Evaluation from the Heuristic Test
Final score: 21/40 = 52.5% (19 Green, 4 Orange)
Orange Marks
Visibility of system status
Current status of icon clearly indicated: I had the idea of giving an indication for the icons however in the paper prototype it isn’t consistent. This is because it felt repetitive, and I thought that not doing it would be indicative. However this is something I would need to keep consistent in the next round of designing.
User control
Accidental activation (lack of back button): I had the idea of using back buttons on the top left, however it isn’t consistent in the paper prototype.
Can users set their own system?: Users can change the theme, and in some cases the formatting of their note, but that’s it – not much else with personalisation.
Flexibility and efficiency of use
Is there any advanced search option?: Users can filter results, but use the advanced search options because I have not thought of it.
Red Marks
Visibility of system status
If pop-up windows show up – does it show users their errors?: I did not design for this or think of this because I thought these would be indicative enough.
Is the logo meaningful?: I have not designed the logo nor any of the visual design for the app yet.
Is there a link to detailed information about the creator?: No – Have not thought of this – but will add to the settings page
Match between the system and the real world
Are the icons concrete and familiar: Have not designed this yet.
Do selected colours match the real world: Have not designed this yet
Is there a consistent icon style: Have not designed this yet
for question and answer interfaces, are questions stated in clear, simple language?: No – have not chosen the body copy yet
is the language used the same target users speak?: No – have not chosen the body copy yet
User control
are users prompted to confirm commands that have drastic, destructive consequences?: Have not designed this yet
can users easily reverse their actions?: Have not designed this yet
Consistency
is there a consistent icon design scheme and stylistic treatment across the system?: Have not designed this yet
Aesthetic and minimalist design
Has excessive design been used in icons?: Have not designed this yet
are all icons in a set visually and conceptually distinct?: Have not designed this yet
Help users recognise, diagnose and recover from errors
To signal an input error in a form, mark the textbox that needs to be changed: Have not designed this yet
Help and documentation
is it easy to access and return from the help system?: Have not designed a help system
Pleasurable and respectful interaction
protect users’ work, also as “For data entry screens with many fields or in which source documents may be incomplete, can users save a partially filled screen?”: Have not designed or thought about a draft section.
Privacy
are protected areas completely inaccessible?: Have not designed this yet
can protected or confidential areas be accessed with certain passwords: Have not designed yet
In summary:
Most of the red marked areas of the app come from the little details, a lot of consistency issues (such as back buttons/confirmation screens etc). There are also issues around the visual design of the app (most about the icons and its style) which I haven’t gone through yet. There were some parts of the test that gave me good ideas for the next iteration, which was having a draft section, and emphasising the security/passcode lock to help with the users who value their privacy. I also haven’t really thought of a help system for the app, but I had thought about having a help system for the final prototype that is going to be shown in the exhibition – have not really thought of it to the extent that I’m happy with. Next plan: research for design systems to help me with the visual design, and improve on the screens using the results from this test.
