3.1.3
Unusual Words

Provide Definitions for Unusual Words

Ensure that definitions or explanations are available for technical terms, jargon, or unusual words used in content to help users understand them better.

Acceptance Criteria

• A clear mechanism is provided to access definitions for words or phrases that are used in an unusual way, including technical jargon, idioms, or specialized terms.

Examples

• A glossary link or tooltip appears when users hover over or click on technical terms like “API” or “UX.”

• An inline definition or a pop-up explains jargon like “cloud computing” when it is first introduced in the text.

Exceptions

• Definitions are not provided in cases where the information is accessible through a link or an external resource, such as at the bottom of the page.

Tips

• Use tooltips or modal windows to provide definitions without navigating away from the page.

• Ensure that definitions are easily accessible and do not interrupt the user’s reading flow.

How to test?

• Check that any specialized or unusual terms in the content have accessible definitions or explanations.

• Test interactive elements like tooltips or links to make sure they correctly display definitions.