6. Allow to choose instead of forcing to remember
Showing users things they can recognize improves usability compared to having to recall items from scratch, as additional context helps retrieve information from memory.
There are two types of memory searching: recognition and recall.
Recognition occurs when you easily get to know a person or object that is familiar to you. This is a very shallow form of search and does not require much work. It is much easier for us to answer the question Was Steve Jobs the founder of Apple? than Who was the founder of Apple?
Recall occurs when you need to find rarely used information (date, surname, password, login, etc.). To recall information, people need to activate more processes in memory, which is why this process is more difficult and requires more energy expenditure. Hence the conclusion why we prefer tests with multiple choice questions than those with open ones.
For graphical interfaces, it is much easier to choose between icons (associated with a given function) or a text menu. Rather than trying to recall it from memory and then save it in a text interface similar to a terminal (such were the beginnings of DOS, BIOS, etc.)
BTW - Turbo interesting - Historia del interfaccia utente grafica.
Give users guidance on how to recognize a feature and an icon next to the name, or use a specific color for related meanings. A well-designed architecture also helps with information retrieval. A good user interface does not require frequent reminders. Instead, it offers all the options and information necessary to make your choice.
7. Ensure flexibility and efficiency
Larry Tesler — it's probably to him that you owe most of your work during your studies. Yes, he is the creator of keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, etc. He designed, among others, documentation for operating systems at Xerox, Palo Alto between 1973 and 1976.
Today, hardly anyone can imagine interacting with a computer without basic shortcuts. Equip the system with discreet interaction support, allowing experienced users to speed up frequently repeated operations. Nielsen calls this support an accelerator, a photoshop operator a key shortcut, and a novice Internet user - magic.
Accelerators - invisible to the novice user - can often speed up the interaction of the advanced user, so that the system can satisfy both inexperienced and experienced users. Jacob Nielsen
The pro user will certainly appreciate the additional operational features, shortcuts and even the ability to expand and customize the application interface. Advanced users need to perform tasks quickly and accurately. A good interface should provide adequate functionality to both inexperienced and professionals.
8. Take care of aesthetics and moderation
In the case of UX, the effectiveness and efficiency of the user's actions are important, only in the next place are the visual impressions. That is why it is so important in the work of every designer to remove unnecessary elements from the user interface, and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. Where “signal” is important information and “noise” is unnecessary.
Minimalism rules! But is it a cure for all evil?
In theory, minimalism should distract us from maximalism and lead to improved content and more efficient execution of tasks. Care must be taken that minimalism does not become a superficial visual treatment when designers copy popular minimalist features without seriously considering whether they support their own goals.
In my opinion, a sparing visual form is a very good direction, it uses only the necessary colors to handle the hierarchy of information. Think about the purpose and meaning of each color. Use it consistently.
9. Provide efficient error handling
Let's go back to our cafe. The terminal is broken and you cannot pay with a card, and the service does not inform you that there is an ATM around the corner or does not know about it herself. It's an assumption — you don't have cash, you have a problem.
The fifth heuristic tells us to avoid mistakes. However, we are only human. What if that happens? First of all, do not place the blame on the user. Once you explain the problem with a smile and apologize for the mistake, it is necessary to explain how it can solve the problem. Suggest a solution or refer it to a customer service officer who can handle the situation.
Messages like “Error 234” are absurd. Give the user some constructive tips on what to do next. Each error message should be as clear and precise as possible. No one wants to read vague messages like “something went wrong”. Tell what happened in readable human language.
10. Take care of help and documentation
The FAQ section will be appreciated by many users. The last heuristic clearly shows that even if we comply with all the previous rules, some users will still need help to use the site. Keep in mind that even if our site is perfect, you still have to assume that some users may have problems while using it.
Well-written documentation is “frequently asked questions” and tutorials. They can be crucial for the lost user, they should be well organized, written in human language and specific. A good example of help at the stage of familiarization of the user with the interface is onboarding.
If a client experiences a crisis situation, you can be sure that the only thing that comes to mind is “I'm out of here.”
The sum of the summation!
As you can see, Nielsen's 10 heuristics are applicable not only in interface design, but also in our daily lives. User comfort is currently one of the most powerful weapons to fight the competition. If it is important for you to build a relationship with the client, try to implement these 10 points at home.
A well-used heuristic can be like a shortcut that will allow you to serve your customer faster and more efficiently. And you want to host your first coffee shop, right? ;)
Sources
https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/
