What are Usability Heuristics?
Usability heuristics are principles used to evaluate the usability of a user interface. They serve as general guidelines to assist designers and developers in creating user-friendly software. In the context of usability testing, these heuristics aid in identifying potential usability issues before the software reaches the end-users.
The most commonly referenced set of usability heuristics was developed by Jakob Nielsen. His ten heuristics include guidelines such as:
- Visibility of System Status: Users should always be informed about what is going on through appropriate feedback.
- Match Between System and the Real World: The system should speak the users' language, using familiar concepts rather than technical jargon.
- User Control and Freedom: Users often choose system functions by mistake, and they need a clearly marked 'emergency exit' to leave the unwanted state without having to go through an extended process.
- Consistency and Standards: Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing.
- Error Prevention: It is better to design the system to prevent a problem from occurring in the first place.
By applying these heuristics, developers can conduct effective usability testing, ensuring the software is intuitive and efficient for users. This process ultimately leads to better user experiences and increased satisfaction.