Ontology mapping and semantics of web interface signs

Muhammad Nazrul Islam,A K M Najmul Islam

doi:10.1186/s13673-016-0077-y

Muhammad Nazrul Islam, A K M Najmul Islam

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13673-016-0077-y

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Abstract

AbstractAlthough, intuitive interface signs are crucial elements of a good user interface (UI), prior research ignored these in UI design and usability evaluation process. This paper argues that ontology (the set of concepts and skills for understanding the referential meaning of an interface sign) mapping is critical for intuitive sign design. An experiment with fourteen participants and twelve signs (total 168 cases) has been carried out. The data has been analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings suggest that ontology mapping is important for understanding the semantics of interface signs. The paper concludes with design implications and future research plan.

Highlights

Every interactive application, especially web pages, incorporates a large extent of navigational links, labels, icons, symbols, short texts, thumbnails, command buttons, images, etc. [1]
According to Peirce [2], each sign should have its own triadic relation that consists of (a) the representamen corresponding to the representation or form of a sign, (b) the object corresponding to the referential meaning or underlying functionality, and (c) the interpretant corresponding to the meaning generated in the mind of the interpreter or user
We focus on the small elements of user interfaces that are defined as interface signs

Summary

Introduction

Especially web pages, incorporates a large extent of navigational links, labels, icons, symbols, short texts, thumbnails, command buttons, images, etc. [1]. From the users’ perspective, ontology refers to the knowledge or concepts that users use to understand and interpret the meaning of an interface sign.

Results

Conclusion