usability
Ease of operation
Usability is how easy something is to use—particularly software, websites, and designed objects.
Good usability means users can accomplish tasks efficiently without confusion or frustration.
The term is central to user experience design: We conducted usability testing before launch.
Usability considers learnability, error prevention, and satisfaction alongside basic functionality.
Known without reasoning
- affordancePerceived usability property
- self-explanatoryClear from its own terms
- discoverabilityEase of being located
- memorabilityEase of being recalled
onboarding · walkthrough · tutorial · tooltip · novice · recognition · familiarity · consistency
Clear and uncomplicated
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- uncomplicatedEasy to understand
- manageableAble to be controlled
- convenientEasy to use
practical · functional · uncluttered · minimal · clean · scannable · readable · concise
Brief sharp noise
- dragResistance through fluid
- hoverRemain suspended midair
- scrollWound document of parchment
- swipeQuick sliding motion
tap · touchscreen · keyboard · mouse · gesture · interface · feedback · responsive
Sequential task progression
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- automationSelf-operating system design
- speedRate of motion
- performanceCarrying out a task
productivity · acceleration · streamline · shortcuts · throughput · friction · bottleneck · clicks
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- rampSloped connecting surface
- screenreaderSoftware vocalizing on-screen text
- subtitlesOn-screen dialogue text
- inclusionBeing made part
ADA · inclusive · elevator · captioning · compliance · colorblind · magnification · accommodation
Assumed public identity
- interviewsFormal evaluative conversations
- ethnographySystematic study of peoples
- analyticsSystematic examination of datasets
- scenariosImagined sequences of events
facilitator · screener · demographics · stakeholder · think-aloud · prototype · wireframe · survey
Ease or soothing relief
- postureBody position, alignment
- workstationTechnical computing system
- adjustableAble to be changed
- footrestSupport for seated legs
Modification to individual preference
- scalabilityCapacity for growth
- configurabilityExtent of customization options
- adjustabilityCapacity for alteration
- personalizationTailoring to individual needs
modifiable · reconfigurable · preferences · settings · options · themes · localization · internationalization
intuitive
Known without reasoning
- affordancePerceived usability property
- self-explanatoryClear from its own terms
- discoverabilityEase of being located
memorability · onboarding · walkthrough · tutorial · tooltip · novice · recognition · familiarity · consistency · predictability
straightforward
Clear and uncomplicated
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- uncomplicatedEasy to understand
- manageableAble to be controlled
convenient · practical · functional · uncluttered · minimal · clean · scannable · readable · concise · focused
click
Brief sharp noise
swipe · tap · touchscreen · keyboard · mouse · gesture · interface · feedback · responsive · input
workflow
Sequential task progression
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- automationSelf-operating system design
- speedRate of motion
performance · productivity · acceleration · streamline · shortcuts · throughput · friction · bottleneck · clicks · steps
wheelchair
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- rampSloped connecting surface
- screenreaderSoftware vocalizing on-screen text
- subtitlesOn-screen dialogue text
inclusion · ADA · inclusive · elevator · captioning · compliance · colorblind · magnification · accommodation · adaptive
persona
Assumed public identity
- interviewsFormal evaluative conversations
- ethnographySystematic study of peoples
- analyticsSystematic examination of datasets
scenarios · facilitator · screener · demographics · stakeholder · think-aloud · prototype · wireframe · survey · observation
comfort
Ease or soothing relief
- postureBody position, alignment
- workstationTechnical computing system
- adjustableAble to be changed
customization
Modification to individual preference
- scalabilityCapacity for growth
- configurabilityExtent of customization options
- adjustabilityCapacity for alteration
personalization · modifiable · reconfigurable · preferences · settings · options · themes · localization · internationalization · cross-platform
- designdesign principles, functionality, emphasis, unity, graphic design
- product featuressize, color, durable, quality, material
- data qualitiesaccuracy, completeness, consistency, reliability, validity
- design conceptsBauhaus, modernism, minimalism, industrial design, product design
- design principlescontrast, proportion, symmetry, balance, composition
- ergonomic designergonomics, human factors, intuitive design, universal design, accessibility
usabilityunusability
Incapability of being employed
difficulty · inaccessibility · complexity · awkwardness · obtuseness
usabilityunusability
Incapability of being employed
inoperability · brokenness · dysfunction · defectiveness · nonfunctionality
useful, useless, using, usage, usable, usefulness, unusable, uselessness, uselessly