• extract what's relevant from what's available
• respond to users with only relevant actions
• return to users only relevant information

The fact is that each form of context is a way that information can become complex. When we don't understand what something means, we'll try to interpret that something from its context -- but if we don't choose the right context we won't learn anything, and we'll become frustrated.

Sometimes context must be established for the audience, particularly if we introduce new concepts, such as in

• instructions ("Why am I doing this?")
• cover letters ("What are they applying for?")
• proposals ("Are they following the terms of the RFP?")

In order to be viewed in the right context, you have to recognize what the readers want:

• Are you solving a problem?
• Are you performing a service?
• Are there political or organizational restrictions to avoid?
• What goals must be accomplished?
• What objections must be overcome?

Semantic Context

"Semantic" = "of or pertaining to meaning in language."
"Semantic context" = whatever is necessary for a sentence to make sense."

Nouns are generally linked to semantic contexts.

If two words are synonyms they mean about the same thing. With absolute synonyms (and there are few of these) the semantic context is the same for each synonym, with no difference in style.

With descriptive synonyms the semantic context may change, but the words depict the same thing. If one of the synonyms is true in a context the other is also true. Because semantic context can change between two synonyms used, readers with a first language other than English may have problems with this.

The structure of the Web also follows many semantic rules: When we see "previous" or "next" (as at the bottom of this page) we expect to be led along some sort of progression (though in this case it's only alphabetical order). Scrolling down a page we expect to follow a train of thought. And some think this is only right for building knowledge: at the end of a sentence we might introduce a new concept, developing it in the next sentence before introducing another.

BUT... popular Web features such as banner ads, news and stock tickers, and even search engines can divert our site visitors from a train of thought. We'll become frustrated or forget what we were looking for in the first place. Search engines can be the greatest disappointment: they're not built to extend our knowledge on a progression; they're built to display text matches. Some search engines even sell higher places on output lists to (assumed commercial) sites whose goals aren't necessarily to fulfill your train of thought.

Syntactic context

"Syntactic" = "of or pertaining to the rules of syntax."
"Syntax" = "the formation of sentence elements into grammatical sentences."

In other words, syntactic context involves whatever it takes to make a sentence grammatically correct. Verbs are generally linked to specific syntactic contexts.

• I saved their lives.
• I saved $20 on my grocery bill.
• I saved A-Rod's rookie card.

The same verb, three different contexts. Notice how this affects translation from English into another language:

Visual Context

We can of course benefit from using signs and symbols in our writing, provided we recognize the way readers interpret the symbols in context. For example, if we define a symbol early in a document, it can be shown as a smaller icon later, and the reader will interpret the icon as having the same meaning as the original (larger) symbol. You can use small icons to give your readers an extra mode of information, provided you don't overdo it.

When you see Mr. Paper Clip, what does the context tell you?

Situation Context

This pertains primarily to what the user/reader is doing when we deliver information, but it can also apply to certain characteristics of users themselves -- though we might use separate categories (e.g. social or economic context) for individual characteristics. One "context engine" gathers very specific information about its users:

• Are you available?
• Are you driving?
• What companies and people are currently important to you?
• Will you be late to an appointment?
• How should we contact you? When?

Again, such efforts are assumed to be commercial.

References

User Dictionary Coding Rules
English synonyms and English/Swedish false friends
mccusker : interviews : Public : 09Apr00
Unwired Express Context Engine
Semantic and Real Networks: Does Browsing Make Sense?