CUA Heuristic Evaluation & Expert Review

Question 1

How many usability heuristics did Jakob Nielsen define in his widely adopted heuristic evaluation framework?

Accepted Answer

10

Answer

Jakob Nielsen defined 10 usability heuristics, which have become the standard framework for heuristic evaluation.

Question 2

Which of Nielsen's 10 heuristics is best addressed when a system provides status indicators, progress bars, and loading messages?

Accepted Answer

Visibility of system status

Answer

Visibility of system status means the system should always keep users informed about what is going on through appropriate feedback.

Question 3

In a heuristic evaluation, what is the recommended minimum number of evaluators to achieve good problem coverage?

Accepted Answer

3–5

Answer

Research shows that 3–5 evaluators find the majority of usability problems; fewer miss too many issues and more yield diminishing returns.

Question 4

Which heuristic is violated when a system uses jargon and technical language that the target users do not understand?

Accepted Answer

Match between system and real world

Answer

Match between system and real world requires that the system use words, phrases, and concepts familiar to the user, not internal system terminology.

Question 5

What distinguishes a heuristic evaluation from a cognitive walkthrough?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive walkthrough focuses on learnability for new users step-by-step

Answer

A cognitive walkthrough focuses on evaluating whether a new user can learn to use the system by stepping through tasks sequentially, whereas heuristic evaluation rates the interface against usability principles.

CUA - Certified Usability Analyst Practice Test

CUA - Certified Usability Analyst Practice Test

CUA Heuristic Evaluation & Expert Review