What is a heuristic review?
A heuristic review is a usability evaluation method where one or more trained usability/human factors experts review a product (hardware and/or software user interfaces) or website and compare it against established human factors criteria and principles for design to identify potential usability issues.
When should it be used?
Heuristic reviews can be conducted at any time during the design and development phase of a product or website. However, the earlier a heuristic review can be performed (preferably early in the design phase), the more likely it is that identified potential usability issues can be resolved prior to product release.
What do you get?
The output of a heuristic review typically includes a list of potential usability issues that are categorized and assigned a severity rating based on perceived usability risk and overall impact on the user experience.
Actionable and prioritized recommendations for resolving or mitigating potential usability risks are provided for all issues identified as part of the heuristic review. Visual depictions (e.g., annotated screen captures) are often included to help illustrate findings.
Results of heuristic reviews are presented to product teams in an easily digestible format that can be used internally to track status, add comments, and assign priorities.