[kde-guidelines] Styleguide: Wording

[Heiko Tietze]

Presentation > Text > Wording
* Keep [[Projects/Usability/HIG/Wording|wording]] easy to understand and consistent.
http://techbase.kde.org/Projects/Usability/HIG/Wording

== 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 ==
* KDE personas are not tech savvy; so your app should use an easy to understand terminology. 
* Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, and tech-babble.
* Use a tone that’s informal and friendly, but not too familiar.
* 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 provide. This usually applies to object configuration tools.
** 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]]


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