Heuristic Evaluation

Heuristic evaluation is a form of usability inspection where usability specialists judge whether each element of a user interface follows a list of established usability heuristics. Expert evaluation is similar, but does not use specific heuristics. Usually two to three analysts evaluate the system with reference to established guidelines or principles, noting down their observations and often ranking them in order of severity. A heuristic or expert evaluation can be conducted at various stages of the development lifecycle, although it is preferable to have already performed some form of context analysis to help the experts focus on the circumstances of actual or intended product usage. The method will provide recommendations for design improvements. However, as the method relies on experts, the output will naturally emphasise interface functionality and design rather than the properties of the interaction between an actual user and the product. The seven heuristics that have been identified as important for identifying usability problems are (Preece, Rogers, and Sharp 2002):

• Internal consistency; the user should know that different phrases or actions means the same thing.
• Simple dialog; the dialog should be presented in terms familiar to the user and it should not be system-oriented. It should not include information that is irrelevant, unnecessary or rarely needed
• Shortcuts: The interface should accommodate both novice and expert users.
• Minimize the user’s memory load; the interface should not require users to remember information from one dialog to another.
• Preventing errors: The interface should prevent the user from errors
• Feedback; the user should keep the user information about what is happening
• Internal locus of control; the users should be able to leave an unwanted state within having to engage in an dialog with the system, an emergency exit.