Syntactical structure (2)
Syntax: appropriateness for modality - the syntax structure of the command phrases should be appropriate for the input modality (e.g. voice, typed input, gestures). [EXAMPLE voice input is used exclusively and the syntax is completely consistent with spoken language] consistency with modality - syntax should be consistent within a given modality. [EXAMPLE for a screen-based command dialogue, the object follows the action (e.g. ‘action - object’ syntax) throughout the application] consistency across modalities - syntax should be consistent across modalities as much as possible. [EXAMPLE voice is used as well as typed input for commands in an application and the syntax is ‘object-action’ for both modalities]
Command separation: if the input of multiple commands is allowed, a simple and consistent method to separate commands should be used. [EXAMPLE BLANKS - if system constrains do not require the use of a specific separator, BLANKS should be used rather than punctuation marks to separate commands] [EXAMPLE STANDARD SYMBOL - if system constrains require a separator other than BLANKS to distinguish separate stacked commands, a simple STANDRAD SYMBOL should be used consistently; e.g. using the slash (/) in the sequence of commands words “sort/format/print”]