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@mdigital
Created March 23, 2023 20:31
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Plain Language UX components

ChatGPT 4 session

I want to create a resource that shows consistent plain language descriptions for UX components of digital products. For example, the best plain language description for a modal and a fieldset. Can you give me this for common components such as these?

Of course! Here's a list of plain language descriptions for common UX components of digital products:

  • Modal: A pop-up window that appears on top of the main content, usually asking for user input or providing information. Users must interact with it or close it before returning to the main content.

  • Fieldset: A group of related input fields or options, often with a label indicating the overall purpose of the group. This helps users understand the context for the fields they're interacting with.

  • Dropdown menu: A list of options that appears when a user clicks or taps on a button or field. Users can select one of the options to perform an action or set a value.

  • Checkbox: A small square box that users can click or tap to toggle a setting on or off. Checkboxes are often used for selecting multiple options within a list.

  • Radio button: A small circular button that users can click or tap to select a single option from a list. When one radio button is selected, any previously selected button within the same group is deselected.

  • Slider: An interactive element that users can click and drag to adjust a value within a predefined range. This is often used for setting volume levels, brightness, or other continuous values.

  • Tooltip: A small, informational text box that appears when a user hovers over or focuses on an element. Tooltips provide additional information or guidance for using a specific feature.

  • Tab: A navigational element that users can click or tap to switch between different sections or views within the same interface, without leaving the current page.

  • Button: An interactive element that users can click or tap to perform an action, such as submitting a form or navigating to another page.

  • Text input: A field where users can enter text, such as their name, email address, or a message. Text inputs often have labels or placeholders to guide users on what information to provide.

  • Accordion: A collapsible content area that can be expanded or collapsed by clicking or tapping on its header. Accordions are often used to display multiple sections of content in a compact space.

  • Carousel: A rotating display of content, such as images or text, that users can navigate through by clicking or tapping on arrows or indicators. Carousels are often used for showcasing featured content or items in a visually engaging way.

  • Progress bar: A visual representation of a task's completion status, usually shown as a horizontal bar that fills up as the task progresses. Progress bars help users understand how much of a task has been completed and how much is remaining.

  • Pagination: A series of numbered links or buttons that allow users to navigate through a long list of items or content, typically divided into smaller chunks called "pages." Pagination helps make large amounts of content more manageable and user-friendly.

Robin Marshall Can you do the same again but make it feel more human and friendly? Not cheesy though, still professional. Sure! Here's a list of friendlier plain language descriptions for common UX components of digital products:

  • Modal: Think of this as a helpful pop-up that appears over your main screen, either giving you extra info or asking for your input. You'll need to interact with it or close it before getting back to what you were doing.

  • Fieldset: This is a cozy group of related input fields or options, gathered together under a meaningful label to help you understand what you're interacting with. It's like a helpful signpost for filling out forms.

  • Dropdown menu: Imagine a hidden list of choices that magically appears when you click or tap on a button or field. It's like a secret menu, just waiting for you to pick your favorite option.

  • Checkbox: These little square boxes are your trusty sidekicks for selecting multiple options in a list. Give them a click or tap to toggle each setting on or off.

  • Radio button: Picture a small circle that you can click or tap to choose a single option from a list. As soon as you select one, the others in the same group step aside to make room for your choice.

  • Slider: This handy control lets you smoothly adjust a value, like turning up the volume on your favorite song or brightening your screen. Just click and drag to find your perfect setting.

  • Tooltip: Imagine a friendly whisper of extra information or guidance that appears when you hover over or focus on an element. Tooltips are like little hints that help you make sense of a feature.

  • Tab: These trusty navigators let you switch between different sections or views without leaving the page. Just give them a click or tap, and they'll take you where you need to go.

  • Button: Buttons are like friendly little helpers, always ready to perform an action when you click or tap them. Whether it's submitting a form or taking you to another page, they've got your back.

  • Text input: These fields are waiting patiently for your words. Just type in the information they're asking for, and they'll hold onto it for you. Labels or placeholders are there to guide you on what to share.

  • Accordion: Picture a clever folding menu that lets you expand or collapse sections of content with a simple click or tap. Accordion menus help keep your screen tidy while still giving you access to all the info you need.

  • Carousel: Imagine a beautiful spinning display of images or text that you can navigate by clicking or tapping on arrows or indicators. It's like a showcase of the best and brightest content, just waiting for you to explore.

  • Progress bar: This visual buddy shows you how far along you are in a task, filling up as you make progress. It's like a reassuring pat on the back, letting you know you're getting closer to the finish line.

  • Pagination: Think of these numbered links or buttons as friendly guides helping you navigate through long lists of content, broken into smaller, more manageable pages. They're here to make your browsing experience a breeze.

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