In Ishizaki's model, each formal dimension of a design element must be considered fluid. For example, a text can be described as being 24 point, or flashing between black and gray every two seconds. As a consequence, it seems feasible to consider a text element which continuously changes without any breaks. However, since design solutions usually demand meaningful and intentional communication, we can visually break a continuous expression in a set of meaningful units. A method may or may not use particular values of formal dimensions and external information, in order to change a particular set of formal dimensions.
Duration describes how long it takes a phrase to occur.
A phrase generated as a sequence always produces the same result. A phrase can also be generated by an algorithm. Also, a phrase created by sequence or algorithm can be transformed into another phrase. Temporal form , or simply form, is an abstract concept that is used to describe a unit of the kinetic composition. While phrase and form are the structural entities that describe formal changes in kinetic messages, expression is a general term used to describe a meaningful message, which is usually a collection of temporal forms.