detailsare

Detailsare is a term in information design and knowledge management describing a principle that prioritizes the inclusion and visibility of granular information in documents and data products. It emphasizes recording precise, verifiable details—such as data sources, methods, timestamps, and revision histories—to improve transparency, reproducibility, and trust.

Origin and usage: The term appears in informal online discussions and practical guidelines related to documentation, data governance, and UX writing. It lacks formal standardization, and its exact scope varies by field. In some contexts, detailsare is invoked as a reminder that "the details matter" and that omitting metadata can compromise interpretation and reuse.

Principles and scope: Core tenets include accuracy, completeness, provenance, and traceability of changes; consistent use of metadata; and balancing detail with clarity to avoid overload. Detailsare also emphasizes explicit record-keeping of data lineage, methods, versioning, and quality controls.

Applications: Used in software development, research reporting, journalism, archival work, and regulatory contexts to support interpretation, replication, and accountability.

Criticism: Critics argue it can lead to information overload or hinder readability if metadata becomes excessive; successful implementation requires governance, defined roles, and incentives to maintain quality.

See also: information design, data provenance, metadata, transparency.