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…
Bait and Switch is a deceptive dark pattern in UX where users are enticed by an appealing offer, feature, or price—the bait—but are ultimately presented with a less favorable or entirely different outcome—the switch. This tactic misleads users into taking…
Confirmshaming is a dark pattern in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design where users are manipulated into taking a desired action—typically by using guilt-inducing or emotionally charged language in opt-out options. This tactic shames users into compliance by…
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…
End-User Experience (EUX) refers to the overall perception, satisfaction, and emotional response a person has when interacting with a product, service, or system. It encompasses every touchpoint—from initial interaction to long-term use—and measures usability, accessibility, performance, aesthetics, and emotional engagement.…
Gestalt Principles (also known as the Laws of Gestalt or the Law of Simplicity) are perceptual rules that describe how people naturally organize visual elements into structured, unified wholes. Instead of seeing isolated parts, our brains group related elements, fill…
Holistic Understanding in User Experience (UX) refers to the comprehensive consideration of all elements that influence a user’s interaction with a product or service. This means looking beyond just the visual design or immediate usability and taking into account the…
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…
Marketing Optimization is the strategic process of refining marketing efforts—including campaigns, content, targeting, and budget use—to maximize performance and return on investment (ROI). In the context of User Experience (UX), it focuses on enhancing the digital touchpoints that influence customer…