screenende

Screenende is a term used in media studies and digital design to describe the terminal phase of a screen-based experience. It concerns how the final moments are presented—whether as a narrative ending, a credits sequence, or an end screen that invites further action—and how these choices affect audience reception and memory.

Etymology and usage: The word is a Dutch neologism formed from screen and einde (end), used to denote the “end of screen” experience. It appears in Dutch-language scholarship and is increasingly used in international discussions about storytelling and interface design on screens. The concept is cross-disciplinary, spanning film, television, streaming platforms, video games, and interactive media.

Applications: In film and television, screenende includes the last shot, the transition to black, and the layout of credits. In streaming and gaming, it encompasses end screens and wrap-up prompts, such as links to related content, options to replay, or to exit. In user interfaces, screenende can refer to the final state after an interaction, such as a confirmation screen or a closing message. The term helps distinguish the concluding moment from the preceding narrative or interactive sequence.

Impact and analysis: Researchers consider how end-screen design influences mood, interpretation, and post-viewing engagement. The timing, audiovisual cues, and interactivity of the ending can affect memory, perceived meaning, and the likelihood of continuing to engage with related content.

Notes: The term is not universally standardized, and usage varies by context. It overlaps with, but is distinct from, traditional notions of endings or end credits. Related concepts include ending, end credits, post-credits scenes, and end screens.