The hottest Usability Substack posts right now

Creating lists on Google Maps can help you get to know a new place better.
Google Maps lists could be improved with better organization features and social elements.
Despite shortcomings, Google Maps lists can be both useful and frustrating at the same time.

Jakob Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics were developed through factor analysis to explain a database of usability problems, with the final list chosen for its explanatory power.
The initial heuristics in 1989 were based on opinion and teaching needs, while the refined 1994 list was derived through systematic research and factor analysis.
The 10 heuristics have remained relevant for 30 years due to their grounding in fundamental mismatches between humans and machines, and their broad, general applicability across different user interfaces.

Specification lists on ecommerce platforms can have poor usability
Amazon's design mistakes in specification tables can be lessons for other websites
Usability problems in specification sheets include lack of scannability and unexplained labels

Gear is an integral part of our lives and can be nostalgic, tied to experiences and memories.
Gear enthusiasts have philosophies in acquiring gear, like brand loyalty or minimalism.
Having a 'Point of Unrecognized Satisfaction' helps assess optimal spending on gear based on usability.

Jakob Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics are crucial for UX design.
Many individuals are reimagining and presenting these UX principles in creative ways.
Various resources such as memes, icons, and scorecards provide different perspectives on the 10 heuristics.

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Standardized usability questionnaires have many advantages like objectivity, reliability, and validity.
There are various post-test standardized usability questionnaires available, such as QUIS, SUMI, PSSUQ, SUS, and SUPR-Q, each with unique features and applications.
Choosing the right questionnaire depends on factors like the nature of the project, stage of research, goals of the study, and budget limitations.

Post-task questionnaires capture user impressions immediately after a task, offering insights into user experience.
Popular post-task questionnaires include the After-Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ), Subjective Mental Effort Question (SMEQ), and Expectation ratings (ER), each providing valuable usability feedback.
When conducting usability studies, using multiple post-task questionnaires, like ASQ and SEQ, is recommended for a better understanding of user perceptions.

The 5-second test is a form of usability testing to measure users' first impressions of a design by showing them a fixed interface for a short time.
Aesthetic elements influence users' first impressions, which form quickly within the first few seconds of viewing a design. Designers have a limited time to make a good first impression.
The 5-second test is effective for assessing perceived usability and initial reactions to an interface, but it does not measure actual usability or comprehension of complex information.