What is the process called where an expert evaluates a design against a set of usability principles?

The process where an expert evaluates a design against a set of usability principles is known as heuristic evaluation. This method involves usability experts reviewing an interface based on established heuristics or guidelines related to usability. The objective is to identify usability issues in the design so that they can be addressed and improved before the product is tested with actual users.

Heuristic evaluation is particularly effective because it allows for quick identification of problems without direct user involvement, making it a valuable step in the design process. Experts use their knowledge of usability best practices to assess the interface, often leading to insights that might not be apparent through other evaluation methods.

While usability inspection can sometimes be used interchangeably with heuristic evaluation, it is broader and can include various types of assessments, which may not strictly be based on established heuristics. User testing involves real users interacting with the design to identify issues from their perspective, and field evaluation refers to studying users in their natural environment, which differs significantly from an expert-led assessment.