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Heuristic Evaluation

Quickly catching obvious usability issues using established principles (Nielsen's 10 heuristics). Good before user testing to filter out clear problems first.

Use When
Evaluative / Usability
Time Needed
2-5 days, depending on the size of the product being reviewed.
Type
expert review
Category
Evaluative / Usability
Evaluative / Usability · Use when you have something to test.
Heuristic Evaluation
expert review
When to Use It

Where this fits in the process.

Early review, before user testing, to filter out clear problems using established principles.

Time Investment

How long it takes.

2-5 days, depending on the size of the product being reviewed.

What You'll Need

Before you start.

A reviewer trained in usability heuristics (such as Nielsen's 10) and access to the interface being evaluated.

What It's Good For

The kinds of answers you get.

Quickly catching obvious usability issues using established principles (Nielsen's 10 heuristics). Good before user testing to filter out clear problems first.

Watch Out For

Where it falls short.

Expert opinion, not user data. Can flag issues that are not real problems for actual users, and miss issues that are.

Template

Speed this method up with a ready-to-use Heuristic Evaluation Scorecard template.

Download Heuristic Evaluation Scorecard
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