Terminology standards

Terminology standards ensure everyone uses the same words for the same concepts across your product. They eliminate confusion when teams debate whether to use "sign in" vs. "log in," "remove" vs. "delete," or "user" vs. "customer." Clear standards accelerate decision-making, get different teams on the same page when it comes to messaging, and create predictable experiences for users.

Effective terminology documentation includes:

• Preferred terms with clear definitions and usage contexts
• Terms to avoid and why
• Industry-specific glossaries for technical or specialized products
• Accessibility considerations (plain language alternatives for complex terms)
• Localization notes for terms that may not translate directly

Standards shine when integrated into workflows. Build terminology databases that can be referenced during content creation. Create onboarding materials that teach new team members your terminology choices. Additionally, regular audits can help catch terminology drift before inconsistencies multiply across your product.