Glossary of Terms

Short for alternative text. This is a hidden description of an image used by screen readers for users with visual impairments. It’s a requirement for accessibility.

The little trail of links at the top of a page (e.g., Home > Resources > Housing) that helps users see where they are within the site’s hierarchy.

The building blocks of our design system (like Hero Banners, Cards, or Accordions). Instead of just using plain text, we use these component blocks to build engaging, structured layouts.

The high-level plan for what content we create, who it’s for, and how we keep it accurate over time. It’s the “Why” behind the “What.”

A structural draft that lists the headers, main points, and components for a page before the final copy is written.

A fancy word for the technical labels at the top of your content draft. It includes hidden data like the page URL (slug) and SEO info that readers don’t see but search engines need to index your page correctly.

Headings are more than just font sizes! They create a hierarchy that tells search engines and screen readers what the most important topics on the page are.

The structural map of your website. It’s how pages are grouped, labeled, and linked together to ensure users can navigate the site with ease.

The short summary (about two sentences) that appears under your link in search engine results. It acts as a preview to encourage users to click on your webpage.

The top-level page in a hierarchy that houses related sub-pages (e.g., About Us is the parent page to “Our Staff” and “Contact Information”).

A design approach that ensures your site looks and functions perfectly across all devices, from giant desktop monitors to smartphone screens.

The practice of organizing and writing content so that search engines like Google can easily find your site and show it to the right users.

The specific title that appears in search results and on the browser tab. It’s often slightly different from the page title to help with search rankings.

A visual diagram (like a family tree) that shows the hierarchy of every page on your site.

The part of the URL that comes after the domain (e.g., in studentlife.umich.edu/about-us, “about-us” is the slug).

Your final technical walkthrough. This is the scheduled time for you to test the utility of the new site and make sure the technical build meets your Unit’s needs before launch.

The overall feeling a user has when using your site. Our goal is a positive UX, meaning users find what they need quickly and without frustration.