Lists & hierarchies

What we already knew before we started the last section:

• A list contains items.
• These items represent a particular slice of reality (or a fictional world).
  • In science, you'd call these items a sample.
  • In maths, you'd call them a set.
  • In fiction, you'd call them descriptive details.
• Lists can use words, pictures, or both.
• List items can be described with more or less detail.
  • When items have limited detail, we tend not to have an opinion about them one way or another.
  • More detail can make list items seem more or less believable, depending on the specifics.
• List items are usually related in some way.
  • If the items seem like they belong together, we find the list more believable.
  • If items don't belong together, we might find the list less believable.

New things we've learned:

• Items are can be placed in categories which express relationships.
  • At a minimum, all list items are related by being in a list, if nothing else.
  • A list with only one category or level is called a flat list.
  • List categories can have subcategories which create additional levels.
  • There can be all kinds of categories and relationships.
• Lists can be ordered or unordered.
  • Ordered lists can be ranked by either objective or subjective criteria.
  • Ordered lists can be sequenced, such as steps in a procedure or events in a timeline.
• Because items have all sorts of properties and dimensions, making a list is a combination of observation, analysis, and creativity.

Lists can do a lot!

They can even change the way they look!