An abbreviation for Portable Document Format. The PDF format was originally developed to share documents between different operating systems in the late 1980s. Any text document, image or page layout can be saved as a PDF file that includes all of the font information needed to display it without losing quality.
Typefaces that are used across large bodies of text like headlines. Text typefaces are generally more varied than body-text typefaces.
A term that means the smallest amount of work that can be done to move a project forward.
The meeting point where two lines cross.
A well-known cognitive psychologist's principle that says that the time it takes to make a decision varies logarithmically according to the number of choices. As more options are presented, more decision time is required due to the mental work of comparing and contrasting each potential option.
A collage consisting of images, colours and text that is assembled to convey an idea or theme.
A type of user interface design carefully crafted to trick people into doing things they might not want to do.
Layout is a defining characteristic of design. It dictates the positioning of content and design elements. Layouts can range from the simple, such as a four- or two-column layout, to more complex designs like grids with multiple hierarchy levels.
A small, non-preview image that accompanies a larger image. It provides an immediate sense of the content while not necessarily revealing it in its entire scope.
Contrast in design can be accomplished by placing two opposite colours adjacent to one another, creating a focal point within the design that dominates the composition.
The act of gathering qualitative data about a person's thoughts and feelings related to a product.