UX Word of the Day: Qualitative Coding

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “qualitative coding”—don’t be intimidated. It has absolutely nothing to do with computer programming, and instead is the art of translating complex human experiences into meaningful, actionable ideas. You may not realize it, but you’re a natural-born qualitative coder! 

UX Word of the Day: Hypothesis Map

What’s a hypothesis map? How is it different from a customer journey map? A hypothesis map is based on internal stakeholders’ input and assumptions. A customer journey map is based on customer research.

UX Word of the Day: Mental Model

During a recent vacation at Universal Studios Orlando (which is actually 2 separate parks), I thought I had a mental model of how public lockers work. Universal Studios broke my mental model. Twice.

UX Word of the Day: Wayfinding

If you’ve ever been inside the Minneapolis skyway—the human-size hamster tunnel—you immediately understand the critical need for clear wayfinding. The skyway system is notoriously confusing. Each building owns their branch of the skyway system—so signage is terribly inconsistent or non-existent.

UX Word of the Day: Scroll Stopper

I love introducing the concept of “information scent” to non-UX designers. They almost always find the concept fun to say and empowering. Once non-designers understand the definition of information scent—the ability to use design and copy to pull users deeper into an experience—concerns about “the fold” and “number of clicks” quickly fade away.

What’s the Difference Between Usability, UX, CX, and Product?

In the world of experience design and research, the lines are easily blurred between usability and user experience as well as user experience and customer experience. But then where does product fit? And brand? I’ve seen others describe these relationships in concentric circles or Venn diagrams. I see them as a hierarchy.

UX Word of the Day: Cognitive Load

How many times have you run into a grocery store without a list—confident you will be able to remember everything you need—and then returned home missing one or more items? It’s not just you. It’s hard to keep several thoughts in our brains at the same time.

UX Word of the Day: Signifier

You probably don’t remember the first time you encountered a patio or sliding glass door. There was no knob to turn. No lever to push on. So how did you first learn to open this type of door? You looked for clues.

UX Word of the Day: Readability

Have you ever stood outside for a photo—facing the sun—and it was so bright you couldn’t look up at the camera? Your eyes watered or even hurt? Poor readability on the web is like looking into an overly bright sky. It can literally cause eye strain and eye fatigue.

UX Word of the Day: Chunking

Whenever you go to a baseball stadium or other sports arena, do you ever complain because the seats are broken up into sections? Sections make it easier and faster to find your seats. Imagine having to carry your hot dog and beer past 400 people who are already sitting in their seats.