About CARDS
CARDS is a construct and needs-mapping game developed by Je'anna L Clements.
It is a lightweight, high-signal diagnostic tool used to:
- Decode Feelings — Treat emotions not as noise, but as precise signals about underlying needs.
- Navigate Choice — Simulate decisions by asking, "Does this move my CARDS toward Green or Red?"
- Read the Room — Interpret others' behaviour as need states rather than character flaws.
- Detect Manipulation — Recognise when systems or people are playing with your CARDS.
The Five Cards
| Card | Need |
|---|---|
| C | Competence — What I can do; capability; mastery; understanding. |
| A | Autonomy — My choices; agency; being myself without masking. |
| R | Relatedness — Belonging; connection; love; "we are together". |
| D | Dignity — Respect; fair treatment; freedom from shame; being seen. |
| S | Safety — Freedom from danger; physical/emotional security; comfort. |
The Three States
- Green — The need is met. "I am okay."
- Orange — The need is partly met. "I want this to be better."
- Red — The need is not met. "There is a problem."
Good solutions move CARDS into Green.
Lineage
CARDS refines and extends Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985). SDT identified three core needs: Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness. Je'anna added Dignity and Safety as explicit, non-negotiable human needs — grounding the framework in Human Rights.
About This Application
This web application makes the CARDS diagnostic tool interactive and accessible — both as a check-in tool for real-time needs-mapping, and as an educational platform for learning the framework.
Host ≠ Author. This application is built by Andre S Clements. The CARDS framework belongs to Je'anna L Clements.