Heuristic Evaluation
What is heuristic evaluation?
Heuristic evaluation is a method of evaluating the usability of a website or software application by having a small group of experts review it and identify any issues or problems based on established usability principles, or heuristics. The goal of heuristic evaluation is to identify usability issues that may be hindering the effectiveness or user-friendliness of the website or application.
How is heuristic evaluation conducted?
To conduct a heuristic evaluation, a group of usability experts, typically consisting of 3-5 individuals, are selected to review the website or application. The experts are provided with a list of heuristics, or usability principles, to use as a guide for identifying issues. These heuristics may be specific to the website or application being evaluated, or they may be more general principles that are applicable to most websites or applications.
During the evaluation, the experts independently review the website or application and take notes on any issues they identify. They may also provide recommendations for addressing these issues. Once the experts have completed their evaluations, the results are compiled and analyzed to identify any common issues or trends.
Why is heuristic evaluation important?
Heuristic evaluation is an effective way for companies to identify usability issues with their websites or applications and to prioritize the most critical issues for improvement. It can also help to ensure that the website or application is user-friendly and effective for its intended audience. By conducting heuristic evaluations early in the design process, companies can save time and money by identifying and fixing issues before the website or application is launched.