UX Heuristics

Evaluates interface usability using Nielsen's 10 heuristics + Krug's "Don't Make Me Think" principles. Returns a severity-scored list of what's broken and why.

Core Philosophy

Users scan, they don't read. They satisfice, they don't optimize. They muddle through, they don't figure out.

"Every page should be self-evident. If something requires thinking, it's a usability problem." — Steve Krug

Krug's Three Laws

1. Don't make me think. Pages should be self-evident. Clear labels beat clever marketing copy.
2. It doesn't matter how many times I click, as long as each click is mindless. Minimize cognitive effort per interaction.
3. Get rid of half the words on each page, then get rid of half of what's left. Ruthlessly eliminate unnecessary text.

The Trunk Test

Drop a user on any random page. Can they immediately answer:

• What site is this? What page am I on? What are the major sections?
• What are my options at this level? Where am I in the hierarchy? How can I search?

If any answer requires effort, the navigation is broken.

Nielsen's 10 Heuristics

Severity Scale

Audit Output Format

Sort by severity (highest first). Summary: total issues, count by severity, top 3 fixes.

Quick Diagnostic Checklist (60 seconds)

• Can I tell what page this is and what I can do here?
• Is there a clear visual hierarchy?
• Do all interactive elements look clickable?
• Is there feedback when I take an action?
• Can I undo or go back easily?
• Are error messages helpful and specific?
• Does it work on mobile without hover?
• Are tap targets large enough (44x44px)?
• Is the most important action obvious?
• Would a first-time user know what to do?