The 5 Planes of UX—Strategy, Scope, Structure, Skeleton, and Surface—form a layered framework for user experience design. Conceptualized by Jesse James Garrett, these planes guide the design process from abstract goals to tangible interface decisions. Each plane builds on the…
Affinity Mapping, also known as an Affinity Diagram, is a visual, collaborative method used in UX to organize large volumes of qualitative data—such as user quotes, observations, and ideas—by grouping similar items into thematic clusters. This technique helps teams synthesize…
Contextual Inquiry is a qualitative user research method that combines observation with in-depth interviews in the user’s natural environment. It aims to understand user behaviors, workflows, motivations, and pain points in context, offering deep insights for user-centered design. Expanded Definition…
Empirical Validation is the process of confirming design decisions, theories, or models through direct observation, measurement, and analysis of real-world user behavior and performance. In UX, it ensures that product designs are grounded in actual user data rather than assumptions…
Feature Inspection is a usability evaluation method where individual features of a product or application are systematically assessed for their usability, functionality, and effectiveness within the context of end-user tasks. Rather than evaluating the entire system holistically, feature inspection focuses…
Information Architecture (IA) in User Experience (UX) is the practice of organizing, structuring, and labeling content in a way that makes information easy to find, navigate, and understand. It serves as the blueprint for a digital product’s content structure, helping…
Internationalization (i18n) is the process of designing and developing a product—such as a website, application, or software platform—so that it can be easily adapted for different languages, regions, and cultural preferences without requiring significant engineering changes. The term “i18n” is…
Iterative Refinement is the continuous process of revisiting, revising, and enhancing solutions based on feedback, data, or calculated residuals. In UX and numerical computing, this method ensures that designs, systems, or calculations evolve through successive improvements to achieve optimal results…
A Sitemap is a hierarchical visual or coded representation of the structure and content of a website or application. It illustrates how individual pages or screens are organized and interconnected, serving as both a planning tool for UX and a…
A Usability Audit, also known as a UX Audit, is a structured evaluation of a digital product’s interface—such as a website or app—to identify usability issues and suggest improvements. The goal is to ensure the product is easy to use,…