Definition governance and version control

How SI definitions are controlled, versioned and superseded.

A definitions library becomes unreliable when changes happen silently.

The value of a formal definitions system is not the number of terms it contains. Its value lies in whether the same term keeps the same governing meaning across the website, Framework, proposals, reporting, diagnostics, governance artefacts and promotional content.

Source hierarchy

The definitions system operates under this hierarchy. A lower-order document may simplify a term — it may not silently change what the term means.

Corrected SI Architecture Master Source
Formal SI Definitions Library
Search Intelligence Framework
Website and supporting implementation documents
Campaigns, proposals, reports and execution assets
Approved definition status

A term marked Canonical SI definition is formally adopted inside the SI system. This does not mean the definition is presented as a universal external industry standard, regulatory definition or professional-body consensus.

Human language and formal language

Public communication should create recognition before explanation — allowing the website to begin with a human sentence such as:

"A report can be accurate — and still incomplete."

The formal definition controls what the idea means when it enters governance, evidence, reporting or contractual use. Humanisation may improve comprehension — it may not remove the boundary, the evidence requirement, the role distinction, the source hierarchy or the control limitation.

Evidence status remains separate

A definition does not establish that a condition occurred. A material conclusion must still be classified as:

Observed — directly evidenced within scope Inferred — reasoned but not directly observed Modelled — via disclosed assumptions Validated — confirmed through an approved method Unknown — evidence is insufficient to conclude
Change-control process

A canonical change requires:

1
evidence-led rationale
2
identification of the definitions and adjacent terms affected
3
review of architecture, evidence, governance and public-language consequences
4
an affected-asset register
5
approval by Diane and Roelof
6
a recorded effective date
7
migration and supersession instructions
8
updates across website, Framework, proposals, reports, schemas and training material
Current public version

Formal SI Definitions Library v1.0 remains the approved canonical source for the 76 public definitions in this export.

Proposed v1.1 supplement — Draft for Approval

The Website Integration Update Supplement proposes five amendments to existing definitions, a rename and broadening of Search Risk Register, and sixteen new definitions numbered 77–92.

Until approved: existing v1.0 definitions remain canonical, proposed terms may be discussed as draft concepts only, and the draft page stays unpublished, unlinked and excluded from sitemaps.

Supersession record

When a definition changes, preserve: previous wording, replacement wording, reason for change, approval, effective date, affected pages and artefacts, and migration status.

Old wording should not remain active merely because it survives in a proposal, article or presentation.

Website implementation rule

The current /definitions/ route becomes the humanised hub. The eight phase pages contain the complete canonical profiles. Stable anchors give each term a persistent reference URL without creating 76 thin and competing pages.

A controlled definition should become easier to understand — not easier to change accidentally.

Return to the Definitions Hub Review the Evidence Definitions →
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