This dictionary was created to satisfy the individual needs of a single person, but it has been augmented in order to serve as a prototype for a more broadly accessible dictionary. This page provides design information to which the prototype was created.
Goals
The Main User needs to:
| Need ID | Statement |
| MU-1 | Self-learn the Blissymbolics authorized vocabulary in the order of Simple Characters, Composite Characters, and Words. |
| MU-2 | Quickly reference the authorized vocabulary: |
| MU-2.1 | By searching using English glosses or BCI-AV IDs. |
| MU-2.2 | By browsing based on semantic fields and relationships. |
| MU-2.3 | By listing based on semantic fields and morphological order. |
| MU-3 | Quickly access consistent, compact SVG files of symbols. |
| MU-4 | Quickly access consistent, easily editable and styleable Inkscape SVG files of symbols. |
System
To meet the Main User needs, an idiodictionary will be created. The process of compiling the dictionary will satisfy MU-1. The finished dictionary will satisfy all other needs.
Opportunities
All Main User needs may also be held by other people, and although there are other compilations of Blissymbols, none have been found which satisfy MU-1,2.2-4. Therefore, it is worth investing extra effort to make the idiodictionary usable by others, including as a free and open source prototype for others to build on. In particular, Other Users may need to:
| Need ID | Statement |
| OU-1 | Download dictionary data as CSV files. |
| OU-2 | Read documentation describing dictionary entries, terminology, and structure. |
| OU-3 | Read specifications explaining the design and technical background of the dictionary. |
| OU-4 | Download: |
| OU-4.1 | The source code. |
| OU-4.2 | A blank database. |
| OU-4.3 | A complete database. |
It may also be fun and interesting, though out of scope, to consider further needs and problems. Users may need:
| Need ID | Statement |
| U-1 | Definitions of symbols written in Blissymbolics. |
| U-2 | Photo and video examples of the inspirations for pictographs. |
Further, the dictionary may need to:
| Need ID | Statement |
| D-1 | Accommodate multiple varieties of Blissymbolics, including idiolects. |
| D-2 | Track agreements and differences between varieties of Blissymbolics. |
Constraints
The publication of the dictionary requires certain constraints to be satisfied. Other Users must be:
| Constraint ID | Statement |
| C-1 | Informed that the dictionary is based on but not faithful to Blissymbolics Communication International's official fundamental rules and authorized vocabulary. |
| C-2 | Provided with the content of the dictionary under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License, pursuant to BCI's licensing. |