A Pattern Language

From Wikipedia » Pattern Language:

A pattern language, a term coined by architect Christopher Alexander and popularized by his book A Pattern Language, is a structured method of describing good design practices within a field of expertise. Advocates of this design approach claim that ordinary people can use it to successfully solve very large, complex design problems. Like all languages, a pattern language has vocabulary, syntax, and grammar—but a pattern language applies to some complex activity other than communication.

pearl language is similar with a twist: it describes the goal or wish rather than the problem. In other words, it focuses on the positive opposite of a problem.