Ontology Design Patterns
Definition
Reusable, successful solutions to recurrent ontology modeling problems. Like software design patterns, but for knowledge representation, providing templates for common modeling challenges.
Pattern Categories
Content Patterns: Model specific domains
- Part-whole relationships
- Temporal entities and events
- Participation and roles
- Information objects
Structural Patterns: Organize ontologies
- Taxonomy with inheritance
- Modular composition
- Upper ontology alignment
Reasoning Patterns: Enable inference
- Classification patterns
- Constraint patterns
- Rule patterns
Why Patterns Matter
- Consistency: Different modelers produce compatible structures
- Quality: Proven solutions avoid common mistakes
- Efficiency: Don’t reinvent solutions to solved problems
- Communication: Shared vocabulary for design decisions
Common Pitfalls Without Patterns
- Ad-hoc hierarchies that don’t support intended queries
- Conflation of different relationship types
- Modeling choices that block future extension
- Inconsistent handling of time, identity, part-whole
Pattern Application
Don’t force-fit. Patterns are guides, not mandates. The goal is to solve your modeling problem, not to use patterns for their own sake.
Related: 06-molecule—knowledge-graph-construction, 06-atom—entity-linking