User Interface Design :: Projects :: UI Project Heuristic Evaluation
Problem
In this assignment you will do heuristic evaluation on a computer prototype developed by one of your classmates.
You should look at the web page for the project you were assigned, which will give you instructions for running the prototype and background information about the project. This is not an anonymous evaluation so feel free to contact the prototype creator directly if you need more information than their web page provides.
As soon as you receive your prototype assignment try to download and run the prototype. You don't have to do your heuristic evaluation right away, but poke around a bit and make sure the prototype appears to work for you.
Follow the heuristic evaluation procedure discussed in the lesson to evaluate the interface carefully. Make a numbered list of usability problems and successes you find. For each problem or positive comment, you should:
- describe the problem or positive feature, using screenshots;
- identify the relevant usability heuristics (from Nielsen's Ten Usability Heuristics, or any other guidelines discussed in the lesson);
- estimate its severity (for problems, use cosmetic, minor, major, or catastrophic; for positive comments, just say good).
You aren't required to recommend solutions for the problems, but any ideas you have would no doubt be appreciated.
Be thorough. You should have at least 15 useful comments (positive or negative) about the interface that you evaluate.
Write your report in a readable style. The usability of your report to its recipients will matter in your grade. In particular, don't bury the problems you found in reams of free-flowing prose. Where possible, include screenshots to illustrate the problems you found. In general, make your report easy to read and understand.
What to Turn In
Your report must be submitted in PDF format, not plain text or Microsoft Word.
Your report will be graded and will also be forwarded (without grading feedback) to the student whose project you evaluated.
