Heuristics Evaluation

Heuristic evaluation is a technique to assess the usability of a digital product. It evaluates an interface on the basis on a set of 10 heuristics as defined by Nielsen Norman group. The idea is to find the usability issues so that they can be prioritized and solved as a part of iterative design process. This advantage of heuristic analysis is that it is less resource intensive as compared with an usability testing session with actual users and common usability issues can be found out through this technique.

10 usability heuristics

When should you use this

When resource is limited
Evaluate common usability issues of an UI
Find usability issues in an existing UI
Compare usability of UI’s
When you have a good understanding of the heuristics

When you should NOT use this

Evaluate whether UI solves business or user goals
Brainstorm design concepts
As a substitute for actual user research at the start of design process
When you don’t understand the heuristics are their purpose

Materials Needed

10 heuristics for usability
2 or more evaluators (Research has shown that 2 evaluators can generate up to 85% of the issues)
Computer and the interface/product that needs to be evaluated

Steps

The evaluators should find the usability issues independently.
Understand the heuristics and then evaluate the product based on these heuristics
Screenshot the issue and write the heuristics being violated. If possible suggest a solution for the issue.

Example of an analysis with probable solution (source)

Heuristic Analysis Example

At the end of the session, evaluators should cross check the issues to remove duplication
Compile all the issues in a report and then prioritize them based on severity and importance
Create a plan to iterate on the product to solve for the issues identified

Example of a report (source)

heuristic analysis report