Glossary

The glossary helps us align our understanding of what we mean by various concepts and thus helps us speak the same language. It is important to note that as the project evolves and our collective understanding grows, so do the terms. It is therefore important to continuously revise the descriptions of existing terms and add new ones.

It is important to note the reasons of the glossary, and the use of the terminology itself. While we are using many terms from other fields, among others Computer Science, Informatics, etc, they have been adopted with various considerations:

  1. We are aware of the difference between our use of the term and original use(s) in other fields, and must therefor make a clear statement of our use.
  2. The “research” into the use of the term in another field can inform our use significantly, and even affect the way we continue our work in a specific area.
  3. Even if other fields have a head start in the use of terms that we are adopting, we must always check (among ourselves) that we agree on our use of the term, in relation to any other use (true or not). This to avoid any confusing and misunderstanding because of difference in background and experience etc among ourselves.

It is also important to note that the 'quality' of the Glossary as a whole is only as good as the descriptions ability to effectively communicate a concept. We should here strive for simple elegance rather than volume. On the other hand it is clear that the way to this simplicity often goes via more loose and verbose writings.

Useful Resources

  • Online Etymology Dictionary is a good etymological resource for English words.
  • Visual Thesaurus does a pretty good job of semantic discovery of different meanings of words (account needed for navigating more than 3 semantic links).
  • YourDictionary is a portal for dictionaries in several languages.
  • Our favorite public encyclopedia Wikipedia. When referencing Wikipedia articles, dot forget to also read the discussion-page as there is alway a lot of discussion going on around an article!

Glossary Guidelines

  1. KISS Principle - As simple as possible but not simpler. If a description can be simplified in order for it to be easier to understand then please do so.
  2. Separate term description from discussion - Most terms will be in constant evolution but it is good idea to separate verbose discussion from the current term definition.
  3. Wikify your text - If one term refers to another then please remember to wikify (adding cross-links) your text. In general the glossary term descriptions should reference other terms rather than wiki general content.
  4. Do add content! - If you have some thoughts for additions or alterations, please add them!
  5. Titles in singular form - This is just better form
  6. Do add illustrations - Diagrams and illustrations help understanding and ease communication
  7. Draw the line - The glossary is for explaining Terms and concepts. If a description and its discussions grow too much it should become part of the general material.

Terms and Concepts

Standardization

Our definition of the term…

· 2008/10/14 03:46 · Susanne Engström
 
glossary/glossary.txt · Last modified: 2008/10/23 13:09 by msandberg     Back to top