originalskalan

Originalskalan is a theoretical framework used in media studies and art theory to measure perceived originality in visual, audio, and multimedia works. The framework envisions a numeric scale from 0 to 100, with 0 representing content wholly derivative of existing works and 100 representing content that introduces novel concepts, forms, or execution. The aim is to provide a standardized way to discuss originality across disciplines while acknowledging context-dependence.

The term is a portmanteau of "original" and the Swedish word "skalan" meaning "the scale." It has appeared in Swedish-language and cross-language scholarly articles and conference papers on digital culture and creative industries since the early 2020s. It is not yet a formal standard in most academic or professional settings.

In practice, Originalskalan assesses dimensions such as conceptual originality (novel ideas or narratives), technical originality (innovative methods or media), and contextual originality (departure from genre conventions). Some implementations weigh these differently depending on domain, such as image, video, sound, or interactive media.

Assessments can combine qualitative rubric scoring with quantitative data, such as metadata, transformation distance, or algorithmic features. Uses include curation, copyright assessment, stock media evaluation, and academic research into creativity. It is intended as a supplement to, not a replacement for, traditional peer review.

Critics note that originality is inherently subjective and culturally conditioned, which can bias scores. Proponents argue that a transparent rubric can improve comparability and dialogue about creativity.

Related concepts include originality, authenticity, plagiarism, and concept novelty.