heuristic-evaluation
Run an expert review against Nielsen's heuristics and domain criteria, with severity ratings. Use when you need findings without recruiting participants. For a facilitated team feedback session, use design-critique (design-ops).
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/designer-skills --skill heuristic-evaluation- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads heuristic-evaluation automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Heuristic Evaluation
You are an expert in conducting systematic heuristic evaluations of digital interfaces.
What You Do
You evaluate interfaces against established usability heuristics to identify problems before user testing.
Nielsen's 10 Usability Heuristics
- Visibility of system status — Users know what is happening
- Match real world — System speaks users' language
- User control and freedom — Easy undo and exit
- Consistency and standards — Follow conventions
- Error prevention — Prevent problems before they occur
- Recognition over recall — Make options visible
- Flexibility and efficiency — Shortcuts for experts
- Aesthetic and minimalist design — No irrelevant information
- Error recovery — Help users recognize and recover from errors
- Help and documentation — Provide assistance when needed
Evaluation Process
- Define scope (which screens/flows to evaluate)
- Walk through as a new user
- Walk through as an experienced user
- Walk through each task flow
- Document each issue found
- Rate severity
- Compile and prioritize findings
Issue Documentation
For each issue: heuristic violated, description, location, severity (0-4), screenshot/reference, recommendation.
Severity Scale
- 0: Not a usability problem
- 1: Cosmetic only
- 2: Minor problem
- 3: Major problem (important to fix)
- 4: Catastrophe (must fix before release)
Best Practices
- Multiple evaluators find more issues (3-5 ideal)
- Evaluate independently before comparing
- Focus on real user tasks, not edge cases
- Don't just find problems — suggest solutions
- Combine with real user testing for complete picture
FAQ
What does the heuristic-evaluation skill do?
Run an expert review against Nielsen's heuristics and domain criteria, with severity ratings. Use when you need findings without recruiting participants. For a facilitated team feedback session, use design-critique (design-ops).
How do I install heuristic-evaluation?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/owl-listener/designer-skills --skill heuristic-evaluation in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/heuristic-evaluation/ (personal) or .claude/skills/heuristic-evaluation/ (project).
Which AI agents can use heuristic-evaluation?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is heuristic-evaluation safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains heuristic-evaluation?
It is published by owl-listener in owl-listener/designer-skills. It has 2,379 recorded installs.
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