User Interface: The platform of interaction between a user and a program or machine.
Graphical User Interface: Commonly referred to as a GUI (pronounced “Gooey”). A type of user
interface where user commands are represented visually through graphics and icons as opposed to text.
Raster Image vs Vector Image
Raster Image: An image composed of a series of cells referred to as pixels. JPEGs are a common
type of raster file. The resolution of raster images is measured in DPI (dots per inch).
Vector Image: An image composed of a series of mathematically defined coordinates. This type
of image does not have a resolution, and can be scaled infinitely without impacting the image’s
sharpness.
CAD/CADD: Computer Aided Design; Computer Aided Design & Drafting.
FEA, FEM: Finite Element Analysis, Finite Element Method. A method of dividing a complex calculation
into a series of simplified steps. Particularly relevant in Fab Labs as this type of analysis is often
embedded into design software, and geared toward non‐engineers.
Parametric Design: Similar to but not necessarily FEA. Basically, the use of mathematical inputs to
generate a variable response in a given system. For example, a modular system is composed of
repetitive modules, whereas a parametric system may start of as a series of modules, but after feeding
certain inputs into the system, each module will vary.
