HeuristicEvaluation

A **heuristic evaluation** is an evaluation method used interface design in order to detect usability problems within the interface, and improvements can be made. They are accomplished using a small number of examiners (one to three people). Each examiner independently inspect the user interface and evaluate whether it has been designed appropriately in terms of usability principles/heuristics, bringing about a list of potential usability problems. Most often these inspections are done using multiple scenarios of typical user tasks to see whether the intended user will run into any problems. The potential problem is then assigned to someone to realize a method of fixing it. The time it takes to complete an evaluation is dependant upon the complexity of the interface, the areas being reviewed, the seriousness of usability issues found throughout the review, and the knowledge of the examiner.

Benefits: • Quick and relatively inexpensive feedback for the interface designers, providing them with ideas for improvement. • Using these evaluations throughout the process can prevent extra work.

Resources:

“Heuristic Evaluation” __Usability Net__. 2006. 19 Jan 2008. < http://www.usabilitynet.org/tools/expertheuristic.htm>

“Heuristic Evaluation.” __Wikipedia__. 26 Nov 2007. 19 Jan 2008. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heuristic_evaluation>

by Jacqui Hutchinson