Ensuring that all electronic tools, documents, websites, and learning materials meet federal accessibility standards so individuals with disabilities can use them equally and independently.

A bridge that allows other software programs to automatically search, read, write, or sync articles and data without using the human website interface.

The methods that make self-service information easy to find, simple to read, and accurate enough to solve a problem so a user can help themselves.

A set of published guides and rules that show KB users how to add written text to video.

A plain text file format used to store tabular data like tables or spreadsheets.

The hands-on practice of managing, organizing, and maintaining content to ensure information remains accurate, trusted, and easy to find.

The process of gathering, converting, and indexing physical or digital files so content becomes searchable and readable within a centralized repository such as your KB Space.

An integrated media tool (such as a video or audio player) placed directly inside an article so users can view or listen to content without leaving the page.

Is a standard identifier attribute that uniquely identifies a person at a campus. At UW–Madison, an ePPN is always formatted as NetID@wisc.edu. It behaves the same as a campus NetID on local systems, but it is scoped so it can work globally. It is the preferred identifier for applications that interact with federated login systems (like SAML Federation, InCommon, or eduGAIN) because it guarantees uniqueness across different universities and worldwide institutions.

Is defined as a binary-encoded 2D raster data type image format that ordinarily uses the .gif extension. KB Authors can drag, copy, or upload non-animated .gif images directly into the text editor of their KB documentation.

A dedicated workspace for a campus unit, department, or IT group to create, store, manage, and collaborate on their own documents and share out or share in documents from other Group spaces.

The visual layout that lets users and authors interact with the system using buttons, icons, and menus instead of text commands.

The standard coding language used to structure content and give it meaning inside a knowledge base articles. It uses special markers called tags (like <p> for paragraphs or <h1> for headings) to tell the system and browser how to organize text, insert images, build tables, and create clickable links.

A clickable element in an article that lets users jump to related content, specific sections within the same page, or external web resources.

A JPEG is a graphic image file produced according to a standard from an ISO/IEC group of experts that develops and maintains standards for a suite of compression algorithms for computer image files. JPEGs usually have a .jpg or .jpeg file extension.

A monthly meeting of KB administrators and authors led by the central UW KB Team. Attendees often see unreleased new features first and give direct feedback to help guide decisions for the KB platform.

The main entry or home page that welcomes visitors and helps them find the guides or answers they need.

A secure software application that stores, generates, and organizes your login credentials in an encrypted digital vault.

A static document file that is stored, linked, converted, or embedded to supply information to users. KB Users can attach PDF files directly into digital articles so readers may view or download forms, manuals, and guides without leaving the page.

Clear, concise writing that lets users find information, understand it the first time, and use it to solve a problem.

UW-Madison KnowledgeBase, itself, is a web-based platform. It is a centralized, cloud-hosted software environment provided by the Division of Information Technology (DoIT).

An image format designed as an improved replacement for GIF. Like GIF, PNG uses lossless compression, meaning all image data is preserved when decompressed for viewing. PNG files typically use the .png extension.

The method your browser uses to load the page securely, typically https://.

A document that a user can find and read independently to solve a problem without talking to customer support

A document that is visible to its intended audience after approval and release.

An data summary that tracks how articles perform, how users interact with content, and how effectively the resource answers questions.

A design approach that automatically adjusts support articles, navigation menus, tables and search bars to fit any screen size or device.

A standardized web-based tool that allows campus developers to securely pull, share, or update KB data—such as technical help documents, user permissions, or site content—across external software applications.

Practices used to improve article visibility in search results. 

A command or page identifier that displays a complete list of all participating campus and institution partner sites sharing documents within the aggregate or unified system.

When applied, it returns only documents that have been shared by other groups, while filtering out any documents that are directly owned by the specific group whose KB site you are currently searching.

When applied, it returns only documents that have been shared by other groups, while filtering out any documents that are directly owned by the specific group whose KB site you are currently searching.

A digital, step-by-step guide that explains how to complete a specific, repeatable task correctly and consistently.

An authoritative person who creates, reviews, and updates accurate information on a specific subject for a KB space.

An XML-based file format used to describe two-dimensional vector images. It is typically used as a clean, sharp graphic format for UI icons, diagrams, logos, flowcharts, and technical illustrations. Unlike pixel-based formats (like PNG or JPEG), SVGs use mathematical formulas, points, and lines to render images.

A pre-built structural framework or document layout that guides authors on how to organize, format, and write support articles. Instead of starting with a blank page, document creators use templates so every article shares a uniform design, standard headings, and required metadata.

A specific category or collection of web-based documents, instructions, policies, and technical guides.

The written text version of an audio or video recording.

Designates how easily, quickly, and pleasantly a user can find, read, and apply the answers they need. It focuses on removing friction so people can solve their problems without contacting support.

A single archive file that bundles and compresses multiple files and folders together to save space and make sharing easier.