Nielsen's 10 Heuristics: Making Interfaces Actually Usable
Ever clicked a button and wondered if anything actually happened? Or got stuck in an app with no idea how to get back? You're not experiencing bad luck — you're experiencing bad design. Back in 1994, usability expert Jakob Nielsen figured out something important: most interface problems follow patterns. He identified 10 principles that separate frustrating designs from delightful ones. These aren't just academic theories — companies like Apple, Google, and Adobe have been using them to build products that millions of people love. Let's break down these 10 rules in plain English. 1. Visibility of System Status Keep users informed about what the system is doing, right now. Think about the last time you ordered food delivery. That little map showing your driver's location? That's this principle in action. When you click "submit" on a form, you need to know: Did it work? Is it processing? Did something break? Quick wins: Change button colors when they'...