Glossary of UXR Terms Every Founder Should Know

User Experience Research (UXR)

User Experience Research (UXR) is the systematic study of users and their requirements, aimed at enhancing product design and usability. It involves various methods to gather insights about user behaviors, needs, and motivations through observation and feedback.

User Persona

A User Persona is a fictional character that represents a segment of your target audience. It is based on user research and helps teams understand user needs, experiences, and goals, guiding product development and marketing strategies.

Usability Testing is a technique used to evaluate a product by testing it with real users. Participants are asked to complete tasks while observers note any difficulties or confusion, providing valuable insights into how to improve the product's usability.

Wireframe

A Wireframe is a low-fidelity visual representation of a product's layout. It serves as a blueprint for the design, illustrating the structure and functionality of the interface without focusing on aesthetics.

Prototype

A Prototype is an early sample or model of a product used to test concepts and gather feedback. Prototypes can range from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity interactive models, allowing users to experience the product before it is fully developed.

Affinity Diagram

An Affinity Diagram is a tool used to organize ideas and insights into groups based on their natural relationships. This method helps teams synthesize research findings and identify patterns, making it easier to derive actionable insights.

Contextual Inquiry

Contextual Inquiry is a user research method that involves observing and interviewing users in their natural environment. This approach provides deep insights into user behaviors and workflows, helping to inform product design.

Card Sorting

Card Sorting is a technique used to understand how users categorize information. Participants organize topics into groups that make sense to them, which can inform the information architecture of a product.

Heuristic Evaluation

A Heuristic Evaluation is a usability inspection method where experts review a product against established usability principles (heuristics). This process identifies usability issues and provides recommendations for improvement.

Customer Journey Map

A Customer Journey Map is a visual representation of the steps a user takes to achieve a goal with a product. It highlights user interactions, emotions, and pain points, helping teams understand the overall user experience.