“Well, can’t we just create a different layout for every device? That would be the best from a design perspective.”

English Lesson: Well, can’t we just create a different layout for every device? That would be the best from a design perspective.

You work at a company that builds applications for tablet computers. You and some of your employees are trying to figure out how to deal with all of the different sizes and shapes of tablets. You suggest designing separate versions for each one.

Well, can’t we just create a different layout for every device? That would be the best from a design perspective.

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from a (something) perspective

You can think about an idea in many ways. You can think about how much it costs, or how long it takes, or how beautiful it is. When you talk about an idea and want to explain how you're thinking about it, you use "from a ___ perspective" at the beginning or end of your sentence:

It makes sense from a business perspective, but for consumers it's not very easy to use.

just (do something)

You use this phrase when the action you're describing seems easy, simple, fast, unimportant, or unexciting:

I just googled "new york florist" and that was the first shop that came up, so I called them.

A: What did you do this weekend?

B: I just sat at home and watched T.V.

Well,

People use "Well," at the beginning of a sentence when answering a question. It shows that you're thinking about your answer.

There are other reasons for using "well". You can use it when you're unsure of what you're going to say. You make the word longer and pause before your next word when you're not sure. When you are sure but just want to show that you're thinking about your answer, say "well" quickly and then continue with your answer directly.

(electronic) devices

"Electronic devices" are machines that use batteries such as laptop computers, phones, tablets, portable video games, and so on.

You can also use the word "device" by itself to talk about any machine:

I saw this device on TV that chops tomatoes perfectly in just a few seconds.

But more and more, "device" by itself specifically means a mobile phone or tablet computer:

I heard that they're releasing a new device at the end of this month.

create a layout

A "layout" is a design for where things are going to go. You can make layouts for things like:

  • software applications
  • magazine pages
  • where pieces of furniture should go in a room

Can't we (do something)?

Use the phrase "Can't we ___?" to suggest a course of action:

A: This table is huge. I'm not sure how we're going to get it through the door.

B: Can't we take the legs off and carry it through in separate pieces?

design

"Design" is the skill and craft of creating things that look good and work well. There are lots of different kinds of design:

  • Graphic design is about making things like advertisements, book covers, posters, and so on.
  • Web design is about making web pages that look good and work well.
  • Industrial design is about making products that people use: lamps, car seats, food packaging, computer accesories, etc.
  • Interior design is about decorating a home or business.

Someone who designs things is called a "designer".