ROOTS™ Framework for Structured Problem Solving Powered by SAGO.IA: Structure, Access, Governance, Optimization

What is the ROOTS™ Framework?

ROOTS™ is a five-step methodology designed to help you tackle complex, messy, or ambiguous information challenges. Whether you're analyzing compliance requirements, developing metadata schemas, or building structured workflows, ROOTS™ brings clarity, logic, and order.

At its core, the ROOTS™ framework mirrors how information architects and ontologists think: system-first, structure-aware, and source-grounded.

ROOTS™ Acronym Breakdown

Letter	Step	What You’re Doing
R	Recognize the Domain	Define what system you’re analyzing and why it matters
O	Organize by Type	Classify items into structured groups (taxonomy thinking)
O	Outline Relationships	Map how those types connect or depend on each other (ontology)
T	Trace Rules	Identify rules, constraints, or logic that govern the structure
S	Support with Justification	Cite sources, laws, or logic that validate your conclusions

ROOTS™ in Action: Application Template

R — Recognize the DomainWhat is the system or subject you're analyzing? Define its purpose and boundaries.Example: CNA Compliance Requirements for Pennsylvania Healthcare Workers

O — Organize by TypeGroup the information into meaningful categories. Think from general to specific.Example Categories: Identity Verification, Health Status, Licensure, Federal Compliance

O — Outline RelationshipsConnect those categories. Who depends on whom? What comes first?Example: Background Check must occur before Registry Listing; TB Test is required for patient-facing roles

T — Trace RulesApply logic and business rules to the information. Use if/then statements.Example: If CNA is in PA → must complete a TB Test dated within the last 12 months

S — Support with JustificationCite real sources, legal codes, policies, or authoritative standards.Example: PA Code Title 28; CDC TB guidelines; OIG exclusion check requirements

Use Cases for ROOTS™

• Compliance requirement analysis

• Policy or SOP drafting

• Metadata schema design

• Information architecture auditing

• Knowledge governance modeling

Why It Works

ROOTS™ helps you go from unstructured chaos to a modular, defendable solution. It scales across:

• Macro problems (Big ROOTS™)

• Micro challenges inside a problem (Little ROOTS™)

Big ROOTS™ = Overall Framework

Use it to shape how you respond to full case studies or organizational issues.

Little ROOTS™ = Subtree Work

Use it inside specific branches (e.g., credential verification, policy exceptions) to keep logic sharp and organized.

Translating to Real Work

Case study asks: "List required documents, cite laws, explain logic."You apply

ROOTS™ to structure your answer:

• R: Identify the compliance scope and profession

• O: Group docs into categories

• O: Connect types to job roles or scenarios

• T: Write logic for when something is required

• S: Cite sources and link to the law

Where to Use It

ROOTS™ is perfect for:

• Job interviews (show structured thinking)

• Blog posts (like this one)

• Client projects

• Internal training guides

• SOP and knowledge base creation

Final Note:Think of ROOTS™ like a tree. The trunk is your main problem. Each branch can have its own ROOTS™ layer. That’s how you stay grounded while growing complexity.

© 2025 SAGO.IA. All rights reserved. ROOTS™ is a proprietary framework developed by SAGO.IA and is protected under applicable intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this framework or its components without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited. First published June 2025. Licensed for individual and internal business use only. Commercial reproduction, distribution, or derivative work requires prior written authorization from SAGO.IA. ROOTS™ is a pending registered trademark. All inquiries regarding licensing or authorized usage should be directed to legal@sagoia.com.