Projects/Usability/HIG/Wording: Difference between revisions

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== Purpose ==
Every word displayed in an application is part of a conversation with users. This conversation is an opportunity to provide clarity and to help people feel comfortable in the system.
 
== Guidelines ==
* Use a terminology that is familiar and easy to understand for the target audience (i.e. Persona) of your application.
* Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, and tech-babble.
* Use a tone that’s informal and friendly, but not too informal.
* Keep information short and consistent; avoid redundancy or unnecessary words.
* Don't abuse [[Projects/Usability/HIG/Capitalization|capitalization]] because it draws people’s attention.
* In respect to chronological information consider that your app is potentially used for decades; don't use fix dates like ''this year''.
* Follow system-wide conventions for basic functions to keep wording consistent.
 
== Examples ==
* Delete, Move to Trash, Remove and Uninstall
** When a file or object is completely removed from the system, use ''Delete''.
** When a file or object can be recovered, use ''Move to Trash'' for files and ''Remove'' for list objects etc.
** When a file or object can be removed and was originally installed, use ''Uninstall''.
* Settings, Options and Properties
** Use ''Settings'' for a configuration dialog which allows you to set specific properties or functionality. This usually applies to application configuration tools. For example, Konqueror Settings.
** Use ''Options'' for a configuration dialog which provides facultative features. This usually applies to the appearance and individualization.
** Use ''Properties'' for a list of metadata or details that are associated with a particular object which cannot be edited or interacted with in any way. For example, file "properties" dialog in Dolphin.
 
[[Category:Usability]][[Category: Presentation]][[Category:Text]]

Latest revision as of 12:09, 4 August 2016

This page is now on the community wiki.