Derived from various usability literature, these 8 usability inspection criteria are meant to be used in critiques and evaluations of web applications.
Adaptation of an application features to a user’s changing needs
- The set of features offered by the system satisfies the needs and requirements of users
- Within the system, a range of appropriate options are presented to perform an operation
- Features provide the best means of performing tasks and are matched to user knowledge
Exchange of states and knowledge between an application and a user
- Complex operations and obscure symbols are avoided
- User is aware of their location, current state is visible, errors are prominent and actions are visible
- Material relating to the context of use is available for an object or its state and extended where needed
Degree to which an application’s contents are clear to users
- Information conveyed by the system is accurate with certain components given emphasis
- Objects are discernible, and grouped appropriately without appearing cluttered or misaligned
- Supports assistive technologies and where possible, enables usage by impaired users or alternate devices
Cognitive load of an interface and its contents presented to a user
- System perpetuates a coherent conceptual model of function and organization from relevant metaphors
- Complex interactions are avoided while the steps to perform operations are minimized and without repetition
- Steps to complete operations are consistent, likewise with movement and layout that a user can predict behavior
- 30 Usability Principles, Connell & Hammond
- Designing Effective Speech Interfaces, Weinschenk and Barker
- Heuristics for User Interface Design, Nielsen
- 8 Steps to an Intuitive UI, McKay