Nielsen’s heuristics are 10 principles for evaluating the usability of website interfaces, created by computer scientist Jakob Nielsen in 1990. These principles define important points in the composition of interfaces and should be considered when creating layouts.
The 10 principals are as follows:
1.Visibility of System Status
2.Match between 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 Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors
10.Help and Documentation
2. Whatare
Heuristics?
The word “heuristic” has a Greek origin and defines a method
or process that aims to detect problems and inconsistencies
and find solutions for them in a digital product.
Heuristics - Writing Commons
3. Nielsen’s
Heuristics?
Nielsen’s heuristics are 10 principles for evaluating the
usability of website interfaces, created by computer
scientist Jakob Nielsen in 1990. These principles define
important points in the composition of interfaces and
should be considered when creating layouts.
4. • Visibility of System Status
• Match between System and the Real World
• User Control and Freedom
• Consistency and Standards
• Error Prevention
• Recognition Rather Than Recall
• Flexibility and Efficiency of Use
• Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
• Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from
Errors
• Help and Documentation
ThePrinciplesare:
Consider a website
5. 1.VisibilityofSystemStatus
• Provide clear feedback to users about what's happening within the
system.
• Keep users informed about the current state of their actions and the
system's response.
• Use progress indicators, loading animations, or status messages to
show that a process is underway.
• When a user adds an item to their shopping cart, a notification
appears at the top of the page, indicating the number of items in the
cart. This provides immediate feedback on the status of the user's
action.
6. 2.Match between System
andtheRealWorld
• Use terminology, labels, and concepts that users are familiar with.
• Align the system's language and functionality with the user's mental
model.
• Avoid jargon and industry-specific terms that users might not
understand.
• Instead of using technical terms for product categories, the e-
commerce site uses user-friendly labels like "Clothing,"
"Electronics," and "Home & Garden" to match the user's mental
model.
7. 3.User Control
andFreedom
• Allow users to easily backtrack, undo actions, and escape from
unwanted states.
• Implement "Cancel" or "Undo" options for actions to give users a
sense of control.
• Avoid making it difficult for users to leave or correct their actions.
• Users can easily remove items from their cart, change quantities,
or return to the shopping page without any hassle, giving them
control over their shopping experience.
8. 4.Consistency
andStandards
• Follow established design conventions and industry standards.
• Maintain a consistent look and feel throughout the interface.
• Ensure that similar actions and elements behave predictably across
the system.
• The website follows established e-commerce design patterns, such
as placing the shopping cart icon in the top right corner, which is a
standard location for cart icons.
9. 5.ErrorPrevention
• Design interfaces that make it hard for users to make errors.
• Use confirmation dialogs for critical actions to prevent accidental
data loss.
• Offer clear, concise warnings and guidance to users when they are
about to make a mistake.
Before users complete a purchase, the system double-checks that
they haven't missed filling out required information (e.g., shipping
address), preventing errors during checkout.
10. 6.Recognition
RatherThanRecall:
Minimize the need for users to remember information from one part of the
system to another.
Display essential information, options, and navigation paths in a visible and
easily accessible way.
Provide menus, icons, or links that help users find what they need without
relying on their memory.
Product images and descriptions are visible on the checkout page, so users
don't have to remember which items they selected; they can recognize them.
11. 7.Flexibility and
EfficiencyofUse:
Accommodate both novice and expert users. Allow for shortcuts or
advanced features.
Enable experienced users to perform tasks more quickly through
keyboard shortcuts or power user options.
Don't make beginners feel overwhelmed by complex features.
The website allows both guest and registered users to make
purchases. Registered users can save their shipping information for
quicker checkouts.
12. 8. Aesthetic and
MinimalistDesign:
Keep the interface clean and free from unnecessary clutter.
Use whitespace effectively to make the design visually appealing.
Prioritize content and functionality over unnecessary decoration.
The website uses a clean and uncluttered design, ensuring that
product listings and important buttons stand out, creating an
appealing shopping experience.
13. 9. Help Users Recognize,
Diagnose, and Recover from
Errors:
Provide clear and understandable error messages.
Suggest solutions or next steps to help users correct their errors.
Avoid technical jargon in error messages, making them user-friendly.
If a user enters an invalid credit card number during checkout, the
system provides a clear error message explaining the issue and how to
correct it.
14. 10.Help and
Documentation
• Offer easily accessible help and documentation when users need it.
• However, aim to design the interface in a way that minimizes the
need for extensive help.
• Include tooltips, inline guidance, or searchable FAQs to assist users
without leaving the current context.
While the website is designed to be self-explanatory, there's a "Help
Center" link in the navigation menu, which users can click for detailed
information about the ordering process, returns, and contact details.
16. UI (user interface)
refers to the
specific elements
and design that
users interact
with when using a
digital interface,
such as a website,
app, or software
application. It
includes the visual
components,
layout, and
interactive
UX(user
experience)
encompasses the
overall
experience and
satisfaction that
users have while
interacting with a
product or
system. It goes
beyond the user
interface to
consider the
complete journey
and emotions of
the user.
HCI is a broader
field that studies
how humans
interact with
computers and
other digital
technologies. It
examines not
only the user
interface but also
the
psychological,
social, and
cultural aspects
The Aesthetic-Usability Effect
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Design
Gestalt Principles
Skeuomorphism
