Structural (In)visibility: Possible Effects of Constructing a Controlled Vocabulary in a Niche Domain

Authors

  • Audrey Lorberfeld University of Washington iSchool
  • Elan May Rinck University of Washington iSchool

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7152/acro.v26i1.14978

Keywords:

Controlled vocabulary, Emerging domain, Non-structured domain, Philosophy of language, DIY biohacking

Abstract

The paper explores the challenges and implications that arose during the construction of a controlled vocabulary in an emerging, non-structured domain. It discusses the difficulty of defining a domain with evolving and intersectional boundaries, and how Wittgenstein’s philosophy of language may aid designers in properly representing a domain’s hierarchy when multiple language games are present. It also discusses adaptation of standard construction procedures to maintain domain representation. The analysis focuses on the potential effects that constructing such a controlled vocabulary could cause in the future evolution of that domain.

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Published

2016-10-14