Technical jargon translation
Technical terminology often creates barriers between developers, designers, and stakeholders. Good communication translates complex concepts into clear, accessible language with analogies that resonates with diverse team members. For example,"Responsive breakpoints = Screen size points where layouts change (like how a newspaper folds differently for different paper sizes)." Understanding your audience's technical background helps determine the appropriate level of detail and explanation needed.
When interacting with non-technical team members and stakeholders, instead of using specialized terms, focus on explaining the impact and purpose of technical decisions. This approach helps them understand trade-offs and make informed decisions without requiring deep technical knowledge. For example, instead of "The API has high latency," say "The system takes 3 seconds to load user data, making the experience feel slow. This could make users quit the app."
Pro Tip: Build a two-column glossary for commonly used technical jargon in your team — add technical terms in one column and plain-language explanations with examples in the other.