Heuristics & Guidelines
Heuristic evaluations help to identify usability problems systematically and efficiently - using proven rules and principles.
Definition
A heuristic is a general rule or rule of thumb for assessing suitability for use. It is not a fixed standard, but an experience-based guideline.
Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics (1994)
The most famous collection is by Jakob Nielsen:
- Visibility of the System Status → The system informs you what is happening
- Match Between System and the Real World → Metaphors, language, conventions
- User Control and Freedom → Undo functions, cancel
- Consistency and Standards → Same behavior with the same element
- Error Prevention → No error message if the error can be avoided
- Recognition Rather Than Recall → Options visible instead of memorized
- Flexibility and Efficiency of Use → Shortcuts, customization for experts
- Aesthetic and Minimalist Design → No superfluous information
- Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors → Clear, understandable error messages
- Help and Documentation → Help should be easy to find, task-related and specific
Further Heuristic Systems
🔹 Gerhardt-Powals’ Cognitive Engineering Principles
A cognitive-psychological alternative with a focus on information processing:
- Reduction of uncertainty
- Compatibility with mental models
- Consistent mapping
- Minimizing the memory load
- Promoting cognitive integration
🔹 BITV (Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance)
These German guidelines are based on WCAG and supplement heuristic procedures with legally binding requirements:
- Perceptibility
- Usability
- Comprehensibility
- Robustness
Hint
Heuristics are no substitute for usability tests - but they are an efficient method for the early detection of typical weaknesses.
Application in Practice
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Expert Review | UX experts evaluate an interface based on the heuristics |
| Multiple reviewers | Ideal: 3-5 people independently of each other |
| Cluster results | Prioritize recurring problems |
| Logging | Problem, heuristic violation, severity, recommendation |
Conclusion
Heuristics and guidelines are indispensable tools in the UX toolkit. They offer a quick, cost-effective way of identifying weak points in the design - especially in early development phases.
Take Home Message
Heuristic evaluation is no substitute for user feedback - but it is the best first step.
Last modified: 17 June 2025