Heuristic analysis
In a few words (5 min read)
Heuristic Evaluations and Expert Reviews
A short article that answers basic questions like “What is a heuristic evaluation?”, “What are pros and cons of this research method” and “Why is Jacob Nielsen name often synonymous with usability priniciples?
Step by step (5–30 min read)
How to Conduct a Heuristic Evaluation
From the horse mouth itself Jacob Nielsen article on how to conduct heuristic analysis based on his ten usability heuristics. Worth the read, but as a practical guide it may come across as a bit too scientific.
Deep dive (30 min — few hours read)
An Introduction To Heuristic Evaluation
Much more accessible than the previous resource, this introduction to heuristic evaluations should be a good guide for anybody starting to use that method. For those willing to learn more author includes suggestions for further reading.
An Overview of Expert Heuristic Evaluations
Another guide to heuristic evaluation this time from UXMatters. I especially recommend the part where the author explains the different approaches that usability experts can take to perform heuristic evaluations.
Tools
UX Check
UX Check is a free Chrome extension that makes it easy to conduct a heuristic analysis. It places the ten Nielsen heuristics in a side panel next to analyzed website. You can add your notes and recommendations next to the screenshot and in the end compile everything into an HTML or DOCX document.
Capian
Paid Chrome extension that positioned itself as all-in-one usability expert review tool for UXers. What I like about is that not only are all heuristic evaluation rules built into the app (Nielsen, Shneiderman, Bastien & Scapin), but you can also add your custom criteria. What I don’t like about is the steep price point — I think it would be more popular if it had an option to pay per use.
Usabilitest
Paid online software with a set of usability testing tools, including a Heuristic Evaluation Tool. It is a monthly subscription product that gives you access to all 5 tools. Before committing you can test it for 48h in a free trial.
