Word: Heuristic Evaluation

Definition: A method used to inspect and evaluate the usability of software in order to understand product effectiveness, identify interface design problems, and explore interactions and patterns.

Thoughts: Heuristics is typically conducted during the research phase of the user experience process. During this evaluation, a UX designer will examine all aspects of the product's UI while taking considerable note of important user flows. These do not always have to be formal and can provide a great overview of current product best practices and flaws.

Now, like many UX methodologies, the way in which these evaluations are conducted can differ from one practitioner to the next. Some researchers (myself included) prefer to keep heuristics focused on single products at a time with very detailed analysis. Others like an overview approach where they evaluate many products and focuses on a few specific areas to investigate in depth that can be compared and contrasted.

Any way you slice it, this is a great tool to not only understand the product you are working to improve but to also provide helpful insights into competing products as well.

Question: What is your preferred heuristic practice? Why?