Template Explanation

The Form of a Pattern

Index number

Each pattern is give a unique index number to assist in its identification.  This will be implemented when the structure of the language becomes more stable.

Title

Which succinctly (and evocatively) captures the solution that the pattern offers.

Asterisks

To mark the significance of the pattern:
 

**	marking a “true invariant”,
*	marking a pattern which has made progress towards identifying such an invariant, but which needs further work,
No asterisks	marking a pattern which does not identify a true invariant, but which offers an example solution to the problem.

 

Picture

“... which shows an archetypal example of that pattern.”  This may be literal or impressionistic.  A subsidiary function may be to help the reader remember and find the pattern subsequently.

We have found this (and also the diagram following) difficult to to supply for these usability patterns - but we are working on it!

Introduction

Setting the context and linking to higher level patterns.  There is a matrix map showing the relationship amongst the patterns in this collection.

Horizontal bar 

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To mark the beginning of the problem.

Headline

(In bold type) summarizing the essence of the problem.

Problem body

Describing the empirical background of the pattern, the evidence for its validity, range of variation of manifestation.

Solution

(In bold type) Describing the “... field of physical and social relationships which are required to solve the stated problem in the stated context.” as a statement, in imperative form.

Diagram

Of the solution  (For Alexander the solution should always be capable of a diagrammatic representation.)

Horizontal bar 

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To mark the end of the main body of the pattern.

Connections

To lower level patterns which are required to complete this pattern.