What is heuristic evaluation in UX design?

Heuristic evaluation is a usability inspection method that involves evaluating a user interface against established usability principles or heuristics. The purpose of this evaluation is to identify usability issues within the interface and ensure that it adheres to recognized standards that promote effective user experience. Evaluators, often usability experts, review the design and highlight areas where usability could be improved, effectively pinpointing potential obstacles that users might encounter.

This method is particularly valuable because it allows for relatively quick assessments without the need for extensive user testing. The heuristic principles typically include guidelines like visibility of system status, match between system and the real world, user control and freedom, and consistency, among others. By using these principles, designers can make informed adjustments to enhance usability.

Options addressing user feedback collection, wireframe creation, or quantitative data gathering do not align with the core focus of heuristic evaluation, which is centered on inspecting usability through a set of guiding principles rather than direct user involvement or quantitative measurement.