That’s a great question in essence a pattern language is a series of solutions to common problems. It isn’t an uncommon format or solution. The terminology of a “pattern language” comes from the book by the same name by architect Christopher Alexander .
What’s it for?
The Product Pattern Language is equal parts love-letter to a beautiful design philosophy as well as a set of resources for both new and experienced product designers and managers to leverage for their teams. The pattern language is a constant work in progress to share aggregated wisdom from many.
How to use the pattern language?
As noted, this pattern language is an homage to Christopher Alexander’s work and as such follows his format for patterns.
What are Patterns?
The elements of this pattern language are called Patterns. They are described by Christopher Alexander in his book A Pattern Language as follows:
Each pattern describes a problem which occurs over and over again in our environment, and then describes the core of the solution to that problem, in such a way that you can use this solution a million times over without ever doing it the same way twice.
The patterns in the document outline the types of problems you might face while working on a product development team.
How to use the patterns
Each pattern is comprised of the following elements.
- Name of a pattern is a way to refer to the pattern.
- Phases are where in the standard double diamond process this pattern is best applied.
- Description is a brief paragraph explaining the use of the pattern, what problems it solves as well as considerations to account for before applying the pattern.
- Participants are who should be involved in the application of this pattern.
- How-to describes how to use a pattern
- Resources are links out to other works which describe this pattern or other ways of using this pattern.
- Related Patterns are other patterns in the pattern language which may inform or be informed by this pattern.