In UI/UX design, a heuristic refers to a general rule or principle used to guide decision-making and problem-solving during the design process. Heuristics are typically based on experience and best practices, offering a way to ensure that user interfaces are usable, effective, and intuitive.
One of the most well-known examples of heuristics in UI/UX design is Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design, developed by Jakob Nielsen, which provides guidelines to help designers create better user experiences. These heuristics focus on factors like visibility, efficiency, user control, and error prevention.
Here are some key examples of Nielsen’s heuristics:
- Visibility of system status: The system should always keep users informed about what is going on.
- Match between system and the real world: The system should use language and concepts that are familiar to users.
- User control and freedom: Users should be able to undo actions or make corrections easily.
- Consistency and standards: Design should be consistent across the system to reduce cognitive load.
- Error prevention: Design should help prevent errors before they happen.
In short, heuristics are valuable tools for improving usability, helping designers create interfaces that align with user expectations and behaviors.
