Heuristic Evaluation

In regards to a user interface design, a tester can use the evaluation method to improve a site's usability and find any possible problems.

1. Visibility of System Status
Once at the site, you know where you are on website and where you can go next. If you're hovering over the menu bar and colors appear, that tells you the site is active.

2. Match Between System and Real World
System speaks in a language user understands.

3. User Control and Freedom
You can make choices on the website such as leaving site if you wanted to.

4. Consistency and Standards
Navigation bar remains in place as you jump pages.

5. Error Prevention
404 Page Not Found includes Home Link to take you back or Site Map

6. Recognition Rather than Recall
Use universal symbols; red = STOP

7. Flexibility and Ease of Use
Site can cater to inexperienced and experienced users

8. Aesthetics and Minimalist Design
Site simple, easy to use and contains relevant information

9. Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors
Error messages easy to understand, indicate problem and suggest possible solution

10. Help and Documentation
Just in case a user needs help or step-by-step instructions

Class Example used this website for a heuristic evaluation. One of the criticisms found was that a campus directory should be provided under Quick Links.



Homework: pick a website that you can criticize well, such as "Where's contact information?" Complete a heuristic evaluation and make suggestions as to how the site can be improved; include a screenshot of website you choose