cuetocues

Cuetocues is a term used in some design and cognitive science discussions to describe a structured sequence of cues in which each cue signals the next, creating a guided chain of actions or thoughts. The term blends "cue" with "to cue," highlighting its dynamic, forward-propagating nature. It is not widely standardized and appears mainly in niche glossaries and online discussions from the early 2020s.

Definition and structure: A cuetocue system usually includes a root cue that initiates a workflow, followed by one or more intermediary cues that specify subsequent actions, and a terminal cue that marks completion or transition. Each cue contains a signal, a context, and the expected response, and the chain is designed to maintain coherence across steps.

Applications: In education and training, cuetocues can scaffold complex tasks by dividing them into manageable steps. In user experience design, they guide users through workflows with instructional overlays or progressive disclosure. In game design, cuetocues help players anticipate future actions and maintain engagement.

Evaluation and criticism: The concept is descriptive and its effectiveness depends on balance; overly rigid chains can reduce autonomy or cause fatigue. Accessibility and ethical considerations are noted as important in deployment.

See also: cue, cueing, habit formation, instructional design, user experience.