Thanks Dora,
Unfortunately, they won't be applying the custom field to a list. They're
making it available for inclusion on the data entry screen for the relevant
object, for example where they enter data about a speaker. The data that they
and other users can then enter in that custom field will be on individual
records, not on lists. And since the screen concerned starts with the list of
custom fields they've already defined, confusion would abound. :)
I find "Selection Type" too generic, especially since on the same screen they
will be selecting several things. For example, the field type is a selection
from a list of values.
But thanks for the quick response.
Cheers,
Nick
From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dora Evans
Sent: Wednesday, 11 October 2017 11:45 AM
To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: atw: Re: Synonym for Object
Hi Nick,
From my understanding, an object is something you can create a list of records
for, like a list of customers. My first thought was "data type" but I see
you've disqualified that already. How about a "list type" or a "selection type"
if it is always something they can select?
Good luck!
Dora
From:
austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Nick Shears
Sent: Wednesday, 11 October 2017 12:14 PM
To: Aus Tech Writer
(austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>)
<austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>>
Subject: atw: Synonym for Object
Hi Aus Techies
Can anyone help me find an alternative to the technical noun "Object" for
non-technical users of an app?
A screen has several labels using "Type" with different qualifiers.
All refer to one of two things, so I'm proposing use of just two labels: "Type"
preceded by one of two qualifiers.
On this screens, end-users will define custom fields which they can then use on
different types of records they maintain.
Some labels will now all be "Field Type". (Text field, text area, radio
buttons, etc.)
Others are currently "Object Type", or "Type", or unlabeled. (Example values:
Speaker or Session, since the app is for event automation.) What would you use
instead?
The users are non-technical, so although developers are intimately familiar
with "object", we need an alternative. I've suggested "Record Type", but have
been asked if there's something else.
I've found nothing in the Microsoft Style Guide or Merriam Webster (the users
are largely American), nor in what's left of my brain. No equivalent term is
used elsewhere in the app or its documentation. I don't consider "Data"
applicable. I'd like something conversational, but can't find it.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Nick
