The DILIGENT knowledge processes

Purpose – Aims to present the ontology engineering methodology DILIGENT, a methodology focussing on the evolution of ontologies instead of the initial design, thus recognizing that knowledge is a tangible and moving target. Design/methodology/approach – First describes the methodology as a whole, then detailing one of the five main steps of DILIGENT. The second part describes case studies, either already performed or planned, and what we learned (or expect to learn) from them. Findings – With the case studies it was discovered the strengths and weaknesses of DILIGENT. During the evolution of ontologies, arguments need to be exchanged about the suggested changes. Identifies those kind of arguments which work best for the discussion of ontology changes. Research implications – DILIGENT recognizes ontology engineering methodologies like OnToKnowledge or Methontology as proven useful for the initial design, but expands them with its strong focus on the user‐centric further development of the ontology and the provided integration of automatic agents in the process of ontology evolution. Practical implications – With DILIGENT the experience distilled from a number of case studies and offers the knowledge manager a methodology to work in an ever‐changing environment. Originality/value – DILIGENT is the first methodology to put focus not on the initial development of the ontology, but on the user and his usage of the ontology, and on the changes introduced by the user. We take the user's own view seriously and enable feedback towards the evolution of the ontology, stressing the ontology's role as a shared conceptualisation.