Ocean Lexicon

There was a big gap in guidance and documentation on how language should be used across the various OTG products and services. It was important to garner a broad consensus on the correct approach to language usage and the involvement of various SME's and stakeholders from around the business was crucial in getting to the right solution. So the challenge was two fold, define the correct words to use AND ensure that the selection met the demands and expectations of both users and the various divisions within the organisation.

The goal was to ensure that any user of any product or service offered by any division/brand of OTG should have a consistent user experience with any key words encountered meaning the same thing, regardless of where it appeared. A common use of language and common definitions of words was considered a critical foundational element to the provision of a consistent, reliable and safe user experience.

The project was a big success. I was given great support by an external change and communication consultant and between us we were able to assemble a very knowledgable and motivated team of SMEs and stakeholders to help us draft the first version of the Ocean Lexicon. This working group was critical to the success of the project and the acceptance of the Lexicon as the definitive guide to use of language across the organisation. Senior stakeholders with many years of experience, ex-navel officers, content experts, maritime industry experts and senior executives came together under my guidance and together we were able to produce a document that is so important to the successful provision of a consistent user experience in a complex, multi-faceted and technical environment.