fokusblending

Fokusblending is a term used in media theory and design to describe a method that intentionally combines tightly focused attention on a primary element with blended peripheral cues to provide context. The term is a neologism; it is not widely standardized and appears in certain design and cognitive science discussions, especially in Dutch- and English-language sources since the early 2020s.

Origin and concept: The word blends "fokus" (focus) with "blending," reflecting the aim to maintain high focus on a target while integrating surrounding information. The approach is framed as a cognitive and perceptual strategy rather than a single technique, applicable across interfaces, narratives, and pedagogy.

In practice: In user interfaces, fokusblending may use visual hierarchy, motion cues, and contextual overlays to keep the user's attention centered while keeping background information accessible. In education and media, it may involve structuring content so learners can concentrate on core tasks while receiving relevant context.

Reception and examples: The concept is relatively new and not widely formalized; discussions focus on potential benefits for engagement and comprehension, along with caveats about cognitive load and potential distraction. Critics urge clear definitions and empirical evaluation. No standardized metrics exist.