N'Ko Sigil Semantics

The N'Ko Inscription System uses 10 sigils as **operator markers**—single characters that encode both computational meaning and embodied experience. Each sigil is not arbitrary: it carries visual weight, semantic density, and gestural resonance. This document maps each sigil to its: - **Visual representation** — The character and its typographic qualities - **Semantic meaning** — What the sigil encodes conceptually - **UI affordance** — What interaction patterns it suggests - **Motion signature** — The gesture that invokes or embodies it | Aspect | Description | |--------|-------------| | **Visual** | Open curves settling into a point. The character suggests convergence—like streams meeting. | | **Semantic** | The trajectory is contracting. Variance is dropping. The system is settling into coherence. | | **Detects** | Dispersion decreased measurably within a time window | | **UI Affordance** | **Lock/Confirm** — Tap-and-hold to confirm selection. The action commits, stabilizes choice. Visual: elements contract toward touch point. | | **Motion Signature** | *Closing grip* — Fingers drawing inward, palm settling. Like grasping something precious. | | **Examples** | Coming to rest, focusing, completing a gesture, saving work, confirming navigation | | Aspect | Description | |--------|-------------| | **Visual** | Radiating strokes, energy moving outward. The character embodies expansion, reaching. | | **Semantic** | The trajectory is expanding, exploring more state space. Variance is rising. The system is opening. | | **Detects** | Spread/entropy increased within a time window | | **UI Affordance** | **Expand/Explore** — Pinch-outward to reveal options. The action opens possibility space. Visual: elements bloom from center. | | **Motion Signature** | *Opening hands* — Fingers spreading, palms lifting. Like releasing seeds to wind. | | **Examples** | Starting movement, searching, agitation, browsing, exploring menus | | Aspect | Description | |--------|-------------| | **Visual** | A pivot point, stroke changing direction decisively. The character marks a boundary crossed. | | **Semantic** | A boundary has been crossed. The trajectory moved from one basin to another. A change point. | | **Detects** | Discrete change point — curvature spike in z-trajectory | | **UI Affordance** | **Switch/Navigate** — Swipe to change context. The action crosses a threshold. Visual: content slides away, new content arrives. | | **Motion Signature** | *Quick swipe* — Decisive horizontal movement, the hand committing to direction. Like turning a page. | | **Examples** | Changing activity, switching context, phase boundary, screen transition, mode change |