Web projects in Travis County often involves using tech jargon. This glossary breaks down common terms, and acronyms during the overall website design and development process.
Accessibility
See Content content standards.
Alt text
Alternative text presented to blind screenreader users in place of images they cannot see. Every image that conveys content or has a function on your website should be given alternative text.
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The collection, measurement, analysis, and interpretation of data related to the performance and user behavior of a website or online platform. Web analytics tools provide insights into various metrics such as website traffic, user engagement, conversion rates, and other key performance indicators. Travis County relies on Silktide as the Silktide is Travis County’s preferred analytics platform.Silktide is an analytics tool used to assess and improve the quality, accessibility, and performance of websites. It provides insights into various aspects of web content, highlighting areas for enhancement to ensure a better user experience and compliance with standards.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. In the realm of AI, various tools and technologies contribute to creating intelligent systems.
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Accessibility: The degree to which a website or web application is designed and developed to be usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. This includes considerations for those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments, ensuring equal access to information and functionality.
Discoverability: In the context of search engine optimization (SEO), discoverability refers to the ability of a website or web page to be found and indexed by search engines. It involves optimizing content and technical elements to enhance visibility in search engine results pages
Findability: Findability relates to the ease with which users can locate specific information or content within a webpage. It involves organizing and presenting content in a way that allows users to quickly and intuitively locate what they are looking for.Usability: Usability
Understandability: In the context of digital content, understandability refers to the extent to which a website, application, or system can be used effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily by its intended users. clarity and simplicity of information, making it comprehensible to a diverse audience. Emphasizing plain language principles, content that is easily understandable ensures that a broad range of users can grasp the intended message without confusion or ambiguity. This approach promotes inclusivity and effective communication by prioritizing clear language and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Usability: Usability refers to the extent to which a website, application, or system can be used effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily by its intended users. A usable design focuses on providing a seamless and intuitive user experience, minimizing friction in tasks, and ensuring that users can navigate, interact, and accomplish goals with ease.
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Contextual navigation refers to a website or application design strategy that tailors the navigation experience based on the user's context, actions, or preferences. Instead of presenting a fixed navigation structure, contextual navigation dynamically adjusts to provide relevant and personalized options as users interact with the platform. This approach enhances user engagement by offering intuitive pathways, anticipating user needs, and streamlining the access to pertinent information or features. Contextual navigation is particularly valuable for creating user-centric experiences, optimizing usability, and improving overall satisfaction with digital interfaces.
Discoverability
See Content standards.
Domain hosting
Domain hosting refers to vendors that specialize in hosting domain names for individuals and companies. Domain names are used in URLs to identify particular web pages. Sometimes domain hosting and web hosting are used synonymously because vendors offer both services, but they are separate functions.
Domain name
A domain name is your website’s address that specifies where a browser should go to look for information on the internet. When you access a website through a web browser, the domain name is translated to an Internet Protocol (IP) address, which represents the server on which the website is hosted.
DNS
Domain Name Servers are the internet’s equivalent of a phone book or directory. They keep an updated list of domain names and translate them back into IP addresses. Although people find it easy to remember domain names, the internet is based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address.
Drop-down menu
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Design System
A design system is a comprehensive set of guidelines, components, and standards that establish a cohesive and consistent visual and functional language for digital products and experiences. It ensures uniformity in design, promotes efficiency in development, and enhances user experience.
USWDS (U.S. Web Design System): A design system developed by the U.S. government to provide a common visual language and set of tools for creating accessible, consistent, and user-centric digital experiences. USWDS supports federal agencies in building websites that are both visually cohesive and accessible to a diverse audience.
Discoverability
See content standards.
Domain hosting
Domain hosting refers to vendors that specialize in hosting domain names for individuals and companies. Domain names are used in URLs to identify particular web pages. Sometimes domain hosting and web hosting are used synonymously because vendors offer both services, but they are separate functions.
Domain name servers (DNS)
Domain Name Servers are the internet’s equivalent of a phone book or directory. They keep an updated list of domain names and translate them back into IP addresses. Although people find it easy to remember domain names, the internet is based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address.
Drop-down menu
Navigational menu with sub-menus or categories below it. When hovered over or clicked on, the sub-menus “drop down” to become visible to the user. This is sometimes referred to as a flyout menu.
Findability
See Content content standards.
Footer
Bottom section of a website that appears on every page of the website. A number of items can be displayed here, such as contact information, links to a social media feed, or a newsletter subscription form.
Grid
System of horizontal and vertical lines providing a structural basis for page layout and design which communicates order, economy, and consistency. The grid provides a common structure and flexibility for organizing content.
Hamburger menu
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Hamburger menu
Toggle navigation menu that is mainly used for mobile versions of website navigation as it compresses the navigation and expands when clicked. Called a hamburger because it is usually displayed with three horizontal lines that look like a hamburger.
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Page types refer to the different classifications or categories of web pages within a website, each serving a specific purpose. Templates are pre-designed layouts or frameworks used to maintain consistency and structure across pages of the same type. Together, they streamline the design and content creation process, ensuring a cohesive and standardized look and feel throughout the website.
Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance
PCI Compliance (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards established to protect sensitive payment card information during and after financial transactions. Organizations that handle credit card data must adhere to PCI Compliance requirements to ensure secure processing, storage, and transmission of payment information.
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PHP
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a file format used to present documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. PDFs maintain most of the formatting of documents, but measures must still be taken to ensure each PDF file is formatted with accessibility in mind.
PHP
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely used open-widely used open-source server-side scripting language. Primarily designed for web development, PHP is embedded within HTML code to execute server-side scripts. It is known for its versatility, ease of integration with databases, and support for creating dynamic and interactive web pages.
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The Plain Writing Act of 2010 is a U.S. federal law that requires federal government agencies to use clear and straightforward language in official documents, forms, and other communication. The goal is to enhance public understanding of government information, making it more accessible to a broader audience. Travis County applies the same standards.
Prototype
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Portable document format (PDF)
A portable document format (PDF) is a file format used to present documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. PDFs maintain most of the formatting of documents, but measures must still be taken to ensure each PDF file is formatted with accessibility in mind.
Prototype
Detailed representation of the final product. It simulates user interaction with the interface and allows the user to rate the content and interface and test the primary options for communication with the app. Interactions must be modeled in a way that closely mimic the final product
Responsive web design
Provides an optimal viewing experience across platforms and devices. The content and layout of a website should efficiently respond or adapt to the technology or type of device on which it is opened.
RSS
Also known as Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication, RSS is a standard that allows for the syndication of web content from an online publisher to Internet users. RSS feeds are typically used to publish frequently updated information, such as blog entries or news headlines.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Refers to helping search engines understand the information on a website in order to rank higher in organic search results. This includes having title tags, meta descriptions, and alt text for images on a website.
Search results
Pages that a search engine shows in response to a user’s search term. The order in which the resulting websites are listed are called rankings. Most users will not click beyond the second page of results, which is why ranking/appearing on the first few pages is of critical importance.
Section 508
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Rich site summary (RSS)
Also known as Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication, RSS is a standard that allows for the syndication of web content from an online publisher to Internet users. RSS feeds are typically used to publish frequently updated information, such as blog entries or news headlines.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Refers to helping search engines understand the information on a website in order to rank higher in organic search results. This includes having title tags, meta descriptions, and alt text for images on a website.
Search results
Pages that a search engine shows in response to a user’s search term. The order in which the resulting websites are listed are called rankings. Most users will not click beyond the second page of results, which is why ranking/appearing on the first few pages is of critical importance.
Section 508
Section 508 refers to a set of accessibility standards outlined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, specifically addressing the accessibility of electronic and information technology. Compliance with Section 508 ensures that digital content and technologies are accessible to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal access to government information and services.
Services
Services encompass a wide array of publicly funded initiatives, programs, and activities provided by the county to serve and benefit its constituents. These offerings span various sectors, including healthcare, public safety, community development, and more. The goal of Travis County services is to enhance the quality of life for residents, address community needs, and contribute to the overall well-being of the local population. The diverse range of services reflects the county's commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive community for all.
Side navigation
Section on the side of some or all web pages within a website. Displays information that may need to be accessed from all or certain pages on a site, such as a mailing list sign up form, related links, or a list of recent blog posts.
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Document that shows a global, hierarchical view of a website’s pages and content. This is usually one of the first steps in a website design as it is important to know what content is needed on a website before design begins.
Slider
Rotating banner of images that is usually placed on the homepage of a website in a slideshow format to highlight different content and include images or videodesign begins.
Slider
Rotating banner of images that is usually placed on the homepage of a website in a slideshow format to highlight different content and include images or video.
Taxonomy
Taxonomy refers to the hierarchical classification or categorization of content or information. In the digital context, it involves organizing data systematically, creating a structure that aids in content management and navigation. A well-defined taxonomy enhances the findability and accessibility of information, contributing to a more organized and user-friendly digital environment.
Template
Pre-designed HTML resource(s) that define the content structure for the layout and visual design of web pages.
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In the context of web development and project management, a ticket is a digital or physical record that represents a specific task, issue, or request. It is used to track and manage the progress of projects, facilitate communication among team members, and ensure accountability for assigned responsibilities.
Travis Central
Travis Central is the intranet site for Travis County staff. Serving as a private hub for internal communication and collaboration, and ensure accountability for assigned responsibilities.
Travis Central
Travis Central is the intranet site for Travis County staff. Serving as a private hub for internal communication and collaboration, Travis Central provides employees with resources, tools, and information necessary for efficient workflow and coordination within the organizationTravis Central provides employees with resources, tools, and information necessary for efficient workflow and coordination within the organization.
Understandability
See content standards.
Uniform resource locator (URL)
A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet. Comprising various components, including the protocol (such as "https://"), domain name, and path, URLs enable users to access specific web pages, documents, or resources by entering the address into a web browser.
Usability
See Content content standards.
User experience (UX)
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User research is a systematic process of understanding the behaviors, needs, and preferences of target audiences through various qualitative and quantitative methods including user research studies.
Study
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: A user research study is a structured investigation conducted to gather specific insights about users and their interactions with a product or service. It typically involves defining research goals, selecting appropriate methodologies, collecting data, and analyzing findings. User research studies aim to uncover user preferences, pain points, and behaviors, providing valuable input for designing and optimizing digital experiences.
WCAG
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of guidelines developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). WCAG provides standards and recommendations for creating accessible web content, making digital information and services more usable for people with disabilities.
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