A practical overview of the UX, user research, analytics, design, testing, AI, frontend, backend, and optimisation tools used across digital product work.
Observe
Understanding what users actually do, not what we think they do.
What I like to use
Google Analytics
Tracks how users actually move through a product, where they glossaryDrop-offDrop-off refers to users leaving a journey before completing a desired action or reaching the next step.Open glossary term→, and which paths glossaryLeadA lead is a potential customer who has shown interest in a product or service, typically by providing contact information or engaging with content.Open glossary term→ to glossaryConversionA conversion is any action a user takes that aligns with a defined goal, such as making a purchase, signing up, or completing a task.Open glossary term→. It’s the baseline for understanding behaviour at scale and spotting where things are breaking down.
Captures detailed user glossarySessionA session is a single period of user interaction with a product, from entry to exit within a defined timeframe.Open glossary term→ along with technical glossarySignalsSignals are data points or triggers that indicate changes in user behaviour, context, or external factors.Open glossary term→, making it easier to understand both glossaryBehaviourBehaviour refers to how users interact with a system, including actions, patterns, and responses.Open glossary term→ and underlying issues, especially in more complex products.
Adds a visual layer through glossarySession RecordingSession recording captures user interactions within a product for later analysis.Open glossary term→ and guideHeatmapsVisualising aggregated user interaction to see where people click, focus, and scroll on a page.Open guide→, making it easy to see confusion, hesitation, and glossaryFrictionFriction refers to anything that slows users down or makes it harder for them to complete a task. It can be caused by poor design, unnecessary steps, unclear messaging, or technical issues.Open glossary term→ in real user behaviour rather than guessing from data alone.
Event-based product analytics that helps break down journeys, glossaryFunnelA funnel represents the stages users go through from initial interaction to completing a goal, showing how many progress or drop off at each step.Open glossary term→, glossaryRetentionRetention measures how well a product keeps users over time by continuing to deliver value. It is a key indicator of product success and long-term viability.Open glossary term→, and glossarySegmentationDividing users into groups based on shared characteristics or behaviour.Open glossary term→ in more depth than standard reporting.
Combines guideHeatmapsVisualising aggregated user interaction to see where people click, focus, and scroll on a page.Open guide→, recordings, and glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→ tools into one place. Good for quickly validating glossaryBehaviourBehaviour refers to how users interact with a system, including actions, patterns, and responses.Open glossary term→ and getting a directional view of what users are doing.
Product analytics glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ built for understanding behavioural glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→ at scale, especially across journeys, cohorts, and glossaryFeatureA feature is a specific piece of functionality within a product that delivers value to users. It represents something users can do or experience as part of the overall product.Open glossary term→ usage.
Focuses on visual guideClick TrackingMeasuring clicks on specific elements to understand engagement, performance, and missed opportunities.Open guide→ and glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→, helping highlight what users are actually engaging with versus what was intended.
Combines glossarySession RecordingSession recording captures user interactions within a product for later analysis.Open glossary term→, glossaryEvent TrackingEvent tracking is the process of capturing specific user actions within a system for analysis.Open glossary term→, and guideFunnel AnalysisTracking how users move through a journey to identify drop-off points and conversion opportunities.Open guide→, making it a useful middle ground between analytics and visual behaviour tools.
Getting to the why behind glossaryBehaviourBehaviour refers to how users interact with a system, including actions, patterns, and responses.Open glossary term→, not just the numbers.
What I like to use
Typeform
Flexible survey tool that makes it easy to collect structured glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→ without creating glossaryFrictionFriction refers to anything that slows users down or makes it harder for them to complete a task. It can be caused by poor design, unnecessary steps, unclear messaging, or technical issues.Open glossary term→ for users, especially in live products.
Helps organise and analyse glossaryQualitative ResearchQualitative research explores user behaviours, motivations, and experiences through non-numerical data.Open glossary term→, making it easier to turn interviews and glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→ into clear, usable glossaryInsightAn insight is a meaningful understanding that explains why something is happening and what it means.Open glossary term→.
More traditional survey glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→, suited for larger-scale glossaryQuantitative ResearchQuantitative research focuses on numerical data to measure behaviours and patterns.Open glossary term→ and more formal glossaryDataData is raw information collected and stored for analysis, processing, or decision-making.Open glossary term→ collection.
Enterprise serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service→ and survey glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ with strong glossaryCapabilityCapability refers to an organisation’s ability to perform a specific function or deliver a particular outcome.Open glossary term→ for large-scale feedback, segmentation, and analysis.
Useful for in-product glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→ and intercept guideSurveysCollecting structured feedback at scale to understand user attitudes, sentiment, and self-reported behaviour.Open guide→ as well as guideHeatmapsVisualising aggregated user interaction to see where people click, focus, and scroll on a page.Open guide→ and recordings, making it a practical bridge between behaviour and direct user input.
In-product serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service→ tool for guideSurveysCollecting structured feedback at scale to understand user attitudes, sentiment, and self-reported behaviour.Open guide→ and glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→ collection, useful when you need quick insight from live users in context.
Conversation intelligence glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ that helps teams analyse sales and support calls at scale to surface recurring themes and customer language.
Turning glossaryInsightAn insight is a meaningful understanding that explains why something is happening and what it means.Open glossary term→ into clear journeys and usable flows.
What I like to use
Figma
Used to design flows, wireframes, and glossaryPrototypeA prototype is an early version of a product used to test ideas, interactions, and concepts.Open glossary term→, turning glossaryInsightAn insight is a meaningful understanding that explains why something is happening and what it means.Open glossary term→ into something tangible that can be tested, refined, and shared.
Specialised tool for presenting glossaryUser FlowThe steps users take within a system to complete a task.Open glossary term→ clearly, making it easier to communicate journeys and glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→ to others.
Collaborative visual workspace for workshops, mapping, and team glossaryAlignmentAlignment is the shared understanding and agreement between teams, stakeholders, and objectives.Open glossary term→ across journeys, glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term→, and ideas.
More structured diagramming tool, often used for glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term→, glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term→, and technical flows that need glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term→ and consistency.
Practical diagramming tool for flows, glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term→, and structures when speed and glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term→ matter more than polish.
Designed for workshops and collaborative glossarySessionA session is a single period of user interaction with a product, from entry to exit within a defined timeframe.Open glossary term→, particularly useful for mapping journeys and aligning multiple glossaryStakeholderA stakeholder is any individual or group with an interest in a product, project, or outcome, including internal teams and external parties.Open glossary term→.
Powerful tool for building detailed flows and logic-heavy glossaryPrototypeA prototype is an early version of a product used to test ideas, interactions, and concepts.Open glossary term→, especially when glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→ need more depth.
Validating ideas before they become expensive mistakes.
What I like to use
Codex
Useful for quickly exploring implementation options, pressure-testing flows, and accelerating glossaryIterationIteration is the process of repeatedly improving a product through cycles of testing, feedback, and refinement.Open glossary term→ when ideas need to move from concept into working product.
Enables rapid testing of glossaryPrototypeA prototype is an early version of a product used to test ideas, interactions, and concepts.Open glossary term→ with clear metrics, helping validate ideas quickly without needing full glossaryUsabilityUsability is how easy and efficient it is for users to complete tasks within a product. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reducing effort so users can achieve their goals without confusion or friction.Open glossary term→glossarySessionA session is a single period of user interaction with a product, from entry to exit within a defined timeframe.Open glossary term→.
Useful for working through implementation detail, structuring technical thinking, and accelerating glossaryIterationIteration is the process of repeatedly improving a product through cycles of testing, feedback, and refinement.Open glossary term→ when product ideas need to be tested in code.
Supports moderated serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service→glossarySessionA session is a single period of user interaction with a product, from entry to exit within a defined timeframe.Open glossary term→, allowing deeper exploration through live glossaryObservationObservation is a research method where user behaviour is watched and analysed without interference.Open glossary term→ and follow-up questions.
Helpful for turning ideas into glossaryPrototypeA prototype is an early version of a product used to test ideas, interactions, and concepts.Open glossary term→ that can be tested quickly, shared easily, and refined before development effort increases.
Combines glossaryUnmoderated TestingUnmoderated testing is a usability testing method where users complete tasks independently without a facilitator.Open glossary term→ and interviews, offering flexibility depending on the type and depth of serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service→ needed.
Supports quick validation methods like first-click and guidePreference TestingComparing options with users to understand which they prefer and why before committing to a direction.Open guide→, useful for early-stage directional glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→.
Provides access to a broad user base and recorded glossarySessionA session is a single period of user interaction with a product, from entry to exit within a defined timeframe.Open glossary term→, making it easier to scale guideUsability TestingObserving users complete tasks to identify usability issues, friction, and barriers to success.Open guide→ and gather diverse glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→.
Improving glossaryPerformancePerformance refers to how quickly and efficiently a system responds to user actions and processes tasks.Open glossary term→ through continuous glossaryIterationIteration is the process of repeatedly improving a product through cycles of testing, feedback, and refinement.Open glossary term→.
What I like to use
Hotjar
Useful for spotting glossaryFrictionFriction refers to anything that slows users down or makes it harder for them to complete a task. It can be caused by poor design, unnecessary steps, unclear messaging, or technical issues.Open glossary term→, hesitation, and missed opportunities through recordings, guideHeatmapsVisualising aggregated user interaction to see where people click, focus, and scroll on a page.Open guide→, and on-page glossaryFeedbackFeedback is the system response that informs users about the result of their actions. It helps users understand what has happened and what to do next.Open glossary term→.
Experimentation glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ that supports guideA/B TestingComparing live variations with controlled experiments to identify which design or content change performs better.Open guide→ alongside behavioural glossaryInsightAn insight is a meaningful understanding that explains why something is happening and what it means.Open glossary term→, helping teams optimise with confidence.
Strong for event-based analysis, glossaryFunnelA funnel represents the stages users go through from initial interaction to completing a goal, showing how many progress or drop off at each step.Open glossary term→, and glossaryRetentionRetention measures how well a product keeps users over time by continuing to deliver value. It is a key indicator of product success and long-term viability.Open glossary term→glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→ when you need to understand where optimisation work will have the biggest impact.
Strong product analytics glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ for understanding glossaryBehaviourBehaviour refers to how users interact with a system, including actions, patterns, and responses.Open glossary term→, glossaryRetentionRetention measures how well a product keeps users over time by continuing to deliver value. It is a key indicator of product success and long-term viability.Open glossary term→, and journey performance when optimisation decisions need deeper evidence.
Enterprise experimentation glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ for testing, personalisation, and structured glossaryOptimisationOptimisation is the process of improving a product or journey to increase performance, usability, or conversion.Open glossary term→ when changes need stronger validation.
Privacy-focused testing glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→, often used where glossaryDataData is raw information collected and stored for analysis, processing, or decision-making.Open glossary term→ compliance and control are a priority.
Detailed glossarySession RecordingSession recording captures user interactions within a product for later analysis.Open glossary term→ and behavioural analysis tool that helps connect glossaryOptimisationOptimisation is the process of improving a product or journey to increase performance, usability, or conversion.Open glossary term→ opportunities to real user glossaryFrictionFriction refers to anything that slows users down or makes it harder for them to complete a task. It can be caused by poor design, unnecessary steps, unclear messaging, or technical issues.Open glossary term→.
Looking beyond the immediate problem. Drawing from glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→, references, and glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term→ that have already solved similar challenges.
What I like to use
Awwwards
Showcases high-end digital design and glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→. Useful for inspiration, but more importantly for understanding where expectations are heading.
A curated glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ of real product screens and flows, useful for quickly understanding how common glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→ are solved across different apps and glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→.
A collection of landing page designs that helps identify glossaryLayoutLayout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, determining how content is organised and presented. It influences readability, usability, and overall experience.Open glossary term→glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→, serviceInformation ArchitectureImprove navigation, content structure, and findability so users can understand where things are and how to move through them.Open service→, and visual approaches across industries.
More detailed case studies and design work, often showing glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term→ as well as final output. Good for deeper inspiration.
Well-curated gallery of modern website design, useful for spotting glossaryLayoutLayout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, determining how content is organised and presented. It influences readability, usability, and overall experience.Open glossary term→, glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→, and visual direction across industries.
Large collection of landing page references that helps with structure, content glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→, and visual approaches for glossaryConversionA conversion is any action a user takes that aligns with a defined goal, such as making a purchase, signing up, or completing a task.Open glossary term→-focused pages.
Useful for studying complete glossaryUser FlowThe steps users take within a system to complete a task.Open glossary term→ and screen sequences across real products rather than isolated single screens.
UI glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ and component glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ used to glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term→ consistent interfaces faster. These are less about design thinking and more about getting robust, repeatable UI into production without rebuilding everything from scratch.
What I like to use
MUI
Component glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ I use when speed, glossaryConsistencyConsistency is the use of uniform patterns, behaviours, and visual elements across a product to create familiarity and predictability. It helps users learn once and apply that knowledge throughout the experience.Open glossary term→, and glossaryScalabilityScalability is the ability of a system to handle increased demand without losing performance.Open glossary term→ matter. Strong for structured product work where you need reliable building blocks without losing too much flexibility.
Component-based glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ focused on speed and serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service→. Useful for quick glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term→, though I generally prefer the structure and flexibility of MUI.
Long-standing UI glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ that helps teams move quickly, especially for standard glossaryLayoutLayout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, determining how content is organised and presented. It influences readability, usability, and overall experience.Open glossary term→ and admin-style glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term→. Useful, but it can feel generic if it is not customised properly.
Comprehensive component glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ aimed at enterprise products. Strong for complex glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term→, though visually it can feel opinionated out of the box.
Utility-first glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ that gives more visual control at implementation level. Powerful in the right hands, but it needs discipline or things get messy fast.
The glossaryFrontendThe frontend is the part of a system that users interact with directly, including interfaces and visual elements.Open glossary term→ layer used to glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term→ the actual product experience. This is where structure, glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→, state, and performance come together in a working interface.
What I like to use
React
Core glossaryFrontendThe frontend is the part of a system that users interact with directly, including interfaces and visual elements.Open glossary term→glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ for building modular, reusable glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term→. Flexible enough for complex products and widely supported across modern stacks.
glossaryFrontendThe frontend is the part of a system that users interact with directly, including interfaces and visual elements.Open glossary term→glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ with a gentler learning curve and strong glossaryDeveloperA developer builds and maintains the technical implementation of a product.Open glossary term→ experience. A solid choice, especially for smaller teams or lighter applications.
glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ I use for building production-ready React applications with routing, structure, and glossaryPerformancePerformance refers to how quickly and efficiently a system responds to user actions and processes tasks.Open glossary term→ handled properly from the start.
glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ built on Vue that adds routing, structure, and application-level glossaryFeatureA feature is a specific piece of functionality within a product that delivers value to users. It represents something users can do or experience as part of the overall product.Open glossary term→ in a similar way to Next.js.
Lightweight glossaryFrontendThe frontend is the part of a system that users interact with directly, including interfaces and visual elements.Open glossary term→glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ that can produce very fast glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term→ with less code. Interesting, but not as common in larger product environments.
Full glossaryFrameworkA framework is a structured set of tools and conventions used to build applications more efficiently.Open glossary term→ with strong conventions and enterprise adoption. Powerful, but heavier than I would usually want for most product work.
The glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term→ and glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term→ that power the product behind the scenes. This is where glossaryDataData is raw information collected and stored for analysis, processing, or decision-making.Open glossary term→ is handled, logic runs, and integrations are managed to support the frontend experience.
What I like to use
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Core glossaryBackendThe backend is the part of a system that handles data processing, logic, and server-side operations.Open glossary term→glossaryEnvironmentA specific setup where software runs, such as development, staging, or production.Open glossary term→ for running glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term→, handling data, and scaling applications. Reliable, flexible, and fits well with modern product architectures.
Used for running glossaryBackendThe backend is the part of a system that handles data processing, logic, and server-side operations.Open glossary term→ logic without managing servers. Ideal for handling events, glossaryAutomationAutomation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.Open glossary term→, and lightweight processing.
NoSQL database for storing and syncing glossaryDataData is raw information collected and stored for analysis, processing, or decision-making.Open glossary term→ in real time. Works well for products that need speed and flexibility without heavy schema glossaryConstraintsConstraints are limitations or restrictions that impact how a product or solution can be designed or built.Open glossary term→.
Open-source alternative to Firebase with a more structured, SQL-based approach. Useful when you want more control over your glossaryDataData is raw information collected and stored for analysis, processing, or decision-making.Open glossary term→.
glossaryBackendThe backend is the part of a system that handles data processing, logic, and server-side operations.Open glossary term→-as-a-glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term→glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ that simplifies authentication, databases, and hosting. Good for rapid builds, but can become limiting at scale.
Comprehensive glossaryCloudCloud refers to the delivery of computing services such as storage, processing, and networking over the internet.Open glossary term→glossaryPlatformA platform is a system or environment that enables users, services, or applications to interact, build, or operate.Open glossary term→ with a huge range of glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term→. Extremely powerful, but often more complex than needed for most product work.
Runtime for building glossaryBackendThe backend is the part of a system that handles data processing, logic, and server-side operations.Open glossary term→glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term→ using JavaScript. Flexible and widely used, especially in full-glossaryStackA stack is the combination of technologies used to build and run a system.Open glossary term→ JavaScript environments.
Lightweight glossaryBackendThe backend is the part of a system that handles data processing, logic, and server-side operations.Open glossary term→glossaryCapabilityCapability refers to an organisation’s ability to perform a specific function or deliver a particular outcome.Open glossary term→ alongside glossaryFrontendThe frontend is the part of a system that users interact with directly, including interfaces and visual elements.Open glossary term→ hosting. Useful for simpler use cases and tightly coupled frontend apps.
AI tools used directly in day-to-day work to generate content, explore ideas, and speed up decision-making. Focused on practical use, not experimentation for the sake of it.
What I like to use
ChatGPT
Used for generating product content, refining copy, structuring ideas, and speeding up thinking. Works best when guided properly rather than treated as a one-click solution.
Image generation tool integrated into broader glossaryWorkflowA workflow is a defined sequence of tasks or steps required to complete a process.Open glossary term→. Good for quick visuals, though less flexible than Midjourney for exploration.
Fast, serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service→-driven AI that pulls in real sources. Useful for getting up to speed quickly and validating assumptions without digging through multiple tabs.
Strong at structured thinking, longer-form content, and reasoning-heavy tasks. Useful when glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term→ and depth matter more than speed.
Google’s AI ecosystem, useful when working across documents, glossarySearchSearch is the functionality that allows users to find content or information by entering queries. It relies on indexing, metadata, and relevance algorithms to return useful results.Open glossary term→, and integrated glossaryWorkflowA workflow is a defined sequence of tasks or steps required to complete a process.Open glossary term→.
Icon glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ used to support glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term→, glossaryWayfindingWayfinding is how users understand where they are, where they can go, and how to get there within a product or system. It relies on clear navigation cues, structure, and feedback to help users move confidently through an experience.Open glossary term→, and interface consistency. Icons should help users understand what something does, not make them stop and think.
What I like to use
Font Awesome
Massive icon glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ with broad coverage. Useful when you need range, though it can feel visually inconsistent depending on what you pick.
Simple, well-made icon collection used heavily in modern web products. A solid default, especially in Tailwind-based glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term→.
Google’s icon collection built around Material glossaryDesign PatternA standardised approach to solving recurring design challenges.Open glossary term→. Useful in the right glossaryContextThe surrounding conditions that shape behaviour and decisions.Open glossary term→, especially for more glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term→-led interfaces.
Material-aligned icon set packaged for MUI projects, useful when you want glossaryConsistencyConsistency is the use of uniform patterns, behaviours, and visual elements across a product to create familiarity and predictability. It helps users learn once and apply that knowledge throughout the experience.Open glossary term→ across glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term→ components and icons.
Clean, lightweight icon collection that works well in modern glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term→ without feeling overdesigned.
Font glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ and collections used to shape tone, glossaryHierarchyHierarchy is the organisation of elements to show importance and guide user attention.Open glossary term→, glossaryReadabilityHow easy content is to read and understand.Open glossary term→, and consistency. Typography is not decoration. It directly affects clarity and usability.
What I like to use
Google Fonts
The main font collection I use when I need flexible, web-friendly typography that is easy to implement and widely supported.
Useful as a typography reference point for seeing pairings, glossaryHierarchyHierarchy is the organisation of elements to show importance and guide user attention.Open glossary term→, and real-world usage rather than as a font source itself.
Reference glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ for seeing how typefaces are used in real projects, which is often more useful than browsing font lists in isolation.
Places worth reading when you want to sharpen judgement, not just collect more opinions. Good for grounding decisions in established thinking, glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→, and evidence.
Nielsen Norman Group
One of the most established UX reference points. Useful for serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service→-backed guidance on glossaryUsabilityUsability is how easy and efficient it is for users to complete tasks within a product. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reducing effort so users can achieve their goals without confusion or friction.Open glossary term→, glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→ patterns, and product decision-making.
Deep ecommerce serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service→ covering checkout, glossaryNavigationHow users move around a website or product.Open glossary term→, glossarySearchSearch is the functionality that allows users to find content or information by entering queries. It relies on indexing, metadata, and relevance algorithms to return useful results.Open glossary term→, filtering, and product pages. Particularly useful when conversion and usability overlap.
A strong example of practical, documented glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term→ standards. Helpful beyond public sector work because it is grounded in glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term→ and glossaryConsistencyConsistency is the use of uniform patterns, behaviours, and visual elements across a product to create familiarity and predictability. It helps users learn once and apply that knowledge throughout the experience.Open glossary term→.
A large design reference glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term→ for glossaryPatternA reusable solution to a common design problem.Open glossary term→, glossaryInteractionInteraction refers to any action a user takes within a product and how the system responds. It includes clicks, taps, gestures, and inputs that drive the user experience.Open glossary term→ states, components, and accessibility considerations across digital products.
Long-running publication covering UX, design, glossaryFrontendThe frontend is the part of a system that users interact with directly, including interfaces and visual elements.Open glossary term→, serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service→, and product thinking with a more practical editorial angle.
Still one of the better archives for thoughtful writing on digital design, content, structure, serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service→, and glossaryFrontendThe frontend is the part of a system that users interact with directly, including interfaces and visual elements.Open glossary term→ craft.
UX, research and product leadership for teams tackling complex digital services. The work usually starts where things have become harder than they need to be: unclear journeys, inconsistent products, competing priorities, or teams trying to move forward without a clear direction. I help simplify the problem, shape the right next step, and turn complexity into something people can actually use.
I had a fantastic experience working with Andy. One of his most impressive achievements during our time at NHS HEE was masterminding a deeply complex information architecture for a new platform that brought together a large number of legacy websites.