Which term refers to established interface patterns commonly used in software design?

The term "Design Patterns" refers to established interface patterns commonly used in software design. These patterns serve as reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems within a given context in software interface design. They provide developers and designers with a template or guideline for how to tackle specific design challenges effectively, ensuring consistency, usability, and familiarity in user interfaces.

Design patterns can encompass a range of elements, including layouts, navigation structures, and user interaction methods. By applying these patterns, designers can create intuitive experiences that users can easily understand and utilize, as they leverage established understandings of user behavior and expectations. This practice not only enhances user satisfaction but also improves efficiency in the design process by serving as a reference point.

The other options, while relevant concepts in the realm of UX design, do not specifically refer to established patterns for software interfaces in the same way. Affordances relate to how the properties of an object suggest its functionality, design principles are foundational guidelines that inform the design process, and micro rules typically refer to minor controls or guidelines within user interface elements. None of these encapsulate the broader concept of design patterns as recognized frameworks in software design.