What are the most common usability problems you find with heuristic evaluation?

2 Inconsistency of ratings

Another common problem with heuristic evaluation is that the ratings of the evaluators may vary widely, depending on their experience, preferences, and interpretation of the heuristics. For instance, some evaluators may be more strict or lenient than others, or use different scales or criteria to assess the severity of the issues. This can make it difficult to compare and prioritize the results, and to reach a consensus. To reduce this problem, you should try to train the evaluators on how to apply the heuristics and how to rate the issues consistently. You should also use a standard format and terminology to report the issues, and conduct a debriefing session to discuss and resolve any discrepancies.

3 Over-reliance on heuristics

A third common problem with heuristic evaluation is that the evaluators may rely too much on the heuristics and neglect other aspects of usability that are not covered by them. For example, they may focus on the interface elements and ignore the content, the context, or the emotions of the users. They may also miss some specific or subtle issues that are not captured by the general heuristics. To avoid this problem, you should remind the evaluators that the heuristics are not a comprehensive checklist, but a guide to help them think critically and creatively about the system. You should also encourage them to use their own intuition and judgment, and to consider other sources of usability criteria, such as user needs, expectations, and preferences.

4 Missing the big picture

A fourth common problem with heuristic evaluation is that the evaluators may miss the big picture of the system and focus on the details. For example, they may identify many minor or cosmetic issues, but overlook some major or fundamental flaws that affect the overall usability and user satisfaction. They may also lose sight of the goals and tasks of the users, and evaluate the system in isolation. To prevent this problem, you should ask the evaluators to start with a high-level overview of the system and its purpose, and then drill down to the specific features and functions. You should also provide them with realistic scenarios and use cases that illustrate how the system is used in context, and how it supports the user goals and tasks.

5 Bias and subjectivity

A fifth common problem with heuristic evaluation is that the evaluators may introduce some bias and subjectivity into their analysis. For example, they may be influenced by their own preferences, expectations, or assumptions, and judge the system based on their personal taste or experience. They may also be affected by the order, the presentation, or the wording of the heuristics, and give more weight or attention to some aspects than others. To minimize this problem, you should try to select evaluators who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and who can provide constructive and objective feedback. You should also use multiple heuristics from different sources, or create your own heuristics based on your specific context and goals.

Heuristic evaluation is a useful and efficient method for finding usability problems in user interfaces, but it also has some limitations and challenges. By being aware of the most common usability problems you find with heuristic evaluation, and by applying some strategies and best practices to avoid or address them, you can improve the quality and validity of your results, and enhance the usability and user experience of your system.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?