5 Minute UX

You'll learn to define the $100 Test as a rapid, low-cost validation method that prioritizes learning over perfection. By the end you'll be able to distinguish this technique from full-scale usability tests and MVPs, understanding its role in mitigating the 'build trap.' This lesson gives you a framework for applying strict financial and time constraints to verify core value propositions before si...

You'll learn to define concept mapping as a visualization technique that connects ideas via linking words to form propositions. By the end you'll be able to distinguish it from mind mapping and cognitive mapping to avoid common terminology errors. This lesson gives you a framework for using concept maps to reveal how users process complex problem spaces. Learning Objective: By the end of this less...

You'll learn to assess digital designs against the four core dimensions of accessibility: perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness. By the end you'll be able to distinguish signals of strong work from weak work and apply a four-tier severity framework to prioritize issues. This lesson gives you a framework for providing specific, constructive feedback that drives improvement...

You'll learn to facilitate a 2x2 matrix session to transform abstract data into actionable strategic quadrants. By the end you'll be able to define independent axes, plot 15-20 items using physical dot voting, and recover from common pitfalls like ambiguous axes or overcrowding. This lesson gives you a framework for leading teams to identify high-value opportunities and low-priority distractions i...

You'll learn to apply a systematic five-step framework for confident public speaking, moving beyond innate charisma to deliberate practice. By the end you'll be able to manage your physical state, structure your talk with clear transitions, and handle Q&A sessions with poise. This lesson gives you a recovery toolkit for common pitfalls like nervousness or technical failures. Learning Objective...

You'll learn to identify the three core ARIA attributes (Name, Role, Value) and their function in assistive technology. By the end you'll be able to distinguish when to use native HTML versus ARIA to avoid proposal deficiencies. This lesson gives you a framework for ensuring Section 508 compliance in federal IT acquisitions.

You'll learn to distinguish between technical failures and usability issues in unmoderated testing data. By the end you'll be able to apply a severity framework to categorize data validity problems. This lesson gives you a framework for providing actionable feedback that drives design iteration. Learning Objective: By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to evaluate unmoderated remote tes...

You'll learn to distinguish between diversity as varied user identities and inclusion as equitable access. By the end you'll be able to identify the specific problems exclusionary design solves, such as limited market reach and biased assumptions. This lesson gives you a framework for applying these concepts from the discovery phase through usability testing. Learning Objective: By the end of this...

You'll learn to navigate the six distinct phases of the Waterfall methodology, from planning to extension. By the end you'll be able to identify the specific inputs, outputs, and approval gates required for each stage. This lesson gives you a framework for managing linear projects where requirements are stable and formal sign-offs are critical. Learning Objective: By the end of this lesson, learne...

You'll learn to assess technical proposals against solicitation factors using FAR 15.304 standards. By the end you'll be able to document relative strengths, deficiencies, and risks to support transparent source selection decisions. This lesson gives you a framework for distinguishing strong quantitative evidence from weak, unsupported narratives. Learning Objective: By the end of this lesson, lea...

You'll learn to distinguish between accurate data entry and strategic content insights using specific evaluation dimensions. By the end you'll be able to apply a severity framework to categorize issues as critical, major, or minor. This lesson gives you a framework for providing actionable feedback that links directly to user research and business objectives. Learning Objective: By the end of this...

You'll learn to execute a triangulation strategy by combining qualitative and quantitative methods to validate high-stakes findings. By the end you'll be able to plan, collect, and integrate data from multiple sources while avoiding common pitfalls like confirmation bias. This lesson gives you a framework for resolving data conflicts and presenting robust evidence to stakeholders. Learning Objecti...

You'll learn to define user support and training as operational capabilities rather than static deliverables. By the end you'll be able to distinguish this concept from generic content creation using Lean UX and ContentOps frameworks. This lesson gives you a framework for integrating validated learning and ethical data practices into your design process. Learning Objective: By the end of this less...

You'll learn to reframe sales calls from transactional pitches to collaborative investigations. By the end you'll be able to execute a three-step process to identify client needs and co-create solutions. This lesson gives you a framework for listening for the 'shift' in client tone to establish yourself as a trusted resource. Learning Objective: By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to...

You'll learn to facilitate a two-phase storyboarding session that moves from rough group sketches to refined designer visuals. By the end you'll be able to prepare user contexts using personas and execute the collaborative sketching process without getting bogged down in early aesthetics. This lesson gives you a framework for aligning stakeholders on narrative flow before committing to detailed de...

You'll learn to break down complex product ideas into actionable user stories using a three-step process. By the end you'll be able to gather requirements, segment features, and prioritize the backlog for development. This lesson gives you a framework for adapting story detail to your project's methodology, ensuring you deliver value without unnecessary overhead. Learning Objective: By the end of...

You'll learn to evaluate the rigor of federal proposal assessments by checking adherence to solicitation factors. By the end you'll be able to distinguish strong documentation from weak artifacts using specific criteria for technical, past performance, and cost evaluations. This lesson gives you a framework for identifying common mistakes like improper cost realism application or undocumented rati...

You'll learn to assess tree testing outputs by distinguishing between minor confusion and critical task failure. By the end you'll be able to apply a severity framework to prioritize findings based on user impact. This lesson gives you a framework for providing actionable, evidence-based feedback that drives meaningful IA improvements. Learning Objective: By the end of this lesson, learners will b...

You'll learn to define User Experience (UX) design as the strategic synchronization of elements affecting user interaction, moving beyond aesthetics to data-informed influence. By the end you'll be able to distinguish UX from UI and SEO, understanding how cohesive design impacts both user perception and search engine rankings. This lesson gives you a framework for identifying when to apply UX prin...

You'll learn to classify social networking applications as hybrid task-based and brand presence sites. By the end you'll be able to distinguish them from static content sites based on user-generated content volume. This lesson gives you a framework for identifying when to prioritize network purpose and interaction support in your design strategy. Learning Objective: By the end of this lesson, lear...

You'll learn to align research depth with project phase constraints to prevent wasted effort on unvalidated assumptions. By the end, you'll be able to apply the four-step execution process, including doubling preparation time estimates and using low-fidelity prototypes. This lesson gives you a framework for validating hypotheses quickly while maintaining rigor in iterative design cycles. Learning...

You'll learn to bridge the gap between design vision and technical execution using a structured four-step process. By the end you'll be able to guide a project through development, testing, refinement, and deployment while maintaining design integrity. This lesson gives you a framework for active collaboration that prevents the erosion of user experience during coding. Learning Objective: By the e...

You'll learn to distinguish between poor usability and intentional manipulation in design reviews. By the end you'll be able to apply a severity framework to categorize user harm and provide actionable remediation feedback. This lesson gives you a structured method for assessing dark pattern artifacts with ethical precision. Learning Objective: By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to e...

You'll learn to shift from subjective opinion to objective assessment by measuring design artifacts against specific usability and strategic standards. By the end you'll be able to identify signals of strong versus weak work using attributes like accessibility, findability, and actionability. This lesson gives you a framework for distributing critique responsibility to foster shared ownership and...

You'll learn to plan and execute secondary research by defining goals, selecting methods, and outlining synthesis strategies before data collection. By the end you'll be able to structure a two-round research sequence that validates assumptions and drives design decisions. This lesson gives you a framework for avoiding common pitfalls like unfocused objectives or skipped validation rounds. Learnin...