Description: Heuristic evaluation is a usability inspection method that allows evaluators to examine a software interface and judge its compliance with recognized usability principles. This approach is based on the application of heuristics, which are general rules or guidelines that help identify usability problems in interface design. The most common heuristics were formulated by Jakob Nielsen, who proposed ten principles that cover aspects such as visibility of system status, match between the system and the real world, and error prevention. Heuristic evaluation is a relatively quick and cost-effective process, making it a valuable tool in software project management, especially in the design and development stages. By conducting a heuristic evaluation, evaluators can identify usability issues before the product is launched to the market, allowing for adjustments and improvements that optimize the user experience. This method not only helps improve usability but can also contribute to customer satisfaction and reduce costs associated with technical support and user training. In summary, heuristic evaluation is an essential technique in software project management aimed at ensuring that interfaces are intuitive and effective for end users.
History: Heuristic evaluation was developed in the 1990s by Jakob Nielsen and Rolf Molich. In 1990, Nielsen and Molich conducted a study that demonstrated that a small number of evaluators could identify most usability problems in a system. Since then, this method has evolved and been integrated into various user-centered design practices.
Uses: Heuristic evaluation is primarily used in software development to identify usability problems in interfaces before their release. It is common in the design phase, where the goal is to ensure that the interface is intuitive and easy to use. It is also applied in usability audits and in the continuous improvement of existing products.
Examples: An example of heuristic evaluation can be seen in software development projects, where designers use this method to assess user navigation and interaction before launching the product to the public. Another case is in web applications, where heuristic evaluations are conducted to improve user experience and increase conversion rates.
