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I'm designing a mobile app for home automation.

  • Shown at the end of this question is the remote page, which allows the user to control doors and gates.

We have to provide the following three types of gates:

  1. Gate for entry for the cars. (Might be garage or just a gate)

  2. Smaller gate next to the cars gate for pedestrians.

  3. Main entry door to the building/Villa.

    • The following picture shows the car's gate and the pedestrian door.

What should I name these doors and gates in the UI? Currently I'm doing it like this: 1. Gate 2. Door (Maybe I'll switch to pedestrian gate) 3. (Unable to decide)

Remote page controlsEntrance

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    Does it not depend on the house? Should the user not be able to set their own names for their own doors and gates? – Matt Obee Jan 14 '15 at 9:41
  • @MattObee.. Currently it is fixed. – user3490458 Jan 14 '15 at 9:41
  • This question is off-topic. There is a SX site for the use of the English language. I am also tempted to say something about the GUI shown — it would be nothing good. – Crissov Jan 14 '15 at 14:18
  • This question appears to be off-topic because it belongs on English Language & Usage(english.stackexchange.com). – Code Maverick Jan 14 '15 at 14:40
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Fixed names for variable circumstances is, in itself, fairly bad UX: if you can change that, I suggest you do.

If it's not possible to change, however, I'd just name them after whatever goes through it: "Car" and "Pedestrian" - the user presumably knows what the app is for (opening gates) already, so just needs an identifier

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  • Sadly, It's not feasible to change the UX at this point. The page has controls related to security system as well (top 2 buttons in the circle, see remote page above). So, I believe the identifiers must be more explicit. – user3490458 Jan 14 '15 at 10:36
  • Car / Pedestrian / House ? – PhillipW Jan 14 '15 at 12:13
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    If you have other options, then explicit but still specific options may be best: "Car Gate", "Pedestrian Gate" - and if possible, add a setting to change "Car Gate" to "Garage" when needed (this may also change Pedestrian Gate to just "Gate", depending on your use case) – Jon Story Jan 14 '15 at 12:14

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