attribution to Real Safety AI Foundation and author required
  • Modifications require author involvement
  • Commercial licensing inquiries welcome

Author

Developed by Travis Gilly, founder of Real Safety AI Foundation. This framework emerged from research into patterns of stakeholder harm in technology development contexts.

Contact

Email: t.gilly@ai-literacy-labs.org

Organization: Real Safety AI Foundation

Website: realsafetyai.org

For questions, collaboration inquiries, or feedback on this research.

Framework Versions

Access previous versions of the Harm Blindness Framework documentation.