Naming Principles and Process (Working Document)

The name we choose for the new system must be as clear to the user, as effective and as fully leveraged as possible. To meet this goal, we've identified a number of key guiding principles and a multi-step process. These principles and process will lead to a name and tagline that will become powerful components of the communication strategy.

...

The new name will be based on the following principles: *

• Be relevant to the system's functionality and uses

...

• Reaffirm the system's association with the MyUCDavis portal

...

• Appeal and be intuitive and meaningful to the folks who will be using the system.

...

• Achieve differentiation from existing systems

...

• Project a positive, quality, professional image.

...

• Capture the rich potential of the new system (incl. collaborative learning)

...

• Project

...

• seamless integration with other campus functions, processes and services

...

• Project

...

• system's ability to grow beyond the traditional teaching/learning environment

...

• Represent a refreshing change from other course/learning management systems

...

• Provide a deep well of marketing and advertising images going forward

Characteristics and Criteria

In addition, the name should have the following characteristics: ?

• Easy to pronounce and remember (should not be "too cute" or will be confusing to users)

...

• Short

...

• Evoke positive connotations/concepts

...

• Map back to teaching, learning and collaborative research

...

• Distinctive

...

• Eye-catching

...

• Forward thinking

Naming Criteria
The following criteria will guide the selection of a name for the new system:

...

Of the universities preparing to implement Sakai, several have retained 'Sakai' in the name Sakai in of their pilot programs. Others have adopted a new name. <give examples
Examples:
UCMCROPS (Merced),
BSpace (UCB),
OnCourse (Indiana),
Etudes (consortium coordinated through Foothill College),
CourseWorks,
YaleClasses,
TRACS (North Carolina),
Samla (Portland State),
etc.>

This analysis also included taking a look at names given to other UC Davis projects and systems.

...

Name and Tagline
Once the name is chosen, we will more fully develop a range of taglines, images and language to help convey our branding messages. For example, here are a few ad lines and taglines that the name Sakai brings to the table (for discussion only!):
Sakai. Get over the hump.
Sakai. Bringing your teaching to life.
Sakai. When collaborating is a breeze.
Sakai. Talk of the town.
Sakai. The other course management system.
Sakai. Never say never.
Sakai. It's all yours.
And on and on and on.

...

Assign up to 10 points in each of the categories above for each proposed name. The more points, the better.