A/B Testing
A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a method of comparing two or more variations of a webpage or feature to determine which one performs better in terms of user engagement, conversions, or other metrics.
Accessibility
Accessibility in design ensures that digital products and services are usable by people with disabilities, addressing issues such as visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
Agile
A project management and software development methodology that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development. In agile projects, outputs are typically released in cyclical phases called ‘iterations’.
Application (App)
An application is a software program that's designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program.
Application Programming Interface (API)
A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. You can think of APIs like restaurant wait staff bringing food to your table from the kitchen, your table is your own software application, the food is what you want (usually data) from elsewhere, and the kitchen is the software application.
Azure
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, including hosting, virtual machines, databases, and more, for building, deploying, and managing applications.
Backend
The backend is the hidden part of a website or application that manages data, processing, and server interactions. It includes the server, database, and application logic.
CDPS
Centre for Digital Public Services. Established by the Welsh Government to support the design and improvement of digital public services in Wales.
CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)
CI/CD is a software development practice that automates the integration, testing, and deployment of code changes, ensuring a more efficient and reliable development process.
Client
A PC, Laptop, tablet, mobile phone or other device that is capable of obtaining information and applications from a server.
Cloud
The ‘cloud’ refers to remote servers and data storage that’s accessible via the internet, enabling businesses and individuals to access and use computing resources without the need for physical infrastructure.
Content design
Content design involves crafting and structuring digital content to be clear, user-friendly, and engaging, considering the needs and preferences of the target audience.
Content Management System (CMS)
A CMS is a software platform that allows users to create, manage, and update digital content, making it easier to publish and maintain websites and applications.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CRM is a technology and strategy for managing interactions and relationships with customers, clients, or potential leads. It involves storing and analyzing customer data to improve communication, personalize interactions, and enhance customer satisfaction, often used in sales, marketing, and customer support.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity involves the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Data Centre
A facility that centralizes an organisation's IT operations and equipment for the purposes of storing, processing and disseminating data and applications. Because they house an organisation's most critical and proprietary assets, data centres are vital to the continuity of daily operations.
Database
A database is a structured collection of data that is organized and stored for efficient retrieval and manipulation, commonly used to store and manage information in applications.
Debugging
Debugging is the process of identifying and resolving issues or defects in software code to ensure it functions correctly.
DevOps
DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to streamline and automate the software development and delivery process, improving collaboration and deployment efficiency.
Firewall
A firewall is a network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, acting as a barrier between a trusted network and untrusted networks (like the internet).
Frontend
The frontend refers to the user interface of a website or application that users interact with directly. It involves designing and coding elements that users see and interact with.
Fullstack
Full stack development is work that requires expertise in both front-end and back-end development, capable of working on all aspects of a digital project.
Git
Git is a distributed version control system used by developers to track changes in code, collaborate with others, and manage software projects.
GitHub
GitHub is a web-based platform and version control system that enables developers to collaborate on code, manage software projects, and track changes. It provides features for code hosting, issue tracking, and collaborative development, making it a central hub for software development teams to work together and manage their code repositories.
Government Digital Service (GDS)
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is a unit within the UK government that focuses on transforming public services to be more accessible, user-centric, and efficient through digital technology. Established in 2011, the GDS works to improve the delivery of government services by implementing digital solutions, user experience design, and open standards across various departments, aiming to simplify and enhance the citizen's interaction with government services online. The GDS plays a pivotal role in driving digital innovation and promoting a user-first approach to government service delivery.
Hosted
This is effectively the same as running the application(s) on-premise except the servers are held within a data centre. This data centre could be shared or it could be a simple infrastructure located in the providers own facilities. Access is normally via VPN or published Desktop application using Terminal Services.
Information Architecture
Information architecture involves organizing and structuring content and data within a website or application to enhance usability and findability for users.
Infrastructure
‘Infrastructure’ encompasses the fundamental hardware and software components that support the operation of IT systems, including servers, networks, storage and more.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
An IDE is a software suite that provides tools for coding, debugging, testing, and project management in a single integrated environment.
Interaction Design
Interaction design focuses on designing the interactive elements and behaviors of a digital product to provide a seamless and engaging user experience.
Malware
Malware is malicious software designed to harm or compromise computer systems, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and Trojans.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication is a security process that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before gaining access to a system or application. This typically involves a combination of something the user knows (password), something the user has (security token), or something the user is (biometric data).
Network
A network is a system of interconnected devices and components that enable data communication and resource sharing, either locally or globally.
On-prem (on-premise)
IT Infrastructure installed and accessed whilst connected to the corporate network.
Persona
Personas are fictional characters or user profiles created to represent the typical traits, behaviors, and needs of different user groups, aiding in user-centered design and decision-making.
Prototype
A prototype is a working or non-working model of a digital product or service created for testing and evaluation, helping designers and stakeholders visualize the final product and gather user feedback.
Responsive Design
Responsive design is an approach to web design that ensures a website or application adapts and displays correctly on various devices and screen sizes, providing a consistent user experience.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Software delivered over the internet, usually on a subscription basis, allowing users to access and use applications without local installations. An example of this would be Microsoft Office 365, Advanced Financials, Mailchimp, G-Mail etc.
Server
A server is a computer or system that provides services, data, or resources to other devices or clients over a network, such as hosting websites or handling data storage.
Service Blueprint
A service blueprint is a visual representation of a service's components, processes, and interactions, helping to analyze and improve service design and delivery.
Service design
Service design is a multidisciplinary approach focussed on creating and improving services to enhance user experience, combining elements of user research, prototyping and user-centred design.
Single sign-on (SSO)
Single sign-on is an authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications or systems with a single set of login credentials. SSO enhances user convenience by eliminating the need to log in separately for each service.
Sprint
In the context of agile project management, a sprint is a time-boxed development cycle typically lasting 2-4 weeks during which a cross-functional team works on a defined set of tasks or user stories, aiming to produce a potentially shippable product increment.
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Structured Query Language is a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system, or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system. It's a common database language used in the backend to store data that can be connected to other data.
Switch
A network switch is a hardware device used to connect and manage data traffic between multiple devices on a local area network (LAN).
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is a subset of multi-factor authentication that specifically involves the use of two types of authentication methods to verify a user's identity. Common combinations include a password (something the user knows) and a temporary code sent to a mobile device (something the user has).
User experience (UX)
User experience refers to the overall interaction and satisfaction that users have when engaging with a product, service, or system. UX design focuses on creating experiences that are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for users, considering their needs and preferences throughout the design process.
User Flow
User flow represents the path users take through a website or application to achieve a specific goal, helping designers visualize the user journey and optimize the user experience.
User Interface (UI)
User Interface is the point of human-computer interaction and communication in a device. This can include display screens, keyboards, a mouse and the appearance of a desktop.
User Research
User research involves various methods, such as interviews, surveys, and observations, to gain insights into user behavior, needs, and preferences to inform the design process.
User Testing
User testing is a research method in which real users interact with a product, service, or prototype to evaluate its usability and functionality. Insights gathered from user testing help designers and developers identify issues, gather feedback, and make improvements to enhance the user experience.
User-centred design
The process of designing products or interfaces with a focus on providing a positive and user-friendly experience.
Waterfall
The Waterfall model is a traditional, sequential project management methodology where each phase of a project (requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance) must be completed before moving on to the next. It's characterized by its rigid, linear approach, with limited opportunities for feedback and changes once a phase is completed.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
WCAG is a set of internationally recognized standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure that digital content, such as websites and web applications, is accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines provide specific criteria for making web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. WCAG compliance is crucial for creating inclusive and accessible digital experiences.
Website development
Website development encompasses the entire process of creating and maintaining a website, including tasks like coding, designing, and content integration.
Wireframe
A wireframe is a simplified visual representation of a webpage or application's layout, illustrating the placement of elements without detailed design, used to plan and communicate the structure of a user interface.