Authority × Autonomy Matrix

Harness Design Framework — Axis 3 × Axis 1
Authority × Autonomy Risk Matrix
Risk profile is a function of action frequency (autonomy) and consequence magnitude (authority). Neither axis alone determines risk — their interaction does.
CAUSAL MODEL|RISK=ƒ( autonomy × authority )=frequency of action × magnitude of consequence
HIGH
AUTHORITY
LOW
CONCENTRATED
High-Stakes Delegate
Low frequency × High magnitude
Pause-before-act
LA · HAuth
REQUIRES EARNED TRUST
Collaborative Partner
High frequency × High magnitude
Earn before deploying
HA · HAuth
LOW
Guided Assistant
Low frequency × Low magnitude
Starting position
LA · LAuth
CONTAINED
Bounded Specialist
High frequency × Low magnitude
Efficient, bounded
HA · LAuth
LOW
AUTONOMY
HIGH
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Human-AI Teaming Lab · Harness Design Framework v0.1Axis 3 (Autonomy Level) × Axis 1 (Authority Scope)