Hierarchy Through Naming

Terms like “modules,” “components,” and “elements” fail to convey hierarchy. One person’s “component” is another’s “module.” The vocabulary doesn’t imply scale or composition.

The chemistry metaphor, atoms, molecules, organisms, succeeds because it encodes hierarchy directly into the terminology. Anyone with basic chemistry knowledge understands that molecules are made of atoms, and organisms are made of molecules. The relationship is built into the words themselves.

This isn’t about being clever. It’s about reducing ambiguity. When naming systems, prefer vocabulary that carries structural meaning rather than terms that require external definition.

Related: 01-molecule—atomic-design-methodology, 02-molecule—taxonomy-design