Nielsen’s Heuristics

Front

Design should keep users informed through timely feedback.

Back

Visibility of system status

Front

Importance of good error messages and design: eliminate error-prone conditions or confirm actions before committing.

Back

Error prevention

Front

Users should not wonder if different words or actions mean the same. Follow platform and industry conventions.

Back

Consistency and standards

Front

Shortcuts, hidden from novices, enhance interaction for experts, allowing customization of frequent actions.

Back

Flexibility and efficiency of use

Front

Heuristic: Systems should not require users to remember info across interface parts.

Back

Recognition rather than recall

Front

Interfaces should avoid irrelevant info; extra details reduce visibility of important info.

Back

Aesthetic and minimalist design

Front

Minimize memory load by making elements and options visible; users shouldn't recall info from different interface parts.

Back

Recognition rather than recall

Front

System should minimize need for explanations; documentation may be necessary for user task completion.

Back

Help and documentation

Front

Heuristic shown here:

Back

Help and documentation

Front

Heuristic shown: Recognition vs. Recall

Back

Recognition rather than recall