multifaset

Multifaset is a term used in information organization and data modeling to describe a system of multiple facets for classifying items. In its broad sense, it generalizes the idea of a facet, treating multiple classification dimensions as integral parts of a single modeling approach.

Definition and scope: A multifaset encompasses several independent or interrelated classification axes. Items can be associated with values across these facet types, and the combination of facet assignments supports multi-criteria description and filtering. Facets may be discrete (such as category tags) or continuous (such as a rating scale), and they can be designed to be overlapping or independent depending on the domain.

Structure and design: Implementations typically define a set of facet types (dimensions) and a catalog of permissible values for each type. An item’s identity is described by its vector of facet values, enabling complex queries and refined navigation. facet types may be hierarchical, allowing users to drill down through related facets, or parallel, enabling simultaneous interest across multiple dimensions.

Applications: The multifaset concept is used in search interfaces, metadata schemas, product catalogs, digital libraries, and knowledge representations to support faceted search, filtering, and comparative analysis. By organizing data along several facets, systems can offer more precise results and better accommodate diverse user goals.

Examples: In an online bookstore, facets might include genre, author nationality, publication year, and format. In a music library, facets could cover genre, mood, tempo, and release year.

See also: facet, faceted search, taxonomy, ontology, metadata. Note that multifaset lacks a single canonical definition and is applied variably across disciplines.