Cracking the Code: How Google Semantris Can Make You Smarter
Part crossword puzzle, part mind-bending vocabulary quiz, and part existential crisis about how well you understand language
If you're a technical writer looking for an excuse to procrastinate productively, let me introduce you to Google Semantris. It's a delightful word association game from Google Research that feels part crossword puzzle, part mind-bending vocabulary quiz, and part existential crisis about how well you understand language.
Artificial intelligence powers it, meaning you are essentially training the robot overlords as you play. 🤖
What Is Google Semantris?
Google Semantris is powered by some awe-inspiring AI tech. The whole point is to type clues that will guide the AI in guessing the correct word. Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, two versions of the game can either send your ego soaring or leave you questioning your command of the English language:
Arcade Mode: This one's a fast-paced panic attack disguised as a game. Type clues quickly before the screen fills up with words — or doom.
Blocks Mode: A calmer, thinking-person's puzzle where you strategize to make related blocks disappear. It's less heart-pounding, but you'll still second-guess your entire vocabulary.
Both modes rely on Google's natural language processing (NLP) model, which can recognize patterns, meaning, and—most importantly—just how bad you are at giving useful clues.
Why Should Technical Writers Care?
Aside from being a fun way to kill time between Zoom meetings, Semantris can help technical writers think more critically about language.
If you've ever wondered why your carefully chosen keywords aren't quite landing, or your documentation feels written in Morse code, Semantris may provide some surprising insights.
By playing Semantris, you can:
develop a knack for word associations that make sense to machines (not just humans)
gain a new appreciation for how AI models can misinterpret what seems evident
realize that "obvious" is a word that means very different things to people and algorithms alike
How to Play and Learn
Visit the Game: Head over to Google Semantris.
Pick Your Poison: Choose Arcade if you thrive under pressure or Blocks if you'd rather win by overthinking.
Type Clever Clues: You aim to enter words that guide the AI in identifying a target word. The weirder, more specific, and yet somehow logical your clues are, the better you'll do.
Watch and Learn: Notice which clues fail and which baffle the AI. It's oddly humbling.
Bringing AI Insights to Technical Writing
Playing Semantris can sneakily turn you into a better tech writer. Who knew robots could teach humans so much about writing? By noticing how certain words trigger connections in the AI's "mind," you can improve your:
ability to write more straightforward headings and labels for improved findability
knack for writing instructions that don't leave readers scratching their heads
talent for creating keywords that match what people (and search engines) understand
In short, Semantris is a game that tricks you into learning something valuable — and has just enough chaos to make you forget you're being productive. So, try it if you're feeling brave (or want to see a robot misunderstand you in real-time).
Just don't be surprised if you end up arguing with the screen.
We've all been there. 🤠