Research

Heuristic Evaluation Protocol

Heuristic evaluation spots usability problems fast using expert reviews. Evaluators check an interface against usability principles. This happens before user testing. This exercise teaches how to conduct solid heuristic reviews that find real issues.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
3-5
Category
Research
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:

  • Apply usability heuristics to evaluate interfaces.

  • Rate problem severity consistently.

  • Conduct independent, unbiased evaluations.

  • Combine findings from multiple evaluators.

  • Prioritize issues for fixing.

Participants will produce:

  • Heuristic evaluation findings.

  • Prioritized usability issues by severity.

  • Expert-identified improvements.

  • Reduced risk of launching with obvious problems.

Key Principles:

  • Independent evaluations prevent groupthink.

  • Consistent severity ratings are crucial.

  • Focus on problems, not personal preferences.

  • Distinguish heuristic violations from design disagreements.


Heuristic Refresher:

  • Visibility of system status

  • Match between system and the real world

  • User control and freedom

  • Consistency and standards

  • Error prevention

  • Recognition rather than recall

  • Flexibility and efficiency of use

  • Aesthetic and minimalist design

  • Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors

  • Help and documentation


  1. Preparation (20 minutes): Select a heuristic set (Nielsen's 10 or a custom one). Define the evaluation scope. Identify key user tasks. Prepare evaluation forms and severity scales.

  2. Individual Evaluation (45 minutes): Each evaluator reviews the interface alone. They document issues, noting location, heuristic violated, and a description. Rate severity: cosmetic, minor, major, or catastrophic. Note positive patterns too.

  3. Consolidation (30 minutes): Share findings without influencing each other at first. Combine issues from all evaluators. Merge duplicates and clarify differences. Confirm severity ratings as a group.

  4. Prioritization (15 minutes): Rank issues by severity and frequency. Identify quick wins and strategic fixes. Assign issues to responsible teams. Plan a timeline for fixing them.

  5. Reporting (10 minutes): Create a summary of findings. Document recommendations. Include screenshots and examples. Plan a follow-up evaluation.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

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  • Heuristic checklist (Nielsen's 10 or custom)

  • Severity rating scale

  • Evaluation template/form

  • Interface access (staging or production)

  • Screenshot/recording tools

  • Spreadsheet for consolidating findings

Unlock Materials Required

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