Configurability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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configurability
[kənˌfɪɡjʊˈrɑːbɪlɪti ]
Definition
system design
Configurability refers to the ability of a system or product to be customized or configured to meet the specific needs and preferences of users. This trait is particularly important in software development, where applications must adapt to various workflows and user requirements. High configurability enables a better user experience and can lead to increased customer satisfaction as users are able to tailor functionalities to suit their unique situations. It often involves setting parameters, changing options, and modifying features without requiring substantial technical knowledge.
Synonyms
adaptability, customizability, flexibility.
Examples of usage
- The configurability of the software allowed us to adjust the user interface.
- In automotive design, configurability lets customers choose specifications for their vehicles.
- The configurability of the web application significantly enhanced its usability.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Technology
- Many software applications offer configurability to allow users to tailor experiences, like customizing display themes and toolbars.
- In computer hardware, configurability can mean the ability to add or remove parts, like upgrading RAM or storage to make a device faster.
- Cloud computing services are designed to offer high configurability, letting clients adjust resources according to their workload needs.
Psychology
- The concept of configurability connects to choice theory in psychology, which suggests that having options can increase satisfaction and user engagement.
- Users often perform better with configurable systems, indicating that when people feel they have control, their motivation tends to increase.
Education
- In educational technology, platforms offering configurability allow teachers to adapt tools to different learning styles, thus enhancing student engagement.
- Personalized learning systems, which can be configured to suit individual education paths, are becoming more popular in modern classrooms.
Business
- Many businesses emphasize configurability in their products to attract customers looking for customized solutions, leading to better market adaptability.
- Configurable products can create competitive advantages by allowing companies to quickly respond to changing consumer demands.
Design
- In graphic and web design, configurability allows designers to create adaptable layouts that function well across various devices and screen sizes.
- Behavioral design takes configurability into account for user interfaces to ensure a seamless interaction experience, enhancing overall user satisfaction.
Origin of 'configurability'
The term 'configurability' derives from the verb 'configure', which originates from the Latin word 'configurare', meaning 'to form, shape, or adjust'. The prefix 'con-' indicates a sense of togetherness or joint action, while 'figurare' means to shape. The emergence of computing in the late 20th century popularized the term, as technology began to allow users to personalize and set parameters for software applications. Over time, 'configurability' has evolved to encompass a wide range of products beyond software, including hardware and services, reflecting the growing demand for personalization in various fields. Its importance in customer satisfaction and product usability has made it a critical focus in design and engineering disciplines.
See also: configurable, configuration, configurationally, configure, reconfiguration, reconfigure.