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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is a heuristic in the UX context?

A heuristic is a general rule or rule of thumb for evaluating usability. It is based on experience and serves as a guideline, not as a fixed standard.

What known heuristics are there?

The best known collection is Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics, e.g. visibility of system status, consistency, error avoidance and help with errors.

What are Gerhardt-Powals' Cognitive Engineering Principles?

This is a heuristic system with a focus on cognitive processes. It includes principles such as reducing uncertainty, compatibility with mental models and minimizing memory load.

What role does the BITV play?

The Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance supplements heuristic procedures with legally binding requirements for perceptibility, usability, comprehensibility and robustness.

Do heuristics replace usability tests?

No. Heuristic evaluations are an efficient method for the early detection of typical weaknesses, but they do not replace user feedback or empirical tests.

Last modified: 2 November 2025