Selitysmalliin

Selitysmalliin is a term used in discussions of explainable artificial intelligence to describe a class of explanation artifacts that accompany model outputs. It envisions structured explanation templates that present the rationale behind a prediction, the supporting evidence from the model, and actionable steps the user can take. While not a formal standard, selitysmalliin is sometimes proposed as a practical complement to raw feature importances or counterfactuals, focusing on clarity and user guidance.

Etymology and usage notes suggest the word blends elements that resemble Finnish roots meaning explanation and model, with a suffix implying a collection or set, signaling that selitysmalliin refers to a family of explanation templates rather than a single method. The concept has appeared in theoretical discussions and some practitioner blogs as a way to organize explanations around user needs rather than solely around model internals.

Core components of a selitysmalliin typically include a concise claim about the prediction, the evidence or factors supporting that claim, an explanation of why the factors matter for the user context, and a recommended or possible action based on the outcome. Visual aids, such as diagrams or highlightings of relevant features, may accompany the textual narrative to enhance comprehension and actionability.

Relationship to other explainable AI approaches is collaborative rather than exclusive: selitysmalliin sits alongside feature attribution, counterfactuals, and model cards, aiming to improve understandability and practical usefulness. Critiques emphasize the need for standardization, guardrails against misleading simplifications, and careful consideration of domain-specific requirements. See also explainable AI, interpretability, and user-centric explanations.