10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design

The ten general principles of interaction design proposed by Jakob Nielsen. They are referred to as “heuristics” because they are broad rules of thumb rather than specific usability guidelines.

1.Visibility of system status

The design should always keep users up to date on what is going on by providing appropriate feedback in a timely manner.

When users are aware of the current system status, they can learn the outcome of their previous interactions and plan their next steps. Predictable interactions build trust in both the product and the brand.

2.Match between system and the real world

The design should communicate in the language of the users. Instead of internal jargon, use words, phrases, and concepts that the user is familiar with. Respect real-world conventions by arranging information in a natural and logical order.

The way you should design is heavily influenced by your target audience. Terms, concepts, icons, and images that appear to you and your colleagues to be perfectly clear may be unfamiliar or confusing to your users.

It is easier for users to learn and remember how an interface works when the controls follow real-world conventions and correspond to desired outcomes (called natural mapping). This contributes to the creation of an intuitive experience.

3.User control and freedom

Users frequently make mistakes when performing actions. They require a clearly marked “emergency exit” in order to leave the unwanted action without having to go through a lengthy procedure.

It fosters a sense of freedom and confidence when people can easily back out of a process or undo an action. Exits allow users to keep control of the system and avoid becoming stuck or frustrated.

4.Consistency and standards

Users should not have to guess whether various words, situations, or actions mean the same thing. Adhere to platform and industry conventions.

According to Jakob’s Law, people spend the majority of their time using digital products other than yours. Users’ expectations are set by their previous experiences with other products. Failure to maintain consistency may increase the cognitive load of users by requiring them to learn something new.

5.Error prevention

Good error messages are important, but the best designs take care to avoid problems in the first place. Eliminate error-prone conditions, or check for them and provide users with a confirmation option before committing to an action.

Errors are classified into two types: slips and mistakes. Slips are unintentional mistakes caused by inattention. Mistakes are deliberate errors caused by a misalignment between the user’s mental model and the design.

6.Recognition rather than recall

Make elements, actions, and options visible to reduce the user’s memory load. The user should not have to recall information from one section of the interface to the next. When using the design, information such as field labels or menu items should be visible or easily accessible.

Humans have short-term memories that are limited. Interfaces that encourage recognition require less cognitive effort from users.

7.Flexibility and efficiency of use

Hidden from novice users, shortcuts may speed up the interaction for the expert user, allowing the design to cater to both inexperienced and experienced users. Allow users to customize frequently performed actions.

Flexible processes can be carried out in a variety of ways, allowing people to choose the method that works best for them.

8: Aesthetic and minimalist design

Interfaces should not include information that is irrelevant or is only used infrequently. Every additional unit of information in an interface competes with the relevant units of information, lowering their relative visibility.

This heuristic does not require you to use a flat design; rather, it requires you to keep the content and visual design focused on the essentials. Ensure that the interface’s visual elements support the user’s primary goals.

9.Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors

Error messages should be written in plain language (no error codes), describe the problem precisely, and constructively suggest a solution.

These error messages should also have visual treatments to help users notice and recognize them.

10.Help and documentation

It is preferable if the system does not require any further explanation. However, documentation may be required to assist users in understanding how to complete their tasks.

Assistance and documentation The content should be simple to find and focused on the user’s task. Keep it brief, and list specific steps that must be taken.