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The curatorial dictionary · Glossary
What is

Ethnography.

The study of people in their natural environment through observation and interviews to understand their experiences and behaviors.

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— 01 / Definition

What is Ethnography?

The study of people in their natural environment through observation and interviews to understand their experiences and behaviors.

Across the Web Design Awards archive, this term recurs in jury notes, nominee reviews, and rubric evaluations. It shapes how craft is judged — from the first impression through to the details only a returning visitor notices. The award-winning work linked below shows the concept applied in practice, not just described in theory.

— 02 / Keep exploring

The vocabulary in practice.

Case studiesStudy recent winners

See how leading teams apply this concept across award-winning digital experiences.

View winners →CriteriaUnderstand our rubric

The criteria the editorial jury uses to evaluate craft, usability, and innovation.

Read the rubric →EditorialRead editorial insights

Dive deeper with stories and analysis from our editorial team.

Read the blog →
— 03 / Related terms

More from the glossary.

Heuristic Evaluation

A usability inspection method for identifying usability problems in a user interface design.

UI Kit

The measurement of where and how users look at a page or screen, used to assess visual attention.

Scrolling Patterns

The amount of mental effort required to operate a user interface, ideally minimized in good design.

Conversion Rate

The percentage of visitors who take the desired action.

Microinteractions

Small user interactions that enhance the user experience, like a button animation.

Sans Serif

A design pattern for user interfaces that presents information in cards (e.g., Pinterest).

— The dictionary

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Explore the full editorial index of UX, UI, accessibility, and front-end vocabulary behind the Web Design Awards archive.

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