<!-- Generated from applied-computing-au vic/unit3-4/sat/C05-2026/C05-essential-terms.md by port-reference-godot-to-wiki.py — do not hand-edit; re-run the port. --> # 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. ```mermaid 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](/sd/C05/C05-home) — everything else for this criterion - [Efficiency vs Effectiveness](/sd/C04/Efficiency%20vs%20Effectiveness) — the full VCAA lists: exactly 3 efficiency factors and 11 effectiveness factors; only the ones this glossary defines appear above