Heuristic evaluation
Also called: Expert review
An expert review where evaluators check an interface against usability heuristics.
Definition
Several evaluators (Nielsen suggests three to five) inspect the product separately, note every problem with the heuristic it breaks and a severity, then merge their lists. It is fast and cheap, but it predicts problems rather than watching real users hit them, so it complements usability tests.
In practice
Three testers review a new checkout screen in an afternoon and find 14 issues, including missing feedback after Apply coupon.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.