Cvent Survey

Gadget Helpline surveyed over 5,000 users and identified a Top 10 list technology words the British public finds most confusing. Surveys such as this one should show technology companies they need to speak the language of their target market and cut the "tehno-babble."

Here's the Top 10 list of confusing technology terms:


Peter Griffiths, campaign secretary for the Plain English Campaign, suggested two ways organizations can make it easier on consumers: change the name so it's easier to understand or if that's not a possibility add a glossary to your website.

It's not always a matter of everyone not grasping the language, it's also a matter of different organizations referring to the same technology with different names. Case in point: FireWire (Mac), i.Link (Sony) and Lynx (Texas Instruments). These three words mean exactly the same thing, but it's difficult for a consumer to follow.

Key takeaway from this survey report? Make sure to speak the same language as your consumers. With social media, it's easy to follow conversations consumers are having on blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Take advantage of these new tools to make sure you're messaging hits your target population. If you're target isn't on social media sites or isn't buzzing about your offering, consider conducting your own web survey to identity terms you're currently using that confuses consumers. What are some of the jargon you use that may be misunderstood by consumers?