Time sequencers and connectors

• We use time sequencers like first and then to show the order of actions in a project. Connectors like because, so, although, when, and while help us explain reasons, results, and unexpected moments in our design work.
• Connector / Sequencer
• Function
• Example
• First / Then
• Sequence of events
• First we built a wireframe, then we tested it.
• When / While
• Actions at a time
• When the app crashed, I was saving the file. While she was sketching ideas, he collected data.
• Because / So
• Reason and result
• The client rejected the old design because it was too slow, so we made a new one.
• Although
• Contrast
• Although the rating was low, the update was successful.
• Remember
• Use first for the starting action and then for the next step.
• Use when for a short action in the past simple and while for a longer action in the past continuous.
• Use because to give a reason and so to show the result.
• Use although to join two contrasting ideas in one sentence.
• Examples
• First we interviewed users in Seattle, then we created a prototype.
• While Mark was sketching ideas in London, Jessica collected data.
• The app crashed because there was a bug in the code.
• Although the agency was busy, they finished the wireframe.
• Common mistakes
• First we sketch ideas, then we build prototype.
• First we sketched ideas, then we built a prototype.
• The app crashed although it had a new feature.
• The app crashed because it had a bad bug.

Complete the sentences

• We interviewed users in Boston, (so) ____ we understood their problems.
• ___ (first) ____ we looked at the old design in Chicago.
• The team changed the plan (because) ____ the user feedback was negative.
• ___ (while) ____ Brian was testing the prototype, Sarah collected data.
• ___ (when) ____ the app crashed, Kevin was updating the wireframe.
• ___ (although) ____ the agency had little time, they delivered the final design.

Sources: photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels