What term describes the guidelines that ensure the quality of software design?

The term that describes the guidelines ensuring the quality of software design is design principles. Design principles are foundational guidelines that help designers make informed decisions about the structure, aesthetics, and functionality of a product. They include concepts such as consistency, hierarchy, contrast, and balance, which aid in creating user-friendly interfaces that enhance the overall user experience.

Design principles inform the designer's thinking from the initial concept through to final implementation, ensuring that the design not only meets functional requirements but also provides a seamless and enjoyable experience for users. By adhering to these principles, designers can create more effective and cohesive products that resonate with users, offering usability and satisfaction.

In contrast, design patterns refer to reusable solutions or templates for common design problems but do not provide the overarching quality guidelines that principles do. Affordances are properties of objects that indicate how they can be used, while conventions refer to commonly accepted practices within a specific context or industry. While relevant to design in their own ways, they do not encompass the broader quality guidelines provided by design principles.