1

I'm developing a user manual for an app that controls some hardware. I need to walk the user through using the app to get it set up, adjust settings, and for general use.

What is the standard app lexicon when referring to the user interacting with the app?

Here's some that come to mind...

Touch (A):

  • Touch
  • Tap
  • Press
  • Select

Screen (B):

  • Screen
  • Page
  • App

In short, I'm trying to say:

To set this up later, _____ (A) the "Skip" button in/on top right of the _____ (B) .

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    I'd probably look to some of the big players for this one. Have you checked out any published design guidelines from, for example, Google, Apple, or Microsoft?
    – maxathousand
    Feb 11, 2020 at 19:10

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4

Apple's Human Interface Guidelines (link) uses "tap" for interacting with a touchscreen device like the iPhone and "screen" or "app screen" when referring to what you are tapping.

So, your sentence would read: "To set this up later, tap the "Skip" button on the top right of the screen"

Improve this answer
1

"press"

Because "longpress" on Android is the right way to describe a longpress (longtouch is not a thing).

"screen"

Given an app can manifest in ways beyond the screen, e.g. Android apps can have companion devices linked over bluetooth, being specific as to where to touch can help avoid ambiguity.

Re: "select" you may use that in place of "touch" at a higher-level of abstraction, where the touch event effectively selects an option from a set.

Improve this answer
1
  • Appears to be operating system specific. Hmm, I'll dig into what Android guidelines say.
    – Davbog
    Feb 12, 2020 at 21:47

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.