HTKapp Logo

Communication grids

Communication grids are the heart of FST. Each one presents large, colorful, touch-friendly buttons. Tapping a button:

  • reads the label aloud (if sound is enabled);
  • triggers a vibration (if haptics are enabled);
  • outlines the selected button for a visual cue;
  • records the choice in the local history.

The labels and images of most buttons are customizable (see Customization), and their colors adapt to the color-blind themes (see Accessibility & themes).

Grids are opened from the main screen through the Grids button, bottom left, or via a long press on the message display area.

Yes / No

The simplest grid: two large stacked buttons.

  • Yes — green button (checkmark icon).
  • No — red button (cross icon).

Ideal for answering a closed question quickly and unambiguously. Both labels and their images are customizable.

Needs

A grid of four buttons (laid out 2 × 2) to express basic needs:

  • Drink (water drop icon)
  • Eat (cutlery icon)
  • Toilet (WC icon)
  • Rest (bed icon)

Each label and image can be customized to match the user's own cues.

Emotions

A grid of four buttons (2 × 2) to share one's state of mind:

  • Happy (smiling face icon)
  • Sad (rain icon)
  • Angry (flame icon)
  • Pain (bandage icon)

To rate the intensity of pain precisely, use the Pain scale (dedicated section).

Now / Later / Maybe

A vertical grid of three large buttons to express a time concept or a degree of certainty:

  • Now (clock icon)
  • Later (hourglass icon)
  • Maybe (question mark icon)

All three labels and their images are customizable.

Numbers (1 to 5)

A vertical grid of five buttons numbered 1 to 5. It is used to quantify (an amount, a duration, an intensity) or to make a direct choice among numbered options.

Like the other grids, each number is read aloud and logged in the history upon selection.