10 USABILITY HEURISTICS
By Palak Verma of HackUVic
What are they and why are they important?
They are general “rules” that can help you build truly usable products and give people the best user experience.
1. Visibility of system status
Users should know what’s going on through appropriate feedback in a timely manner.
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2. Match between system & the real world
Phrases, words, and overall language should be familiar to the user.�
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3. User control and freedom
Provide ways for the user to easily leave an unwanted state. It is an emergency exit. �
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4. Consistency and standards
Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing.�
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5. Error prevention
Prevent problems from occurring in the first place.�
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6. Recognition rather than recall
Objects, actions, and options should be visible to the user.
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7. Flexibility and efficiency of use
System should cater to both experienced and inexperienced users.
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8. Aesthetic and minimalist design
Focus on the essential concepts - do not display more than needed.
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9. Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors
Error messages should be simple, indicate the problem, and suggest a solution.
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10. Help and documentation
Information should be easy to search, with concrete steps to be carried out.
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Thank you!
Check out Nielsen Norman Group (NNG) for more information!
Feel free to contact me for any UX related questions: palakxverma@gmail.com
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