What Are Heuristics?
Heuristics refer to experience-based techniques for problem-solving, learning, and discovery. In design, they help evaluate usability without extensive testing.
Heuristic Evaluation Origins
Developed by Jakob Nielsen and Rolf Molich in the early 90s, heuristic evaluations have become a cornerstone of user interface design.
The 10 Usability Heuristics
Nielsen's heuristics include visibility of system status, match between system and real world, user control, consistency, error prevention, recognition over recall, flexibility, aesthetic design, help users recognize errors, and help and documentation.
Why Heuristics Matter
Heuristics enable quick and cost-effective feedback on user interfaces. They can reveal issues that even thorough testing might miss, given their grounding in human psychology.
Conducting an Evaluation
Usually, 3-5 evaluators independently examine the interface. They check conformity to heuristics, note issues, and suggest improvements. Results are then aggregated.
Benefits Over User Testing
Heuristic evaluations require no recruitment of users, making them faster and cheaper. They're especially useful in early development stages to steer design direction.
Limitations and Misconceptions
Heuristics aren't foolproof. They may not capture all user experience aspects, and evaluators' expertise heavily influences outcomes. They complement, rather than replace, user testing.
What is the role of heuristics in design?
For extensive testing
Evaluate usability economically
Design aesthetic improvement
Company
