plooitypes

Plooitypes are a classificatory construct used in speculative studies of cultural artifacts and digital behavior. A plooitype refers to a recurring, modular pattern that tends to appear across multiple contexts and media. Each plooitype comprises a core motif, a stable cluster of features, surrounded by variants that can adapt to different media or cultures without breaking the overall pattern.

Origin and scope: The term was coined in theoretical discussions during the late 2010s by researchers examining typological clustering in online media. It is used to analyze a wide range of phenomena, including memes, design templates, UI interaction patterns, and fashion motifs.

Characteristics: Plooitypes are typically multilevel, with a central core that governs the pattern's identity. Variants modify surface properties (color, form, context) while preserving the core relationships and functional affordances. They are identified through pattern mining, cross-context replication, and qualitative coding.

Examples: In memes, a plooitype might combine a recognizable image with a caption formula and a layout template that recurs in different jokes. In design, a plooitype could be a grid-based thumbnail arrangement with bold typography that appears across multiple sites.

Evaluation and controversy: Critics argue that the concept risks overgeneralization and obscuring substantive differences between contexts. Proponents say plooitypes can help map connectivity and diffusion of patterns across platforms.

See also: typology, pattern, archetype, phenotype, memetics.