TrustSurface Framework Map
Purpose (one sentence)
TrustSurface is a practitioner-led framework for identifying, measuring, and governing the observable trust signals an organisation emits at its digital edge.
What this is
TrustSurface is a neutral, evidence-led model intended to become shared vocabulary. It is published as a public good under Creative Commons licensing.
The conceptual framework stands independently from any specific tool. The website’s interactive components are optional implementations.
The framework at a glance
Core concepts (vocabulary-stable)
Definitions are stabilised in TrustSurface Glossary v1.0.
- Trust Surface — the externally-facing systems and signals where trust is experienced.
- Trust Signals — observable indicators (evidence) describing posture.
- Trust Posture — the evidence-based state implied by those signals.
- Trust Signal Gap — intended posture ≠ observed evidence.
- Operating rhythm — Discover → Assess → Harden → Govern → Signal (repeat).
How to use TrustSurface
If you are a board / exec
- Read Board Questions (2–5 minutes).
- Request a one-page scorecard and the top trust signal gaps with owners and dates.
- Ask how regressions are prevented (change control and cadence).
If you are a practitioner
- Build the Trust Surface Inventory.
- Apply the Trust Signal Catalogue to produce a baseline scorecard.
- Convert gaps into a 30/60/90-day hardening plan.
- Establish governance controls to prevent regressions.
If you want the shortest artefact
Read the One-Page Specification (printable summary).
Document set
| Document | What it provides |
|---|---|
| 01 — The Digital Trust Problem | why trust fails at the digital edge |
| 02 — Trust Principles | constraints that keep the framework neutral |
| 03 — Trust Surface Definition | definition of “Trust Surface” |
| 04 — Trust Surface Domains | the domain model (shared vocabulary) |
| 05 — Trust Signal Catalogue | baseline signals + evidence expectations |
| 06 — Trust Surface Lifecycle | the operating rhythm and outputs |
| 07 — Trust Signal Gap | how drift occurs and why it matters |
| 08 — Digital Trust Maturity Model | benchmarking and improvement over time |
| 09 — Glossary v1.0 | stabilised definitions and language |
| Adoption Guidance | cadence, roles, and evidence artefacts |
| Comparative Positioning | how TSF sits alongside ISO 27001, NIST CSF, COBIT |
Worked example
A concise walkthrough is provided in Worked Example — Email Integrity.
Status
TrustSurface is published openly to encourage adoption and improvement through consultation. The glossary (core vocabulary) is versioned separately to signal stability.