design trade-off

the situation in which one attribute of a system or product is made less usable because another attribute has been given priority. An example is the child-resistant safety cap. The press-and-turn requirement may be frustrating at times, but its purpose of preventing a child’s easy access to, and accidental ingestion of, harmful substances is considered to be a greater benefit.

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Psychology term of the day

January 3rd 2025

unipolar disorder

persistent or pervasive depression that does not involve a manic episode, a hypomanic episode, or a mixed episode. As such, it contrasts with bipolar disorder. The term is sometimes used synonymously with major depressive disorder. Also called unipolar depression.