Digital Rhetoric is the art of using digital interfaces as a tool of communication. Thus, the digital interface itself can affect how people communicate with each other online or the style of rhetoric. But first let’s examine what even is this interface and what is its relationship to digital rhetoric?
What is UI?
The digital interfaces that I’m referring to are mainly UI, also known as user interface(s). A user interface serves to bridge the gap between a computer and the user of that computer. UI is designed with the goal of the user’s being able to access certain features. While most UI is developed with the same goal in mind it can differ slightly based on the computer/website/program/etc. that it is designed for. For example, the UI of TikTok and Google are designed with similar elements. Some elements include clickable buttons and search bars. But because one site is a video sharing app and the other is an internet browser the design and purpose of these elements differ.
The Relationship Between Digital Rhetoric and UI
User interfaces can be used as a tool of communication. That tool can differ based on what it was made for, so then, the digital rhetoric can change too. Based on the digital space you are communicating through your rhetoric might change to fit within the digital space that the UI helps you navigate within.
Let’s say you are writing an essay. You want to post it on YouTube and on a blog. On a blog you can just post it in text form, maybe if you want your work to stand out more you add a thumbnail image– after all, imagery is an important tool of communication in the digital realm. But if you want to upload your essay to YouTube you’ll probably adapt it into a video essay. You’ll implement not just accompanying imagery, a use of audio narration, and editing to communicate the content of your work effectively.
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