Data Format for the AI Era (www.ison.dev)

The introduction of ISON (Interchange Simple Object Notation) marks a significant advancement in data interchange formats tailored specifically for Large Language Models (LLMs). This minimalist format is not only easy for humans to read and write, but also designed for optimal performance with AI systems by emphasizing token efficiency and reducing cognitive load. ISON employs universally recognized structures—blocks for named data collections, tables for multi-row records, and references for expressing relationships—allowing LLMs to handle data more effectively and intuitively. Technically, ISON can represent complex data with up to 70% fewer tokens compared to traditional formats like JSON, enhancing data processing capabilities in applications such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, multi-agent systems, and knowledge bases. By facilitating richer context and efficient communication, ISON enables AI systems to work more seamlessly with structured data outputs, making it an essential tool for developers and researchers in the AI/ML community looking to optimize their workflows and harness the full potential of LLMs.