UX For Dummies
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Glossary
- A/B testing: A technique used where two different variables are tested to see how each affects a users behavior. For example, two different types of navigation buttons may be used to see which button results in the most clicks. See also usability testing.
- abandonment rate: The rate at which an action is abandoned prior to completion (conversion). For example, if a typical conversion is purchase of a product, the rates at which users abandon or leave a journey prior to completing the purchase.
- accessibility testing: Testing for how easy to use a solution is for all types of users; generally, testing is designed to ensure a solution is accessible for all users, such as those who are visually impaired or deaf.
- agile methodology: A project management and software development process that is highly iterative, in which tasks occur concurrently and often without the completion of previous tasks. Generally, agile development is more nimble and faster (but not necessarily a better approach in all cases) than a waterfall approach, which assumes certain tasks are complete prior to engaging in subsequent tasks. See also waterfall methodology.
- analytics: The process of evaluating metrics, user research, and the overall performance of an experience to make recommendations for optimization. See also metrics.
- authentication: The process of confirming a users identity. For example, a user authenticates herself when she provides her credentials (username and password) to log into a user profile on a website. Authenticated users generally have a user profile stored in the experience.
- beta testing: Tests that occur after a prototype or beta version of the experience is complete. A beta is released for a group of users who are asked to complete a series of tasks (such as log into a screen), and then data and bugs are recorded.
- below the fold: A concept used in UX to indicate any information that falls under the visible area of a users browser basically, any information the user must scroll to see. Information above the fold generally has the highest priority because it is what a user sees first, requiring no interaction.
- brand guidelines: A set of documented standards for rules on how to represent a business corporate identity with visuals, text, and overall design within the UX. Guidelines often address logos, colors, typography, rules for voice and tone, and editorial conventions. For example, brand guidelines might specify which logos to use and where to place each within a page.
- browser testing: Testing how a digital UX renders on a particular browser or platform, such as how a website renders in Internet Explorer and Safari. Browser testing ensures that an experience renders appropriately across several different browsers and platforms.
- card sorting: An exercise conducted to see how users group and identify categories of information. This exercise is used to test how content should be organized for the purposes of designing taxonomy and navigation.
- channel: The various physical means through which an experience can be rendered, such as desktop, smartphone, tablet, in-store kiosk, and e-mail.
- cognitive overload: A point at which too much information is provided to a user to easily accomplish tasks or too many tasks are provided so the user cannot single out the most important for himself. Cognitive overload generally results in user frustration and abandonment.
- competitive benchmark: An evaluation of the competitive landscape to determine what competitors experiences offer. Competitive benchmarks uncover areas of opportunity, such as identifying functionality that can prove competitively differentiating as well as provide a baseline for what should be included within a future state experience.
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