A system should express error messages in plain, non-system-oriented, language that precisely indicates the problem, and constructively suggests a solution.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

These 10 general principles for interaction design, created by Jakob Nielsen, are broad rules of thumb rather than specific usability guidelines.

1. Visibility of system status
2. Match between system and the real world
3. User control and freedom
4. Consistency and standards
5. Error prevention
6. Recognition rather than recall
7. Flexibility and efficiency of use
8. Aesthetic and minimalist design
9. Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors
10. Help and documentation

10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design

By Jakob Nielsen on April 24, 1994
Topics: Heuristic Evaluation,  Human Computer Interaction,  Web Usability
Copyright © 1998-2020 Nielsen Norman Group, All Rights Reserved.

NNG Article Reference: 10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design

"Systems should speak the users' language with familiar words, phrases, and concepts rather than system-oriented terms. Interfaces that follow real-world conventions and make information appear in a natural and logical order demonstrate empathy and acknowledgement for users." This heuristic is important because human beings find comfort in familiarity.

#2: Match between system and the real world heuristic

Since users can often choose system functions by mistake, they will need an easy way to leave any unwanted state without having to go through an extended dialogue. You system or design should always support undo and redo.

#3: User control and freedom heuristic

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

#4: Consistency and standards heuristic

"Even better than good error messages is a careful design which prevents a problem from occurring in the first place. Either eliminate error-prone conditions or check for them and present users with a confirmation option before they commit to the action."

#5: Error prevention heuristic

As a UX designer you should minimize the user's memory load by making all objects, actions, and options that are immediately relevant, visible. Since human working memory has a limited capacity, the user should not have to remember information from one part of the dialogue to another in order to complete a task. Instructions for use of the system should be visible or easily retrievable whenever appropriate.

#6: Recognition rather than recall heuristic

The system should cater to both inexperienced and experienced users by having "accelerators"  that allow for the tailoring of frequent actions which will speed up the interactions for expert users.

#7: Flexibility and efficiency of use heuristic

Dialogues should not contain irrelevant or unnecessary information. "Every extra unit of information in a dialogue competes with the relevant units of information and diminishes their relative visibility."

#8: Aesthetic and minimalist design heuristic

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

It is better if the system can be used without documentation, but it may be necessary to provide it. This system documentation shouldn't be too large, but it should be easy to search, it should be focused on the user's task, and it should list concrete steps that the user can carry out.

#10: Help and documentation

This article talks about the "visibility of system status" heuristic, which says "the system should always keep users informed about what is going on, through appropriate feedback within reasonable time." This is the first of 10 usability heuristics created by Jacob Nielsen.


"Definition: The visibility of system status refers to how well the state of the system is conveyed to its users. Ideally, systems should always keep users informed about what is going on, through appropriate feedback within reasonable time."


Summary of this article: "Communicating the current state allows users to feel in control of the system, take appropriate actions to reach their goal, and ultimately trust the brand."

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