“The heuristic evaluation involves a small group of evaluators examining the interface and judging its compliance with the principles of usability recognized (the heuristic).” Jacob Nielsen.
What is a heuristic analysis of a web or application
The heuristic analysis is a system for evaluating interfaces and processes carried out by an expert researcher based on the principles of the Human-Computer interaction discipline.
This analysis helps us detect approximately 40% of serious errors and 30% of minor design errors.
The bulk of the analysis consists of the application of general and specific criteria. After the evaluation, it is no less important to prepare a report detailing the most critical aspects detected and accompany it with a series of proposals for improvement.
The phases for carrying out a heuristic analysis are the following:
- Definition of business objectives.
- Definition of users.
- Definition of user tasks.
- Design of user tasks.
- Application of general and specific criteria.
- Creation of the recommendations report.
- Presentation of final conclusions.
It is recommended that after heuristic analysis Tests are carried out with users to reinforce the conclusions and detect other deeper flaws, as well as to find out what they need, how they want it and what their satisfactions and frustrations are with the interface.
Jakob Nielsen’s heuristic principles
Jakob Nielsen’s heuristic principles are probably the most used to check the usability of the user interface of a website.
10 sections are checked:
1. System status visibility
The web or application must show the user at all times what is happening and at what point they are within the navigation. The key is for the system to maintain a dialogue with the user who interacts with it.
The answer must be in the shortest possible time. For example, if the user submits a contact form, he should display an alert stating that the message has been sent successfully.
2. Relationship between the system and the real world
The system must speak the same language as the user. Technical language must be avoided at all times and the use of words, phrases or concepts familiar to the user using the application.
3. User control and freedom
It is important to give the user freedom to undo actions since the system is prone to errors. For example, if a user adds the same product to the shopping cart twice when he really only wanted to add one, it is necessary to give the possibility of being able to delete it.
4. Consistency and standards
It is convenient to follow and repeat patterns so as not to confuse users.
5. Promote error prevention
Errors must be detected in order to resolve them. That is much better than launching alarming messages once they occur. For example, in forms, depending on the purpose of the page, field-by-field validation or validation after clicking the submit button may be recommended.
6. Recognize before remembering
It is always better to help the user to recognize the actions and objects than to force him to memorize them in order to fulfill his objective.
7. Flexibility and efficiency of use
We must create a website prepared for all types of users, from the most experienced to the most novice. We must ensure that anyone can browse our website achieving that flexibility. If we introduce options for the most experienced, we will achieve, apart from flexibility, also efficiency.
8. Aesthetics and minimalist design
It consists of offering the user the necessary information. An excess of information can distract the user and annoy both navigation, understanding and task execution.
9. Help users recognize, diagnose, and fix errors
Error messages must clearly identify and express what caused the problem. You have to use understandable language.
10. Help and documentation
Ideally, it should not be necessary. If it is, it must be clear, simple and easily accessible to the user. For example, the page with frequently asked questions or a small educational page that teaches how to use the tool.
Jakob Nielsen is not alone in developing heuristic principles.There are also other theories such as Ben Schneiderman’s usability principles and his 8 golden rules for interface design, Constantine’s heuristic principles, Instone’s heuristic principles, Mayhew’s principles, Tognazzini’s principles, etc.
Sections of the Checklist of Yusef Hassan Montero and Francisco J. Martín Fernández
In particular, to perform heuristic analysisI keep the document that is intended to serve as a general guide for the evaluation of usability of websites of Yusef Hassan Montero and Francisco J. Martín Fernández.
Within each section there are a series of criteria that must be scored with a score from 1 to 5. Where 1 is an aspect that is not very critical, 5 is very critical for the user and empty if it is not applicable. To find out what criteria each section contains, you can visit .
1. General
Elements related to the objectives of the site, the Lool & Fell, coherence and level of updating of the contents.
2. Identity and information
Elements related to the identity of the site, the information provided by the provider and the authorship of the contents.
3. Language and writing
Elements related to education and quality of textual content, icons and interface controls.
4. Labeling and headers
Elements related to the meaning, correctness and familiarity of the labeling of the contents.
5. Structure and navigation
Elements related to the suitability of the information architecture and site navigation.
6. Layout of the page
Elements related to the layout and appearance of navigation elements and interface information.
7. Search if necessary
Elements related to search engines implemented on the website.
8. Media elements
Elements related to the degree of adaptation of the multimedia content to the website.
9. Accessibility
Elements related to the degree of use of the site by the maximum number of people regardless of their knowledge or personal abilities and regardless of the technical characteristics of the equipment used.
10. Control and feedback
Elements related to the user’s freedom in navigation and the information provided to the user in the process of interaction with the site.
Report and presentation of the results and conclusions of the heuristic
The report must be in writing based on the results offered by the heuristic evaluation criteria.
You must define and describe the problem encountered and attach screenshots and even videos if necessary to demonstrate the failure. It is necessary to assess the seriousness of each problem found and prioritize its resolution without having to completely redesign the site.
In particular, I recommend detailing the frequency with which the problem occurs, the impact caused by said problem and as well as the persistence.
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