# Optimization Decision Log

Preserve each content optimization decision with its evidence, alternatives, expected reader effect, implementation scope, owner, and reevaluation trigger.

## Usage note

Use this record for changes intended to improve a reader or business outcome. It keeps the reason and baseline visible after the edited words become part of the live page.

## How to use this template

1. Capture the reader problem, affected content, baseline version, and supporting evidence.
2. List plausible causes and alternative actions before selecting the change.
3. Define scope, dependencies, risks, approvals, expected mechanism, and owners.
4. Set measures, guardrails, observation period, and a decision rule before release.
5. Verify implementation, review the outcome in context, and record the next decision.

## Blank template

### Decision context

- **Decision ID, date, and owner:** [Enter]
- **Affected asset, URL, and version:** [Enter]
- **Audience and reader task:** [Enter]
- **Observed problem:** [State]
- **Evidence and period:** [References]
- **Known limitations:** [Enter]
- **Plausible causes:** [List]
- **Urgency and cost of inaction:** [Enter]

### Options and selected change

- **Options considered:** [No change / Research / Content / Design / Technical / Other]
- **Selected option and rationale:** [Enter]
- **Expected mechanism:** [Because we change X, readers can do Y]
- **Exact scope:** [Pages, components, locales, channels]
- **Out of scope:** [List]
- **Dependencies and approvals:** [List]
- **Reader and organizational risks:** [List]
- **Rollback or containment plan:** [Enter]

### Measurement and review

- **Baseline and frozen reference:** [Enter]
- **Primary outcome signal:** [Define]
- **Guardrails:** [Accuracy / Accessibility / Complaints / Other]
- **Release date and annotation:** [Enter]
- **Observation window/minimum evidence:** [Enter]
- **Decision rule:** [Keep / Revise / Revert / Investigate]
- **Concurrent changes:** [List]
- **Result and confidence:** [Complete later]
- **Review decision, owner, and next date:** [Complete later]