Category formation is gradual. AI engines initially encounter a new term as an unfamiliar reference, then gradually classify it based on the surrounding content patterns, vocabulary signals, and authority connections that emerge across multiple sources.
The IEO Engine deployment is being observed during its category formation period. Each AI citation engine is independently building its classification of what IEO Engine refers to, what category it belongs to, and which sources are authoritative for the term. The deployment timeline includes documenting how category formation proceeds across different AI engines on different timelines.