Match between system and the real world

Matching between the system and the real world refers to using language, interactions, and concepts familiar to users. People feel more comfortable and satisfied when the things they encounter are based on their prior knowledge and experience — it means they don’t have to learn interfaces. You can ensure this through:

• Language: Interfaces should use words and phrases that users understand without looking for their definitions or translations (in case an interface doesn’t support multiple languages). Simple language benefits everyone, including experts, international users, and people who use English as a second language (ESL).^[1]
• Appearance and interactions: Digital objects and interactions should mimic the real world. It demonstrates empathy and respect toward users. Designers should use universal icons, introduce interactions that users encounter in the real world (like flipping pages or pressing buttons), and position elements on a page where users expect them to be naturally.^[2]