# Usability heuristics

Practical design principles for checking system status, error prevention, consistency and user control in interfaces.

 Principle · Technology and product


## Core concepts
  Visibility: communicate progress and results
 Error prevention and recovery: reduce mistakes and provide ways back
 Cognitive effort: use visible cues instead of relying on memory
 

## Application
 Use interface reviews to identify potential problems and questions to examine through user observation.


## Limitations and jurisdiction
 Expert inspection does not replace measurement of real user success. Priorities between principles depend on users and tasks.


## Editorial perspectives
  Learnability: prioritize explanation and consistent operation.
 Expert efficiency: prioritize shortcuts for repeated work.
 

## Sources
 Jakob Nielsen · Nielsen Norman Group · 1994; reviewed in 2024
[10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design](https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/) Context: International reference; verify the application environment
 Source checked: 2026-10-07
 Independent editorial summary and source link; the original text is not republished.


## Related personas
  [Software developer](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/developer)

## Translation status
 Editorial English translation of the Korean edition. No professional translation or occupational expert review has been completed. Translation does not change the source jurisdiction.
 Translation prepared: 2026-10-08 · Source fingerprint: kb-a9acad77fa8abe95
[Korean source](https://personawiki.app/knowledge/usability-heuristics)

## API
[JSON document](https://personawiki.app/api/v1/knowledge/usability-heuristics?lang=en)