Essential Terms — C05
The Hamilton and Alexandra College · Year 12 · 2026
A glossary of every term you need to recognise and use correctly across C05. Click a term to expand its definition. If you cannot define a term in your own words, you cannot use it with confidence when it counts.
flowchart TD
R["C05 vocabulary<br/>31 terms"]
R --> G0["Design tools<br/>7 terms"]
R --> G1["Design principles<br/>7 terms"]
R --> G2["UX characteristics<br/>4 terms"]
R --> G3["Usability and accessibility<br/>5 terms"]
R --> G4["Evaluation words<br/>6 terms"]
R --> G5["Thinking styles<br/>2 terms"]
Where the C05 vocabulary sits, and how much of it is in each group — the 6 sections below follow the same order. Revise the heavy groups first.
Design tools
Annotate
Add comments to a document or diagram.
Data dictionary (software design)
Used to plan storage structure; provides specifications of variables, arrays and GUI objects, with reference to data types, data structures and data sources.
Design ideas
Conceptual solutions or creative approaches intended to address a specific problem or requirement in a design process.
IPO chart
A tabular method of conceptualising how data is received, processed and returned, typically presented in a three-column table.
Mock-up
An annotated visual representation of the user interface of a software solution, used to aid in the design of an interface.
Object description
A design tool that describes all of the relevant properties, methods and events in an object or class.
Pseudocode
Code that designs algorithms in a clear, human-readable, language-independent format using Structured English.
Design principles
Alignment
A design principle concerned with how elements are positioned relative to each other and the page, improving clarity and readability.
Balance
A design principle concerned with the distribution of visual weight across an interface, contributing to attractiveness and usability.
Contrast
A design principle concerned with the difference between elements that makes them stand out from each other, essential for accessibility and readability.
Design principles
Principles that influence the appearance and functionality of a solution, including alignment, balance, contrast, space, text formatting, usability and navigation.
Navigation
A design principle concerned with how users move through software, directly impacting efficiency and usability.
Space (white space)
A design principle concerned with the empty areas between and around elements, improving clarity, readability and reducing cognitive load.
Text formatting
A design principle concerned with how text appears and is structured in an interface, enhancing readability and supporting accessibility.
UX characteristics
Affordance
The visual clues in an interface that tell users how they can interact with elements, making the software intuitive and self-explanatory through design.
Interoperability
The ability of software to work seamlessly with other systems, applications and devices, supporting efficiency by allowing smooth integration into existing workflows.
Usability
Ease of use to achieve specified goals in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction.
User experience (UX)
The overall experience a user has when interacting with software, influenced by factors including affordance, interoperability, security and usability.
Usability and accessibility
Accessibility
How easily the software can be used by those who experience disabilities.
Assistive technology
Any device or system that is designed for individuals who would otherwise find the task difficult or impossible.
Clarity
Ease of understanding.
Readability
The ease of understanding the text.
Universal design
Designing products that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
Evaluation words
Attractiveness
How pleasing something is to the viewer.
Communication of message
The process through which meaning is transferred.
Completeness
Nothing left out.
Effectiveness
Produces the expected result.
Efficiency
Economic use of resources with minimum waste.
Evaluation criteria
Rules set out during design that include effectiveness and efficiency criteria; based on the solution's requirements, which were defined during analysis.
Thinking styles
Convergent thinking
Involves coming up with a single, well-established answer to a problem.
Divergent thinking
Involves exploring many possible solutions using spontaneous, free-flowing techniques.
See also
- C05 home page — everything else for this criterion
- Efficiency vs Effectiveness — the full VCAA lists: exactly 3 efficiency factors and 11 effectiveness factors; only the ones this glossary defines appear above