Let’s see how you did.

If you didn’t get all five correct, may we suggest you take a look at our upcoming two-part workshop, Intro to UX Design? In two Saturday mornings, you’ll learn the process and vocabulary of user experience design so you can speak knowledgeably about things happening at your company on the UX front.

1. What’s a heuristic analysis?

A heuristic analysis is an evaluation method in which one or more experts compare a digital product’s design to a list of predefined design principles (commonly referred to as heuristics) and identify where the product is not following those principles.

2. In UX, what does the term “affordance” mean?

Affordances give clues on how an object can be used to carry out an action. For instance, the slots on a vending machine are affordances, they show you that you can insert something, perhaps a coin in order to make a purchase. The possibility of inserting something into a slot, is its affordance. 

In the context of UX, affordances are used to help users know what they should do without having to use pictures, labels or instructions. A great example of affordances are buttons. Users know buttons can be pushed because they resemble the buttons they encounter and push in real life.

3. How is generative research different from evaluative?

Generative research is defined as a method of research that helps researchers develop a deeper understanding of users in order to find opportunities for solutions and innovation. Sometimes referred to as discovery or exploratory research, the goal is always the same.

Evaluative research is a research method used for assessing a specific problem to ensure usability and ground it in the wants, needs, and desires of real people. The goal of the evaluative research methodology is to test your recommended solution to see if it meets people’s needs, is easy to access and use, and is hopefully even enjoyable.

4. What is an “empty state” in a digital product?

Empty states are moments in a user’s experience with a product where there is nothing to display. Here are a few empty state examples:

• A new Dropbox screen where no files or folders have been created.

• The resulting screen after completing all tasks in a to-do list manager.

• Getting an error screen in Slack when a command isn’t supported.

• Starting a new social networking account and there are no connections.

• Searching for something in Gmail and getting no results.

5. When should you use a checkbox vs. a radio button?

Radio buttons are used when there is a list of two or more options that are mutually exclusive and the user must select exactly one choice. Checkboxes are used when there are lists of options and the user may select any number of choices, including zero, one, or several. In other words, each checkbox is independent of all other checkboxes in the list, so checking one box doesn't uncheck the others.