What is Heuristic Evaluation and How is it an example?

*This article was created to fulfill a learning assignment from the UX Writer Camp — Studi Independen Kampus Merdeka

Currently, User Experience (UX) is trending and much discussed. The important thing to do in UX is UX Audit, to assess whether a product is good or not for development. One method for evaluating UX is using the Heuristic Evaluation method.
Heuristic Evaluation is a method used for experts using rules of thumb for user interface usability for problem reporting and independent evaluation. The purpose of heuristic evaluation is to identify and evaluate potential usability problems in a software application or website early in the design process.

1. Visibility of System Status
The system is easily understood by the user with the condition that the user knows what is going on. The user can easily find what he needs with a display that is very clear and easy to understand.
Example: The state of the state when downloading an application

2. Match Between System and Real Word
The system that provides easy-to-understand information based on language and concepts from real life in accordance with familiar target users is found, so that users can easily use the system.
Example: The Delete icon on the application

3. User Control and Freedom
The system that offers users to be able to step back, cancel and can repeat previous actions.
Example: Options when they want to delete messages

4. Consistency and Standard
The system uses the same elements, maintains on all platforms used on the system. For example, the use of icons that represent the same category.
Examples: The same design when in the application and when using the web.
In the web

In the application

5. Error Prevention
A good system can handle errors or bugs by notifying users via messages. So that users know where they made mistakes by displaying designs or messages that are easy for users to understand, and displays the problem to the solution that the user needs.
Example: When using an application and the internet is disconnected

6. Recognition than Recall Error Prevention
Development must ensure that the user can recognize the system used without the user having to remember it and use relevant information for the user.

Example: Such as history and when starting a search on Google

7. Flexibility and Efficiency to Use
The system uses the easiest and most flexible path for its users, using fewer interactions so that users are more comfortable using the system.

8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
The system uses a layout that is pleasing to the eye and uses a simple design without hampering information and in accordance with the context needed by the user.

9. Help User Recognize, Diagnose and Recover From Errors
The system uses signs that can be recovered if the user makes an error.
Example: Message error 403 Forbidden

10. Help and Documentation
It is the user’s hope that the system can help solve problems faced by users by providing the help and documentation needed with features that are easy to find.
Example :

So, these 10 methods from Heuristic Evaluation really help systems that still need to be repaired. That’s all from the author, I hope it can be useful for readers. Suggestions and critism are very open to authors. Thank you 😊