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You are here: Home / Graphic Design / 50 essential UX terms you need to know, illustrated with…

50 essential UX terms you need to know, illustrated with…

July 18, 2024 by Douglas Bonneville

Introducing “UX for Cats”

Hey there, UX cat enthusiasts! Ever felt lost in the sea of UX jargon, or know someone who does? “UX for Cats” is just for you and it’s here to demystify the 50 most important UX terms in the industry. “UX for Cats” is going to help you memorize the definitions with entertaining illustrations, perfect for visual learners. Read and scroll as much as you like: most of the book is here, but the book experience is much better, much for fun, and even better for reinforcement learning! It’s also much less scrolling, as this web experience is a very, very, very long one. It’s almost as if this long-scroll version is designed intentionally to get you consider buying the print version. So, grab a cup of catnip tea and let’s dive in.

 

 

1. User Experience

User Experience, or UX, pertains to the entire experience a user has while interacting with a product or service, usually in relation to how easy or pleasurable it is to use. It includes aspects such as design, layout, text, and interaction elements. The concept of UX is end to end, reflecting a user’s overall perception of a product’s usability and ultimate worth. User Experience infographic illustration UX  
Get the whole 'UX for Cats' book
in print or epub. On sale now!

2. User Interface Design Principles

User Interface Design Principles are rules and guidelines, as part of an overall process, that designers follow to create user interfaces (UI) in software or computerized devices, with a focus on usability, aesthetics, and style. These principles guide the design of digital assets like websites and apps, ensuring they are intuitive and user-friendly. They provide guidance on managing user’s actions, also including how to display information, handling different screen sizes, and accessibility. User Interface Design Principles infographic illustration UX    

3. User-Centered Design

User-Centered Design refers to a design philosophy and process that places the needs, wants, desires, and even limitations of end users of a product at the forefront during each stage of the design process. This approach involves testing and refining the product over many cycles based on user feedback. The goal of User-Centered Design is to ensure that the final product is tailor-made to suit user needs. User-Centered Design infographic illustration UX    

4. Design Thinking

Design Thinking is an innovative, user-centric approach to problem-solving that involves understanding user needs, challenging assumptions, and redefining problems to identify alternative solutions not instantly apparent. This iterative process involves empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing stages, fostering a deep understanding of the user and the problem at hand. It’s a vital strategy in the business environment to drive innovative solutions and competitive advantage. Design Thinking infographic illustration UX    

5. Information Architecture

Information Architecture (IA) is the science of organizing and structuring information in products and services to support usability and findability. It involves creating a structured layout of information and defining how users interact with and navigate through a product. Good information architecture makes it easier for users to understand where they are in a system and where the information they want is located. Information Architecture infographic illustration UX    
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6. Usability Testing

Usability Testing is a method used in user-centered design that evaluates a product’s efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction by having real users interact with it. The process helps identify usability problems, gather qualitative and quantitative data, and gauge user satisfaction to enable product improvements. From a business perspective, usability testing can help minimize development costs, increase user satisfaction, and boost sales by making the product more user-friendly. Usability Testing infographic illustration UX    

7. Prototyping

Prototyping is the creation of a preliminary model or release of a product to test its functionality, design, and usability. It’s a critical stage in the design process, allowing for validation of ideas, identification of design flaws, and iterative improvements. In a business context, prototyping minimizes development costs and risks by allowing potential flaws to be addressed before the final product is built. Prototyping infographic illustration UX    

8. Wireframing

Wireframing is a process to create a simple sketch or layout of a webpage or app to illustrate the basic structure and components of a page. It’s used in the early stages of design to establish the basic structure of a page before visual design and content is added. It helps designers and clients visualize the layout, navigation, and overall function of a site or app without having to worry about a specific design or style too early in the process. Wireframing infographic illustration UX    

9. Cognitive Load

Cognitive Load refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In design, cognitive load is significant because if a user interface is too complex, it will overload the user’s mental capacity, making it difficult for the user to navigate the system. Designers aim to minimize cognitive load, or the “signal to noise” ratio, to make products more user-friendly. Cognitive Load infographic illustration UX    

10. Visual Design

Visual Design refers to the aesthetics of a product and how it improves user experience by organizing all the elements and data in a design in a way that is pleasing to the eye. It involves the use of colors, shapes, images, typography, and form to enhance usability and improve user experience. A well-designed product can guide users through a system and influence their feelings towards the product. Visual Design infographic illustration UX    
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11. Typography

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, understandable, and appealing when displayed. It involves the selection of typefaces, point size, line length, line-spacing, letter-spacing and other factors. Good typography can influence the reader’s mood, cognitive load, and perception of the content in a positive way that leads to a good user experience. Typography infographic illustration UX    

12. Color Theory

Color Theory is a set of principles used by designers to choose, combine, and apply colors. It’s a vital part of visual design, helping to communicate messages, evoke emotions, and guide users through an interface. Understanding color theory can help designers create visually pleasing and effective designs while also being inclusive of users who may have disabilities. Color Theory infographic illustration UX    

13. Mobile First

Mobile First Design is a design strategy that starts by designing for the smallest screen sizes and progressively enhancing the design for larger screens. The approach is based on the idea that it’s easier to scale a design up for a desktop than to simplify a desktop design for mobile. Mobile First Design ensures that the site is accessible and provides a good user experience on mobile devices, which are increasingly the primary device for internet access. Mobile First infographic illustration UX    

14. Responsive Design

Responsive Web Design is an approach to web design that makes web pages render well on a variety of devices and window or screen sizes by changing their layout and content. It aims to provide optimal viewing and interaction experience—easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices. This approach is essential in a time when mobile devices are commonly used as many user’s primary access to the web. Responsive Design infographic illustration UX    

15. Agile Development

Agile Development is a methodology for software development that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, customer satisfaction, and rapid delivery that demonstrates value as early in the process as possible. It involves regular reflection and adjustment in response to changes and customer feedback through the design and development processes. This approach allows for a more flexible and adaptive development process as opposed to traditional “waterfall” approaches that make dealing with changes much harder. Agile Development infographic illustration UX    
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16. Iterative Design

Iterative Design is a design approach that involves a cyclical process of prototyping, testing, analyzing, and refining a product, with the aim of learning and enhancing the product through each cycle. This method allows for the incorporation of user feedback into the design process continuously as it comes up. Iterative Design can result in a better product fit, reduced development costs, and increased customer satisfaction by allowing continuous improvement and alignment with customer needs. Iterative Design infographic illustration UX    

17. Lean UX

Lean UX is a design philosophy that seeks to streamline the UX design process by minimizing extensive documentation and maximizing focus on creating the user experience. This methodology encourages quick, iterative design cycles, emphasizing user feedback and making adjustments accordingly. Lean UX facilitates faster time to market, reduces waste, and ensures a stronger alignment with user needs than other methods that value process over the customer. Lean UX infographic illustration UX    

18. Design System

A Design System is a collection of standards, components, and principles that are used to guide the creation and iteration of a product. It includes style guides, patterns, code components, and other elements that help designers ensure consistency across different parts of a product. By adhering to a Design System, designers can create more consistent, cohesive products quickly, as it significantly reduces the guesswork associated with design choices that would otherwise require arbitrary consideration. Design System infographic illustration UX    

19. User Persona

A User Persona is a fictional character created to represent a user type that will use a site, brand, or product in a particular way. This character is based on research and includes details like demographics, behavior patterns, motivations, and goals. Designers use personas to try to predict how potential users will interact with a product, and tailor their design solutions for them. User Persona infographic illustration UX    

20. User Journey

A User Journey is a series of steps that represent a user’s interactions with a product. It visualizes a user’s path through a product, from initial contact through the process of engagement and into a long-term relationship. Understanding the user journey can help designers create a product that meets user needs and expectations. User Journey infographic illustration UX    
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21. User Flow

User Flow is a visual representation of the path a user follows through an interface to achieve a goal. It includes all the different paths and touchpoints a user interacts with. Understanding the user flow can help designers identify potential issues and improve the overall user experience. User Flow infographic illustration UX    

22. Accessibility

Accessibility in design refers to creating products, devices, services, or environments that are usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. It ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, have an equal opportunity to interact with and benefit from a product or service. Accessibility can lead to a larger user base and a more inclusive product. Accessibility infographic illustration UX    

23. User Feedback

User Feedback is information provided by users about their experience with a product or service. It can be collected through surveys, interviews, usability testing, and more. This feedback is crucial for understanding user needs, improving products, and enhancing the overall user experience. User Feedback infographic illustration UX    

24. User Interviews

User Interviews are a research method used in design to gain insights into users’ needs, behaviors, experiences, and motivations. They involve a structured conversation with users, where they are asked about their experiences and perspectives on the product or service. User Interviews help designers to understand their audience and create more effective designs. User Interviews infographic illustration UX    

25. User Surveys

User Surveys are a research tool used to gather feedback from users about a product or service. They are usually made up of a series of questions and can be conducted online, in-person, or over the phone. Surveys help to collect user opinions, understand user behavior, and improve the overall product based on the feedback received. User Surveys infographic illustration UX  
Get the whole 'UX for Cats' book
in print or epub. On sale now!

26. User Stories

User Stories are a tool used in Agile software development to capture a description of a software feature from an end-user perspective. They help the team understand the value of the feature and how it will be used. User Stories are typically written in the format: ‘As a [type of user], I want [an action] so that [a benefit or value]’. User Stories infographic illustration UX    

27. Task Analysis

Task Analysis is the process of breaking down a task into its smaller steps to understand how users perform it. It’s used to identify potential problems, understand user behavior, and design more effective and user-friendly products. Task Analysis can lead to more intuitive interfaces and improved user satisfaction. Task Analysis infographic illustration UX    

28. Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives. They help organizations track their progress and measure their performance against their goals. Understanding and tracking KPIs can help companies focus on what’s important and make better decisions. Key Performance Indicators infographic illustration UX    

29. A/B Testing

A/B testing is a method of comparing two versions of a webpage or other product to see which one performs better. It involves showing the two variants to similar visitors at the same time and comparing which variant drives more conversions. A/B testing can help designers and developers make more informed decisions and create more effective products. A/B Testing infographic illustration UX    

30. Consistency

Consistency in design refers to the uniformity of design elements and user experience across a product or platform. This includes maintaining uniformity in typography, color schemes, imagery, and interface responses to user interaction. From a business standpoint, design consistency enhances user learnability, usability, and trust, contributing to improved user satisfaction and brand perception. Consistency infographic illustration UX  
Get the whole 'UX for Cats' book
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31. Fidelity

In design, fidelity refers to the level of detail and functionality in a design representation, such as a prototype. Low-fidelity designs are more basic and focus on functionality and structure, while high-fidelity designs are more detailed and closely resemble the final product. Different levels of fidelity can be used at different stages of the design process to test and improve the design. Fidelity infographic illustration UX    

32. User Research

User Research is the process of understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations through observation techniques, task analysis, and other feedback methodologies. This understanding can help to create products that are more aligned with user needs and expectations. User Research is a crucial part of the design process that can lead to better products and higher user satisfaction. User Research infographic illustration UX    

33. Visual Hierarchy

Visual Hierarchy in design refers to the arrangement or presentation of elements in a way that implies importance. It guides the eye to move in a certain order or pattern, influencing the order in which information is perceived. Visual Hierarchy can make designs more understandable and can guide users to take desired actions. Visual Hierarchy infographic illustration UX    

34. Empathy

Empathy in design is the practice of understanding and sharing the feelings of users. It involves putting yourself in the user’s shoes to understand their experiences, needs, and perspectives. Designing with empathy can lead to more inclusive, user-friendly products that meet the needs of a wide range of users. Empathy infographic illustration UX    

35. User Engagement

User Engagement refers to the quality of the user’s interaction with a product or service. High engagement means the user finds the product valuable, easy to use, and enjoyable, leading to repeated use. User Engagement is a key metric for understanding the success of a product or service. User Engagement infographic illustration UX  
Get the whole 'UX for Cats' book
in print or epub. On sale now!

36. Error Prevention

Error Prevention in design refers to the techniques used to prevent user errors before they occur. This can include clear instructions, confirmation messages before critical actions, and intuitive design. Preventing errors can lead to a more user-friendly and efficient product, improving overall user satisfaction. Error Prevention infographic illustration UX    

37. Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping is a design process where prototypes are quickly created and tested for functionality, performance, and feedback. It’s a cycle of designing, prototyping, and testing, allowing for quick iterations based on feedback. Rapid Prototyping can save time and resources and lead to a better final product. Rapid Prototyping infographic illustration UX    

38. Usability Guidelines

Usability Guidelines are best practices that help design teams create products that are easy to use. They include principles such as consistency, simplicity, and clear communication. Following these guidelines can lead to more user-friendly products, higher user satisfaction, and potentially increased adoption rates. Usability Guidelines infographic illustration UX      

39. Content Strategy

Content Strategy involves planning, creating, delivering, and managing content. It’s about ensuring that the right content reaches the right user at the right time. A good content strategy can improve user engagement, increase conversions, and help build a strong brand. Content Strategy infographic illustration UX    

40. Interaction Design

Interaction Design, or IxD, is the design of the interaction between users and products. It involves creating intuitive and efficient interfaces that enable users to achieve their goals. Good Interaction Design can make a product easier to use, more enjoyable, and can lead to higher user satisfaction. Interaction Design infographic illustration UX  
Get the whole 'UX for Cats' book
in print or epub. On sale now!

41. Inclusive Design

Inclusive Design is the process of designing products that are accessible and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, gender, ability, or status. It aims to create products that do not exclude anyone and respects diversity among users. Inclusive Design can lead to more accessible products and a larger potential user base. Inclusive Design infographic illustration UX    

42. Navigation

Navigation refers to the design elements that guide users through a product, like a website or app. Good navigation helps users find the information they need quickly and easily. Effective navigation can improve the user experience and increase user satisfaction. Navigation infographic illustration UX    

43. Above/Below the Fold

Above the fold refers to the portion of a webpage that’s visible without scrolling, while below the fold is the portion that’s only visible once you scroll down. These terms come from newspaper design and are used in web design to help prioritize the placement of important content. Content above the fold is generally seen as more valuable because it’s the first thing users see. Above/Below the Fold infographic illustration UX    

44. Gamification

Gamification involves applying game design elements in non-game contexts, like a website or app. It’s used to motivate participation, engagement, and loyalty. Gamification can make an experience more enjoyable, can increase user engagement, and can lead to more user loyalty. Gamification infographic illustration UX    

45. Ethical Design

Ethical Design refers to the practice of designing products that respect the rights and wellbeing of users. It includes respecting user privacy, being transparent about data usage, and creating inclusive products. Ethical Design can build trust with users and protect the reputation of a company. Ethical Design infographic illustration UX  
Get the whole 'UX for Cats' book
in print or epub. On sale now!

46. Data-driven Design

Data-driven Design is a design approach that uses data collected from users to inform design decisions. This can include data on user behavior, preferences, and feedback. Data-driven Design can lead to more effective and user-friendly products, as design decisions are based on actual user data. Data-driven Design infographic illustration UX    

47. Conversion Rate

Conversion Rate is the percentage of users who complete a desired action on a website or app, like making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. It’s a key metric for measuring the success of a website or marketing campaign. A high conversion rate means a product or campaign is effective at getting users to take the desired action. Conversion Rate infographic illustration UX    

48. Click-through Rate (CTR)

Click-through Rate (CTR) is the ratio of users who click on a specific link to the number of total users who view a page, email, or advertisement. It’s a common metric used to measure the success of an online advertising campaign. A higher CTR indicates a more successful campaign. Click-through Rate infographic illustration UX    

49. Competitor Analysis

Competitor Analysis refers to the process of evaluating the products, strategies, and strengths and weaknesses of business rivals. It serves to understand the market landscape, identify opportunities, and inform strategic decisions. In a business context, Competitor Analysis can furnish valuable insights, enabling strategic positioning and better-informed business decisions. Competitor Analysis infographic illustration UX    

50. Information Visualization

Information Visualization is the use of visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps to represent information and data. It makes complex data understandable, and can help identify patterns, trends, and insights. Effective Information Visualization can make information more accessible, support decision-making, and improve understanding. Information Visualization infographic illustration UX  
Get the whole 'UX for Cats' book
in print or epub. On sale now!

Filed Under: Graphic Design

About Douglas Bonneville

Douglas has been a graphic designer since 1992, in addition to software developer and author. He is a member of Smashing Magazine's "Panel of Experts" and has contributed to over 100 articles. He is the author of "The Big Book of Font Combinations", loves cats, and plays guitar.

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Recent Inspirations

  • 50 essential UX terms you need to know, illustrated with… July 18, 2024
  • “UX for Cats”, the perfect fun little book for UX beginners May 22, 2024
  • User Research in UX January 1, 2024
  • Rapid Prototyping October 23, 2023
  • Error Prevention in UX October 23, 2023
  • User Engagement in UX October 23, 2023
  • Empathy in UX October 23, 2023
  • Visual Hierarchy in UX October 23, 2023
  • Fidelity in UX October 23, 2023
  • Consistency in UX October 23, 2023
  • A/B testing in UX October 23, 2023
  • Key Performance Indicators in UX October 23, 2023
  • Task Analysis in UX October 23, 2023
  • User Stories in UX October 23, 2023
  • User Surveys in UX October 23, 2023

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