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How Words Signify Meaning and Content: A Holistic View from Semantic Units

  • Writer: Shannen Leafs
    Shannen Leafs
  • Mar 30
  • 4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

When it comes to readability, designers must carefully consider the meaning of every word they choose for users. To avoid misunderstandings caused by cultural or perceptual differences, it is essential to select appropriate linguistic units for integration into the user interface. Ambiguity and vagueness should be avoided, and words with multiple meanings should be avoided, as they leave room for inconsistent interpretation. Language should not invite conflicting understandings. Instead, designers should rely on simple, clear, familiar, and universally understood terms to guide users smoothly through the interaction flow and help them achieve their goals while using the software.


The challenge lies in the design of a video and audio streaming application. To establish a concise and universally intelligible language, each function, spatial construct, and linguistic element must be explicitly defined to form a coherent and user-centered system. This process necessitates a methodology of deconstruction and reconstruction—through critical analysis, interpretation, and ultimately to assemble the system with a holistic perspective.


A designer must choose words carefully to help users achieve their goals.
A designer must choose words carefully to help users achieve their goals.


The place where you keep the video/audio/pic/document

Project:

A planned set of tasks or activities undertaken to achieve a specific goal, typically within a defined timeframe.


Asset:

A valuable resource owned or controlled by an individual or organization, which can provide future benefit.


Reservoir:

A place where something is stored or accumulated for future use; originally refers to a natural or artificial lake used to store water.


Warehouse:

A large building where goods or materials are stored before being distributed, sold, or used.


Collection:

A group of items gathered together, often based on a shared characteristic or purpose.


Library:

A place or system that organizes and provides access to a collection of resources, such as books, data, or digital content.


Files:

Organized units of stored data or documents, typically kept in a system for easy retrieval and management.


Repository:

A central location where data, information, or resources are stored, managed, and maintained for access and use.


The place where you can pick up different functions

Tools: Instruments, devices, or software used to carry out a particular function or task.



The place where values are applied

Channel:

A medium or pathway through which information, signals, or communication is transmitted.


Property:

An attribute, quality, or characteristic belonging to something.


Configuration:

The arrangement or setup of components or settings within a system.


Settings:

Adjustable options or controls used to customize how a system or device operates.


The place where the each asset of audio and video is displayed

Timeline:

A visual or sequential representation of events or actions arranged in chronological order.


Show:

A display, presentation, or performance intended for viewing by an audience.


The place where the content is displayed

Layout:

The arrangement or organization of visual elements within a space or design.


Array:

An ordered series or arrangement of elements, often in a structured format.


Geometry:

The branch of mathematics concerned with shapes, sizes, and the properties of space.


Plate:

A flat, typically rigid surface or layer, often used as a base or support.


Canvas:

A surface or workspace on which visual elements are created or displayed.


Field:

An area or space in which a particular activity, function, or data input occurs.


Artboard:

A designated area within a design workspace where visual compositions are created.


Allocation:

The act of distributing or assigning resources or space for a specific purpose.


Viewport:

A defined viewing area through which content is displayed to the user.


Scene:

A visual or conceptual setting containing elements arranged within a particular context.


Deploy:

To make a system, application, or feature available for use.


Viewer:

A person or tool that views or displays content.


The place where you arrange the time of playing

Schedule:

A plan that outlines times and sequences for activities or events.


Curriculum:

A structured set of courses or content designed for learning.


Program:

A planned series of actions or a set of coded instructions for a computer.


Time table:

A chart or list showing the scheduled times of events or activities.


Rundown:

A detailed, ordered list of items or segments in a program or event.


The place where you can manage the hardwares

Device:

A piece of equipment or hardware designed for a specific function.


Output:

The result or information produced by a system or process.


Port:

A connection point through which data enters or exits a system.


Allocation (duplicate):

The distribution or assignment of resources for a particular use.


Deploy (duplicate):

To release or activate a system or feature for use.


TX (Transmitter):

A device or component that sends signals or data.


RX (Receiver):

A device or component that receives signals or data.


Controller:

A device, system, or interface used to manage, direct, or regulate operations.


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DESIGNERS SHOULD RELY ON SIMPLE, CLEAR, FAMILIAR, AND UNIVERSALLY UNDERSTOOD TERMS.


Conclusion:

We decided to move forward with

Project: The place where you keep the video/audio/pic/document.

Tool: The place where you can pick up different functions.

Property: The place where values are applied.

Show: The place where the each asset of audio and video is displayed.

Layout: The place where the content is displayed.

Schedule: The place where you arrange the time of playing.

Device: The place where you can manage the hardwares.


 
 
 

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