Heuristic Evaluation Template

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

Heuristic evaluation is a practical method to identify usability problems in user interfaces. It helps teams improve design by systematically checking how well a product follows established usability principles. Using a clear template for heuristic evaluation makes the process more efficient and consistent. This post explains how to create and use a heuristic evaluation template, with examples and tips to get the most from your usability reviews.

Printed heuristic evaluation checklist on desk

What is a Heuristic Evaluation Template?

A heuristic evaluation template is a structured form that guides evaluators through the process of assessing a user interface against a set of usability heuristics. These heuristics are general rules or best practices that help identify common usability issues. The template typically includes:

• A list of heuristics to check

• Space to note problems found

• Severity ratings for each issue

• Suggestions for improvement

  
  

This structure helps evaluators stay organized and ensures that all key usability aspects are reviewed.

Why Use a Template?

Without a template, heuristic evaluations can become inconsistent or incomplete. A template:

• Standardizes the process so multiple evaluators assess the interface in the same way.

• Saves time by providing a ready-made checklist.

• Improves communication by clearly documenting findings and recommendations.

• Supports prioritization by including severity ratings for issues.

  
  

Using a template also makes it easier to compare results across different evaluations or versions of a product.

Key Components of a Heuristic Evaluation Template

When building your own template, include these essential parts:

1. List of Usability Heuristics

Choose a set of heuristics relevant to your product. Jakob Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics are widely used:

• Visibility of system status

• Match between system and the real world

• User control and freedom

• Consistency and standards

• Error prevention

• Recognition rather than recall

• Flexibility and efficiency of use

• Aesthetic and minimalist design

• Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors

• Help and documentation

  
  

2. Problem Description

Provide space for evaluators to describe each usability issue they find. Clear descriptions help developers understand the problem.

3. Severity Rating

Include a scale to rate how serious each problem is. A common scale runs from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (usability catastrophe). This helps prioritize fixes.

4. Suggested Fixes

Allow room for recommendations on how to improve or fix the problem. This makes the evaluation actionable.

5. Additional Notes

A section for any extra comments or observations that don’t fit elsewhere.

How to Use the Template Effectively

Prepare Evaluators

Make sure evaluators understand the heuristics and the product. Provide training or examples if needed.

Conduct Independent Reviews

Have multiple evaluators use the template separately. This increases the chance of finding all issues.

Aggregate Results

Combine findings from all evaluators into a single report. Group similar problems and average severity ratings.

Share and Discuss

Review the report with designers and developers. Use the template’s clear structure to guide discussions and plan improvements.

Digital heuristic evaluation form on tablet

Example of a Simple Heuristic Evaluation Template

| Heuristic | Problem Description | Severity (0-4) | Suggested Fix | Notes |

|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------|

| Visibility of system status | No loading indicator when saving data | 3 | Add a spinner or progress bar | Users unsure if save worked |

| Consistency and standards | Different button styles on same page | 2 | Use consistent button design | Confuses users |

| Error prevention | No confirmation before deleting items | 4 | Add confirmation dialog | Risk of accidental deletion |

| Help and documentation | No help link on settings page | 1 | Add contextual help link | Minor inconvenience |

This table format keeps information clear and easy to scan.

Tips for Customizing Your Template

• Adjust heuristics to fit your product type. For example, mobile apps may need specific heuristics about touch targets.

• Include screenshots or links to the interface areas being evaluated.

• Use digital tools like spreadsheets or specialized software for easier collaboration.

• Add a summary section to highlight the most critical issues.

  
  

When to Use Heuristic Evaluation

Heuristic evaluation works best early in the design process or before major releases. It is faster and cheaper than user testing but does not replace it. Use heuristic evaluation to catch obvious problems and improve the interface before testing with real users.