CAP-002 — Framework and product name capitalization
Authority: CLM-L024 · CLM-L023 | Edition: 1.0 | Status: Active
The rules
| Form | Rule | OK | Not OK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framework name | Both words capitalized | Multiple Natures | multiple natures · Multiple natures |
| Abbreviation | All caps, no periods | MN | M.N. · Mn |
| "MN framework" | MN capitalized, framework lowercase | the MN framework | The MN Framework · the mn framework |
| Product: diagnostic | Full name capitalized | MN Situation Map | MN situation map · Situation Map |
| "the nine natures" (collective count) | Lowercase (collective plural, see CAP-001) | the nine natures | the nine Natures |
| "the Nine Natures" as proper set name | Capitalized only when used as a formal proper noun for the canonical set | The Nine Natures (introductory definition) | the nine Natures (mid-sentence) |
| Natures Multiples (French) | Both words capitalized | Natures Multiples | natures multiples |
OK examples
- Multiple Natures is a framework for understanding engagement patterns.
- The MN Situation Map is the primary diagnostic product.
- She completed the MN Situation Map last week.
- The MN framework uses nine named engagement orientations.
- The nine natures form a combinatorial profile space.
- Natures Multiples est un cadre d'analyse des orientations d'engagement. (French)
Not-OK examples
| ✗ Forbidden | ✓ Rewrite |
|---|---|
| multiple natures framework | Multiple Natures framework (or: the MN framework) |
| The MN Framework | the MN framework |
| Situation map | MN Situation Map |
| the situation map | the MN Situation Map |
| The Nine Natures include Healing... (mid-sentence, common noun use) | The nine natures include Healing... |
| M.N. Situation Map | MN Situation Map |
Why
Capitalization of "Multiple Natures" as a proper noun signals: this is not a generic description of multiple psychological dimensions — it is the specific named framework. Dropping to lowercase makes it read as a common noun phrase, which loses the brand signal.
"MN framework" follows the same logic as "the Catholic Church" or "the Roman Empire" — the full proper noun is capitalized, but generic descriptors attached to it (framework, church, empire) are not.
Product names follow standard product-name rules: every significant word capitalized. "MN Situation Map" is a product name, not a description; it stays fully capitalized in all contexts.
Common slip
- "situation map" in lowercase. The most frequent. The product name has drifted across internal communications. Lock it: MN Situation Map.
- "The MN Framework" — "framework" is a descriptor, not part of the proper noun. Lowercase.
- "the Nine Natures" in mid-sentence. When referring to the canonical set in passing prose, use "the nine natures" (collective plural, lowercase per CAP-001). Reserve "The Nine Natures" for formal introductions and headers.
French note
French follows its own capitalization convention: Natures Multiples (capitalized) for the framework name. Individual Nature names: Nature Protectrice / Nature Soignante / Nature Créative (both words capitalized, matching the English pattern). See CAP-001 for full French edge case.