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10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design

Introduction​

Download a free poster of Jakob’s 10 Usability Heuristics at the bottom of this article.

#1: Visibility of system status​

The design should always keep users informed about what is going on, through appropriate feedback within a reasonable amount of time.

#2: Match between system and the real world​

The design should speak the users' language. Use words, phrases, and concepts familiar to the user, rather than internal jargon. Follow real-world conventions, making information appear in a natural and logical order.

#3: User control and freedom​

Users need a clearly marked "emergency exit" to leave unwanted actions without going through an extended process.

#4: Consistency and standards​

Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing. Follow platform and industry conventions to maintain consistency.

#5: Error prevention​

Good error messages are important, but the best designs carefully prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

#6: Recognition rather than recall​

Minimize the user's memory load by making elements, actions, and options visible. Information required to use the design should be visible or easily retrievable when needed.

#7: Flexibility and efficiency of use​

Shortcuts may speed up the interaction for expert users, while still catering to inexperienced users. Allow users to tailor frequent actions.

#8: Aesthetic and minimalist design​

Interfaces should not contain irrelevant or rarely needed information. Keep the content and visual design focused on the essentials.

#9: Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors​

Error messages should be expressed in plain language, precisely indicating the problem and suggesting a solution. Present error messages with visual treatments to help users notice and recognize them.

#10: Help and documentation​

While the system should ideally be self-explanatory, it may be necessary to provide documentation to help users. Keep help and documentation concise and focused on the user's task.

Note from Jakob: The 10 heuristics were developed in 1990 and refined in 1994. They have remained relevant and unchanged since then.

Download a free poster of Jakob’s 10 Usability Heuristics at the bottom of this article under Downloads.

The original article: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/