How do you explain UX heuristics to stakeholders?

1 Use simple language

Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your stakeholders. Instead, use simple and clear language that they can understand and relate to. For example, instead of saying "The system should provide feedback to the user within a reasonable time", you can say "The user should know what's happening when they click a button or fill a form". Use examples and analogies from everyday life or other products that they may know to illustrate your points.

2 Show the benefits

Don't just tell your stakeholders what UX heuristics are, show them how they can benefit from applying them to their product. For example, you can explain how UX heuristics can help them achieve their business goals, such as increasing conversion rates, reducing errors, or enhancing customer satisfaction. You can also show them how UX heuristics can help them avoid common pitfalls, such as confusing navigation, inconsistent design, or irrelevant content. Use data, metrics, or testimonials to back up your claims and demonstrate the impact of UX heuristics.

3 Involve them in the process

One of the best ways to explain UX heuristics to your stakeholders is to involve them in the process of evaluating and improving their product. You can invite them to participate in heuristic evaluations, where you and your team review the product against a set of UX heuristics and identify strengths and weaknesses. You can also ask them to join usability testing sessions, where you observe real users interacting with the product and collecting feedback. By involving them in the process, you can help them see the value of UX heuristics firsthand and foster a collaborative and user-centered culture.

5 Follow up and iterate

Finally, don't forget to follow up and iterate on your UX heuristics and recommendations. UX heuristics are not a one-time thing, but a continuous process of learning and improving. You should monitor the results and outcomes of your recommendations and see how they affect the user experience and the business performance. You should also update and refine your UX heuristics and recommendations as the product evolves and the user needs change. By following up and iterating, you can ensure that your product stays relevant, usable, and accessible for your users and your stakeholders.

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?