This framework evaluates machine learning fields across two dimensions:
- Empirical Utility: A composite measure of a method's breadth of applicability, ease of implementation, and real-world usefulness. High utility methods are reliable, predictable, and lack major flaws.
- Theoretical Understanding: A composite measure of intuitive interpretability, theoretical explainability, and the depth/completeness of existing literature. High understanding implies formulaic implementation and predictable results, whereas low understanding often relies on heuristics and trial-and-error.
Fields are mapped into four quadrants: High Understanding/High Utility (Top-Right), Low Understanding/High Utility (Bottom-Right), High Understanding/Low Utility (Top-Left), and Low Understanding/Low Utility (Bottom-Left).