Glossary

The false consensus effect is the phenomenon and tendency to overestimate the degree to which other people will agree with you, think like you, and behave like you.

Fintech, also known as financial technology, refers to new and emerging technology that enhances and simplifies the usage of financial services—typically through smart devices and by startup organizations. Think about the last time you deposited a paper check using your mobile banking app, split a bill with a friend using a digital wallet, or tracked your monthly expenses online. These all fit within the fintech space. While many of these services are geared toward consumers, fintech also aids organizations and entrepreneurs who rely on these technologies to automate tasks, manage accounting needs, and provide better user experiences.

A fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa diagram or cause and effect diagram, is a visual tool that illustrates the causes of an event. The goal is to find the root cause of an issue instead of implementing a surface-level resolution.

A simple usability test in which a participant is shown a webpage for five seconds and is then asked some simple questions.

A focus group is a set of participants researchers gather for qualitative research purposes to engage in a guided discussion about a predetermined topic.

Formative research is done early in the product development to help form the product’s shape and design.