UX Concepts

Question 1

Call to Action (CTA)

Answer 1

An element that prompts a user to carry out a desired activity.

i.e. “Subscribe”, “Send”, “Watch video”

Question 2

80/20 Rule

Answer 2

In large systems, a high percentage of effects come from a low percentage of costs.

i.e. “80% of errors are caused by 20% of code.”
“80% of time is spent using 20% of the product’s feature.”

Question 3

Affordance

Answer 3

The properties of an object which allow its function.

i.e. “A bottle screw cap affords twisting.”

Question 4

Aesthetic-Usability effect

Answer 4

A visually appealing design is perceived to be easier to use.

Question 5

Card sorting

Answer 5

A low-tech collaborative exercise used to categorize objects, plan workflows, or define system structure.

Question 6

Cognitive load

Answer 6

The burden on a person’s short term memory during complex tasks. Designer can reduce cognitive load by reducing unnecessary visual elements, building on information or models the user already knows, and performing tasks on their behalf wherever possible.

Question 7

Five Hat Racks

Answer 7

Information can be organize in five ways: by category, time, location, alphabet, and continuum/hierarchy.

Question 8

Fitt’s Law

Answer 8

The size and distance of a target affect the time required to move to it. The farther and smaller object is harder to reach than the larger and closer object.

Question 9

The Fold

Answer 9

A theoretical horizontal line, below which the content of a web page is not visible without scrolling.

Question 10

Flexibility-Usability Tradeoff

Answer 10

As flexibility increases, usability decreases.

Question 11

Fogg’s Behavior Model

Answer 11

Motivation, ability and a successful trigger are all necessary in a single moment, before an action will be carried out.

Question 12

Graceful Degradation

Answer 12

Building an application for modern browsers while ensuring it remains functional in older browsers.

Question 13

Hick’s Law

Answer 13

The time taken to make a decision increases as the number of options increases.

Question 14

Kano Model

Answer 14

A product development theory that classifies features into five areas to aid prioritization.

Question 15

Occam’s (or Ockhams’s) razor

Answer 15

When choosing between two equivalent options, the simplest should be selected.

Question 16

Progressive Enhancement

Answer 16

A design and development technique which delivers essential features regardless of browser capability, and advanced features where supported.

“An escalator can never break – it can only become stairs” - Mitch Hedberg

Question 17

Progressive Disclosure

Answer 17

A method for reducing complexity by showing only necessary or requested information.

i.e. “In UI to show the most used features and hide seldom used ones.”

Question 18

Reciprocity

Answer 18

Encouraging users to carry out an action by offering an incentive.

i.e. “Offering an e-book in exchange of their subscription.”

Question 19

Signal-to-Noise ratio

Answer 19

The ratio of relevant to irrelevant information visible in a display.

Question 20

Visual Weight

Answer 20

The ability of a region or element in a composition to draw attention, often through contrast or color.

Question 21

Kano Models’ feature

Answer 21

• Must-have features (the default features)
• One-dimensional features (excited when they are present and disappointed if not)
• Attractive features (unexpected)
• Indifferent features (users don’t care about)
• Reverse features (are divisive, excite some users but disappoints others)