Onyx

Maximally Simple Steno Theory.

This is an overview of the rationale behind and the expectations of Onyx. For a full specification of the theory, see the Onyx spec.

Rationale

Steno theories are far too complex.

• Why that’s bad
• The tradeoff for speed
• How theories are complex
  • Phonetics
    • Pronunciation
    • Homophones
  • Conflicts
  • Mandatories
• What can be done about it
  • A lot of complexity can be avoided

Beliefs

• Complexity is the root of all theory problems.
• Smaller theories are better. Smaller theories are easier to learn, easier to build, easier to understand, easier to maintain, easier to extend, easier to keep consistent, easier to document…
• Theories must still be extensible. An opinionated core and an extensible foundation are required.
• Theory dictionaries should be rule-based, not entry-based.

Plans

• Continue theory design and specification
• Official dictionary (via Quartz)
• Learning resource for hobbyists
• Learning resource for beginners