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Aman Gupta

Right from ordering food to booking flights to even finding a partner, we use in-numerous apps and websites on a daily basis. Some of these apps and websites are intuitive and easy to use while others are horrible and frustrating.

So what differentiates a good app or a website from a bad one?

Although there can be multiple factors responsible for this, but Usability is definitely one of them. Usability means providing users with the ability to achieve their goal with minimal efforts in least possible time.

Good usability leads to:

1. Better Conversion Rates

Read more

Right from ordering food to booking flights to even finding a partner, we use in-numerous apps and websites on a daily basis. Some of these apps and websites are intuitive and easy to use while others are horrible and frustrating.

So what differentiates a good app or a website from a bad one?

Although there can be multiple factors responsible for this, but Usability is definitely one of them. Usability means providing users with the ability to achieve their goal with minimal efforts in least possible time.

Good usability leads to:

1. Better Conversion Rates

2. Improved Customer Retention

3. Reduced Support Costs

4. Increased Productivity and

5. Greater User Satisfaction.

Now as we know the importance of usability, the million dollar question here is how to evaluate usability and not just evaluate but how to improve usability of an app or a website.

If you are also wondering about these questions, then you have come to the right place.

I am Aman Gupta, your instructor for this course. I have been studying and implementing UX design principles for the last 12 years. I have specifically created this course to help you understand usability and the ways to evaluate usability of any user interface.

Who should take this course?

Whether you are a designer, developer, product manager or a startup founder this course would really prove beneficial to you. This course will teach you practical guidelines that you will be able to use immediately in your job to create world class products and interfaces. I can confidently say that by the end of this course you will be able to evaluate a website or an app for its usability and not just evaluate you would be able to provide suggestions to improve its usability.

Additionally, for designers and product managers who are looking for new career opportunities, this course is really worth a shot. Generally as a part of the recruitment process for these profiles, companies ask applicants to review a product and provide suggestions for improvements in the same. And I can assure you that the framework and techniques discussed in this course will really come in handy to ace these product review assignments. Although there are different sets of guidelines available for evaluating the usability of an app or a website, but in this course we would be primarily discussing the 10 Usability Heuristics given by Jakob Nielsen, as these are the most widely used guidelines across the world to evaluate any user interface.

With the help of real world examples, I will walk you through how these usability heuristics can be used to evaluate any user interface.

You would agree that the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty. Therefore this course will not be limited to theory only, and will provide multiple exercise files and interfaces for you to work on. As a usability expert, you will be evaluating these interfaces and highlighting usability issues in them. Further, I will also be sharing my Usability findings for these products and user interfaces so that you can see how you performed.

So, does this all sound exciting to you? If yes I invite you to join this course and embark on this enthralling journey towards a better and an upskilled you. I welcome you all and hope to see you in the class.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 1. this course will help you to understand usability and the ways to evaluate usability and ux of any user interface.
  • 2. this course will teach you practical guidelines that you will be able to use immediately in your job to create world class products and interfaces.
  • 3. designers and product managers, who are looking for new career opportunities, would learn practical frameworks and techniques that will really prove useful in cracking the interviews.
  • 4. you will learn how to conduct heuristic evaluation of any user interface using the 10 usability heuristics given by jakob nielsen(the most widely used guidelines across the world to evaluate any user interface).
  • 5. you would be able to provide suggestions to improve usability and ux of any mobile app or website.
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Syllabus

Welcome to the Course
Welcome Lecture
Usability Heuristic 1: Visibility of system status
1.1 Visibility of system status (Concept)
Read more
1.2 Visibility of system status (Implementation & Examples)
Quiz 1
Usability Heuristic 2: Match between system and the real world
2.1 Match between system and the real world (Concept)
2.2 Match between system and the real world (Implementation & Examples)
Quiz 2
Usability Heuristic 3: User control and freedom
3.1 User control and freedom (Concept)
3.2 User control and freedom (Implementation and Examples)
Usability Heuristic 4: Consistency and standards
4.1 Consistency and standards (Internal Consistency)
4.2 Consistency and standards (External Consistency)
Usability Heuristic 5: Error prevention
5.1 Error prevention: Slips
5.2 Error prevention: Mistakes
5.3 Error prevention: Other Error Prevention Techniques
Usability Heuristic 6: Recognition rather than recall
6.1 Recognition rather than recall (Concept and Examples)
Usability Heuristic 7: Flexibility and efficiency of use
7.1 Flexibility and efficiency of use (Concept and Examples)
Usability Heuristic 8: Aesthetic and minimalist design
8.1 Aesthetic and minimalist design (Concept and Examples)
Usability Heuristic 9: Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors
9.1 Help users recognize, diagnose and recover from errors (Concept & Examples)
Usability Heuristic 10: Help and documentation
10.1 Help and documentation (Concept and Examples)
Student Assignment
Assignment: Review a product and highlight usability issues in it
Bonus Material
Thank You & Bonus Lecture

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in UX Design & Research: Better UX using Heuristic Evaluation with these activities:
Review UX Design Principles
Refresh your understanding of core UX design principles to better grasp the nuances of heuristic evaluation.
Browse courses on Usability
Show steps
  • Review introductory materials on UX design.
  • Familiarize yourself with key UX concepts.
  • Take a practice quiz on UX fundamentals.
Review 'Don't Make Me Think' by Steve Krug
Gain a solid foundation in usability principles before diving into heuristic evaluation.
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Don't Make Me Think' by Steve Krug.
  • Take notes on key usability principles.
  • Reflect on how these principles relate to the course content.
Heuristic Evaluation Practice
Reinforce your understanding of the 10 usability heuristics through repeated practice on different interfaces.
Show steps
  • Select a website or app to evaluate.
  • Apply each of the 10 heuristics to the interface.
  • Document your findings and suggest improvements.
  • Compare your evaluation with expert reviews.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Heuristic Evaluation Report
Solidify your knowledge by creating a detailed report on the heuristic evaluation of a real-world application.
Show steps
  • Choose a popular app or website.
  • Conduct a thorough heuristic evaluation.
  • Write a professional report summarizing your findings.
  • Include specific examples and recommendations.
Review 'The Design of Everyday Things' by Don Norman
Deepen your understanding of user-centered design principles to enhance your heuristic evaluation skills.
Show steps
  • Read 'The Design of Everyday Things' by Don Norman.
  • Reflect on the psychological principles discussed.
  • Consider how these principles relate to heuristic evaluation.
Mentor Junior Designers
Reinforce your understanding by guiding others through the process of heuristic evaluation.
Show steps
  • Offer to mentor junior designers or students.
  • Explain the principles of heuristic evaluation.
  • Provide feedback on their evaluations.
Contribute to Open Source UX Projects
Apply your heuristic evaluation skills to improve the usability of open-source projects.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project with a user interface.
  • Conduct a heuristic evaluation of the interface.
  • Submit your findings and suggestions to the project maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete UX Design & Research: Better UX using Heuristic Evaluation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Usability Analyst
The Usability Analyst is responsible for evaluating the ease of use of software and its usability. The analyst identifies areas where a user interface is frustrating or confusing, and then suggests improvements. This course helps you learn to evaluate the usability of any user interface. The course teaches practical guidelines that you can immediately use to create world class products and interfaces. With the framework and techniques described in this course, you'll be able to conduct heuristic evaluations of any user interface using the 10 Usability Heuristics.
User Experience Architect
A User Experience Architect ensures that digital products and services are user-friendly and effective. The work of a User Experience Architect involves designing the overall structure and flow of an application or website, focusing on how users will interact with it. This course will help you understand usability and the ways to evaluate usability of any user interface, which are vital skills for a User Experience Architect. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world-class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation, particularly with Jakob Nielsen's 10 Usability Heuristics, will allow you to excel in this role.
User Interface Designer
A User Interface Designer focuses on the visual elements of a digital product, ensuring that the interface is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The work of a User Interface Designer involves creating layouts, choosing color palettes, and designing visual elements that guide users through an application or website. This course will help you understand usability and ways to evaluate the UX of any user interface, which are vital skills. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world-class interfaces, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation will be key to your success.
Interaction Designer
An Interaction Designer focuses on how users interact with a product or service; the role emphasizes creating intuitive and engaging interfaces. The work of an Interaction Designer requires a deep understanding of user behavior as well as design principles. This course will help you learn to evaluate usability of any user interface, which is critical for an Interaction Designer. The practical guidelines taught will help create world-class products, and the focus on heuristic evaluation—particularly with Jakob Nielsen's 10 Usability Heuristics—will be key to your success.
Conversion Rate Optimizer
A Conversion Rate Optimizer analyzes user behavior on websites and apps to identify areas for improvement that will increase conversion rates such as sales or sign-ups. The work includes A/B testing, usability analysis, and implementing changes to improve user experience. This course will help you understand usability and the ways to evaluate usability of any user interface. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world-class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation using the 10 Usability Heuristics will be key to your success.
Information Architect
An Information Architect organizes and structures content within a digital product to ensure that users can easily find what they need. The work involves creating sitemaps, navigation systems, and taxonomies that make information accessible and understandable. This course will help you understand usability and ways to evaluate the usability of any user interface, which are vital skills for an Information Architect. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation will be key to your success.
Web Content Strategist
A Web Content Strategist plans, develops, and manages web content to ensure it is user-friendly, engaging, and aligned with business goals. The work involves conducting content audits, developing content strategies, and optimizing content for search engines and user experience. This course will help you understand usability and the ways to evaluate usability of any user interface, which are vital skills for a Web Content Strategist. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world-class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation will allow you to excel in this role.
UX Consultant
A UX Consultant advises organizations on how to improve the user experience of their products and services. They assess existing interfaces, identify usability issues, and recommend design improvements. This course may be useful, as it helps you understand usability and ways to evaluate the UX of any user interface. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world-class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation, particularly with Jakob Nielsen's 10 Usability Heuristics, will allow you to excel in this role.
UX Writer
The UX Writer creates clear, concise, and helpful text for user interfaces, such as button labels, error messages, and instructions. The work of a UX Writer requires a deep understanding of usability principles, and the ability to write in a way that guides users effectively. This course will help you understand usability and the ways to evaluate the usability of any user interface. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation using the 10 Usability Heuristics will be key to your success.
Accessibility Specialist
An Accessibility Specialist ensures that digital products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. The role involves understanding accessibility standards and guidelines, and working with development teams to implement them. This course may be useful, as it helps you understand usability and ways to evaluate the usability of any User Interface. You’ll learn practical guidelines to create world class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation will be key to your success.
Product Manager
A Product Manager guides the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product or product line. They need to understand user needs and translate them into product requirements. This course may be useful, as the framework and techniques discussed will come in handy to ace product review assignments. The course offers practical guidelines that can be used immediately to create world class products and interfaces. You’ll also learn how to conduct Heuristic Evaluation of any user interface using the 10 Usability Heuristics.
Customer Experience Manager
The Customer Experience Manager is responsible for overseeing and improving the overall experience that customers have with a company's products and services. The role involves gathering customer feedback, analyzing data, and implementing strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. This course may be useful, as it helps you to understand usability and the ways to evaluate usability of any user interface. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation will be key to your success.
User Researcher
The User Researcher systematically studies target users to gather insights that inform the product development process. The work of a User Researcher includes conducting interviews, usability testing, and analyzing user data to understand their behaviors and needs. This course may be useful, as this course helps you understand usability and ways to evaluate the usability of any user interface. You'll learn practical guidelines to create world class products, and the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation will be key to your success.
Digital Strategist
A Digital Strategist develops and implements digital strategies to achieve business goals, focusing primarily on improving a company's online presence. The role involves analyzing market trends, user behavior, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth. This course may be useful because understanding usability and ways to evaluate it is a vital skill. The course helps you learn practical guidelines to create world-class products; the course's emphasis on heuristic evaluation will be key to your success.
Human Factors Engineer
A Human Factors Engineer, often requiring a master's degree or doctorate, applies principles of psychology and engineering to design products and systems that optimize human well-being and performance. The work of a Human Factors Engineer involves conducting research, analyzing data, and implementing design solutions that improve usability, safety, and efficiency. This course may be useful, as it helps you understand usability and ways to evaluate the usability of any User Interface.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in UX Design & Research: Better UX using Heuristic Evaluation.
Provides a foundational understanding of web usability principles. It emphasizes simplicity and clarity in design, aligning perfectly with the course's focus on heuristic evaluation. Reading this book will help you develop a strong intuition for identifying usability issues. It highly recommended resource for anyone involved in UX design.
Explores the psychology behind good and bad design. It provides a deeper understanding of how users interact with products and interfaces. While not directly focused on heuristic evaluation, it offers valuable insights into usability and user-centered design. This book is more valuable as additional reading to provide a broader context for the course.

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