We all read the interface, how? (1)
Language and communication in Human-Computer Interaction
Recently, UX writing becomes one of the key elements. The role of language and symbol representation is fundamental for human-computer communication. However, language and symbols stand for something other than themselves. Then, in the HCI system, how do users communicate with that language and symbols? In this article, we will look at language and communication in human-computer interaction (HCI).
Stages of word recognition
According to Neisser (1967), words are recognized step by step from each element to letter and letter to the word. When nerve impulses in the retina come in through the bottom-up (element > word) process, based on this, the pattern stored in the memory is used to recognize it through the top-down (word > element) process.
Letters as combinations: automatic processing
Words convey semantic information beyond simple combinations of forms. The shape of each character is not complicated, but the process of processing accumulated experience can be complicated depending on which character it is associated with. (Certain characters are difficult to read depending on context. Think of difficult-to-read words! Diary and reading.) A strong theory is that the cause of this automatic processing is the frequency of use and a constant connection with a certain meaning. Automated processing is like a double-edged sword, so it is important to choose your letters in case something goes wrong. Let’s think about the Korean proverb: ah different and uh different!
Words as Shapes: Unitization
Even if the frequency of use is high, sometimes a word is not always recognized as a unit, but because of its high frequency of use, a word is sometimes recognized as a unit. (For and the) This phenomenon is called ‘Unitization’. Among them, if the shape is similar, it will be difficult to catch a typo. (and vs. anl) because when users see a word, they tend to prefer shape recognition. Therefore, when fast recognition is required, it is important to consider whether unitization occurs in word selection.
Words as Symbols: Unitization
Unitization accelerates the bottom-up (element>word) process and helps the top-down (word>element) process to occur effectively. The best example of this is the acronyms, Abbreviations. In this case, it is recognized and understood very quickly by the user.
Inductive Reasoning (Bottom-up) vs. Deductive reasoning (Top-down)
Inductive reasoning derives a general theory from observations of multiple cases. On the other hand, deductive reasoning starts with a general theory and goes on to specific cases. This can also be applied to logic circuits of thought. In the cognitive stimulus-response process, analysis through inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning occurs as one process. This reasoning process can be applied not only to words, sentences, and texts but also to image processing. Depending on the cognitive point of view, the content of image information is delivered completely differently.
Context
Context is a line or situation that helps you understand the word or topic you want to convey. In particular, context helps with top-down processing. The context serves to enable the recipient of the information to take the programmed meaning as intended. The context must be provided before it is verbalized to aid the recipient’s recall and general understanding.
Contextual data communication
The number of words used on the screen is inversely proportional to the delivery of available information. Fewer letters make a single word more meaningful, while longer sentences make the whole context better understood. Therefore, when determining word usage, it is necessary to consider the context for optimal communication. Depending on the information processing patterns of the recipients, this optimum may vary.
In this article, I have dealt with the process of information transfer according to words and contexts. In the next article, I will cover visibility, readability, and language-based communication in code design.
