deviceswords

Deviceswords is a term used in human-computer interaction and digital linguistics to describe the class of lexical items produced by devices as part of user interfaces. These words may be spoken by devices—such as wake words, command phrases, and prompts—or displayed as text in the interface. The concept encompasses vocabulary used by smartphones, smart speakers, wearables, and other intelligent devices to initiate actions, confirm user requests, or convey status. It is a descriptive label rather than a formal linguistic category, used to analyze how device-mediated language shapes user interaction.

Origin and usage: The term has appeared in discussions of device language and interaction design since the 2010s, as voice-activated assistants and connected devices became widespread. It is not tied to a single platform and varies across brands, languages, and contexts.

Characteristics: Devicewords include wake phrases such as "Hey Siri" or "Okay Google," command keywords like "play," "pause," or "open," confirmation prompts like "Did you mean…?," feedback messages such as "Loading" or "Battery low," and status indicators like "Connected" or "Listening." They show variation by locale, accent, and user settings, and are shaped by design goals of clarity and brevity.

Functions and issues: These words guide interaction, reduce errors, and provide immediate feedback on device state. They raise concerns about privacy, accidental activation, and accessibility, particularly for non-native speakers or users with speech impairments.

See also: voice user interface, wake word, natural language processing, prompt engineering, human-computer interaction.