# STS - Semantic Transparency Score

- Artifact: PictoClarity metric reference
- Canonical HTML URL: https://pictoclarity.com/framework/metrics/sts/
- Markdown URL: https://pictoclarity.com/md/framework/metrics/sts/
- Language: en
- Category: Foundational metric

## Summary

A score for how directly a pictogram communicates the intended message.

## Definition

STS measures the directness of meaning between the visible pictogram and the intended user message.

## Formula Structure

`STS = transfer(visible_form, intended_message, context)`

This public formula describes structure, not private calibration.

## What It Reads

- Whether the visible referent points to the intended meaning without heavy explanation.
- Whether object recognition becomes action understanding.
- How much the pictogram depends on labels, placement, or learned convention.

## High Reading

A high STS means the pictogram expresses the intended message directly.

## Low Reading

A low STS means the intended message depends on support, convention, or surrounding context.

## Limits

- STS does not replace user interpretation testing.
- STS does not measure brand preference or visual taste.
- STS is evaluated against the submitted intended message, not every possible interpretation.

## Examples

- A literal emergency-exit pictogram can have high STS when the direction and action are visible.
- A floppy disk used for save can have lower STS because the object is recognized by some users but the action is learned.

## Related Metrics

- PCS
- CRI
- CLL
- NTR

## Citation Guidance

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