Core Operating Mode
COM describes the more stable operating pattern. It focuses on how information is processed, organized, weighed, and turned into action.
About Empower.U
Empower.U develops tools for understanding how people think, make decisions, respond to their environment, and change over time.
The main project is UTF. UTF is a developing framework that measures patterns across cognition, decision making, execution, social context, agency, pressure response, adaptation, and current operating conditions.
The framework uses dimensions underneath the named profiles. Those dimensions allow similar looking profiles to carry meaningful differences and give the system a structure that can be tested and revised over time.
Why UTF exists
UTF was created to describe meaningful differences between people while preserving the underlying dimensions that produce them.
That required separating patterns that tend to remain fairly steady from conditions that can shift with workload, energy, social demand, recovery, and life circumstances.
Seasonal Operating Mode
SOM describes conditions that are more active at the time of assessment, including current pulls around output, change, connection, recovery, and energy.
The synthesis brings both layers together so a result can show the underlying pattern and the way that pattern is being expressed now.
How the framework is developed
UTF uses deterministic scoring. Assessment responses contribute to underlying dimensions. Those dimensions feed a defined scoring system that produces the profile and its interpretation.
Development includes internal consistency checks, boundary testing, repeated result comparisons, user feedback, result ratings, comparison with established personality measures where useful, and review of cases where the interpretation fits poorly.
Parts of the framework have already been rebuilt when testing exposed weaknesses. That process will continue as more evidence becomes available.
Current status
UTF is a developing measurement framework for self understanding. It has been tested extensively inside the project, but it has not completed the independent validation expected of an established academic or clinical instrument.
What UTF measures
UTF looks at patterns involved in sensemaking, decision making, execution, social context, agency, pressure response, adaptation, and current conditions.
The named profile is a readable summary of a larger dimensional structure. Two people can share a profile name while showing different strengths, tensions, and interactions underneath it.
The full public explanation of the dimensions, COM, SOM, calibration work, and the structure of the framework is available on the What is UTF page.
How to use a result
A UTF profile is most useful when it is compared with real situations. Work, relationships, conflict, decision making, stress, and periods of change give the result something concrete to be tested against.
Some parts may feel obvious. Others may become clearer after reflection. A poor fit is useful information too because it shows where the framework may need better measurement or interpretation.
The project is built around that feedback loop. Results should remain open to examination.
Data and privacy
The core UTF assessments can be completed without providing a name or email address.
Assessment responses, derived scores, profile results, version information, and limited technical or session information may be stored using anonymous identifiers. These records support scoring, error investigation, version comparison, response pattern analysis, and continued development of the framework.
Email collection is separate and voluntary. Empower.U does not sell assessment data for advertising.
The aim is to keep data collection tied to a clear purpose in operating, testing, or improving the system.
Who is building Empower.U
Empower.U and UTF were created and are developed by Dale Alan DeGrange Jr. The project is currently built and maintained by one person.
The framework, scoring system, product design, website, testing process, and documentation are being developed together. The solo structure makes revision fast and also makes careful documentation important.
Development remains open to criticism, outside comparison, and evidence that a part of the framework needs to change.
Creator and developer
Dale Alan DeGrange Jr.
Independent creator of Empower.U and UTF.
Vanishing Point
Vanishing Point is a separate framework within Empower.U. It examines philosophical and existential orientation across Meaning, Outlook, Responsibility, Truth, Adversity, Living, and Self.
UTF focuses on patterns of operation. Vanishing Point focuses on the beliefs and orientations through which someone interprets life.
The two projects can provide different layers of information about the same person while keeping their measurements separate.
Contact and follow the build
Questions, criticism, unusual results, testing notes, and collaboration inquiries are welcome.
Project updates
Follow the Build
Join the early list for major updates and occasional testing invitations.
Email is used for Empower.U and UTF updates and testing opportunities.
Read how the framework works
The What is UTF page explains the dimensions, COM, SOM, calibration work, and the current structure of the framework in more detail.