Definition:
Inspection method which benchmarks a UI design against 10 design principles. These principles were designed by Jakob Nielsen in the 1990s.
 
When to use
In rare cases when you can’t get access to users and want to improve usability on an existing product. For example, designing enterprising software for investment bankers.
 
Here are the steps I follow to do a heuristic evaluation…
 
Scope
Define which parts of the product are going to be tested.
 
Tasks
Define tasks for evaluators to carry out on product. Make sure tasks will take evaluators through the parts of your defined scope.
 
Set heuristics (design principles)
1. Visibility of System status.
2. Match between the System and the Real world.
3. User control and freedom.
4. Consistency and Standards.
5. Error prevention.
6. Recognition rather than recall.
7. Flexibility and efficiency of use.
8. Aesthetic and minimalist design.
9. Help users recognise, diagnose, and recover from errors.
10. Help and documentation.
 
Choose Evaluators
Recruit Evaluators using LinkedIn.
 
Conducting the evaluation
Each Evaluator reviews the interface individually and reports problems to me via a written report.
 
Client deliverable
Clarify every problem your Evaluators identify, ask questions to understand the specific nature of the difficulties they encountered. Then compile all Evaluators’ information. Remove any duplicates and merge similar issues. Put results in a usability report for Client.