The DILIGENT knowledge processes

Case Study Purpose: The ontology engineering methodology DILIGENT is presented, a methodology focussing on the evolution of ontologies instead of the initial design, thus recognizing that knowledge is a tangible and moving target. Approach: First we describe the methodology as a whole, then detailing one of the five main steps of DILIGENT. The second part describes case studies, either already performed or planned, and what we learned (or expect to learn) from them. Findings: With the case studies we were able to discover the strengths and weaknesses of DILIGENT. During the evolution of ontologies, arguments need to be exchanged about the suggested changes. We identified those kind of arguments which work best for the discussion of ontology changes. Research implications: DILIGENT recognizes ontology engineering methodologies like OnToKnowledge or Methontology as proven useful for the initial design, but expands them with its strong focus on the user-centric further development of the ontology and the provided integration of automatic agents in the process of ontology evolution. Practical implications: With DILIGENT we distil the experience from a number of case studies and offer the knowledge manager a methodology to work in an ever changing environment. Originality: DILIGENT is the first methodology to put focus not on the initial development of the ontology, but on the user and his usage of the ontology, and on the changes introduced by the user. We take the users own view serious and enable the feedback towards the evolution of the ontology, stressing the ontologies role as a shared conceptualisation.