ux-heuristics

name	ux-heuristics
description	Evaluates interface usability using Nielsen's 10 heuristics + Krug's principles. Returns a severity-scored list of issues. Triggers on "audit this for usability", "heuristic review", "UX issues", "usability check", "ux heuristics".
allowed-tools	Read

UX Heuristics

Evaluates interface usability using Nielsen's 10 heuristics + Krug's "Don't Make Me Think" principles. Returns a severity-scored list of what's broken and why.

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Core Philosophy

Users scan, they don't read. They satisfice, they don't optimize. They muddle through, they don't figure out.

"Every page should be self-evident. If something requires thinking, it's a usability problem." — Steve Krug

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Krug's Three Laws

1. Don't make me think. Pages should be self-evident. Clear labels beat clever marketing copy.
2. It doesn't matter how many times I click, as long as each click is mindless. Minimize cognitive effort per interaction.
3. Get rid of half the words on each page, then get rid of half of what's left. Ruthlessly eliminate unnecessary text.

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The Trunk Test

Drop a user on any random page. Can they immediately answer:

• What site is this? What page am I on? What are the major sections?
• What are my options at this level? Where am I in the hierarchy? How can I search?

If any answer requires effort, the navigation is broken.

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Nielsen's 10 Heuristics

#	Heuristic	What to Check
1	Visibility of System Status	Loading indicators? Form submission feedback? Current state visible?
2	Match System and Real World	Jargon-free labels? Natural reading order? Icons match mental models?
3	User Control and Freedom	Undo available? Cancel on every modal? No dead ends?
4	Consistency and Standards	Same action = same label? Button styles consistent?
5	Error Prevention	Confirmation for destructive actions? Inline validation? Disabled states?
6	Recognition Rather Than Recall	Options visible? Recent items surfaced? Labels on icons?
7	Flexibility and Efficiency	Keyboard shortcuts? Bulk actions? Search as navigation?
8	Aesthetic and Minimalist Design	Only essential info visible? Progressive disclosure? White space?
9	Help Recover from Errors	Plain language? Specific not generic? Suggest a fix?
10	Help and Documentation	Searchable? Task-focused? Concrete steps?

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Severity Scale

Severity	Label	Priority
0	Not a problem	Skip
1	Cosmetic	Fix if time permits
2	Minor	Fix in next iteration
3	Major	Fix before shipping
4	Catastrophic	Fix immediately

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Audit Output Format

#	Heuristic Violated	Issue	Severity	Recommendation
1	H8: Minimalist Design	Dashboard shows 12 metrics above fold	2	Progressive disclosure: show top 4, expand for rest
2	H1: System Status	No loading indicator on search	3	Add spinner or skeleton screen

Sort by severity (highest first). Summary: total issues, count by severity, top 3 fixes.

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Quick Diagnostic Checklist (60 seconds)

• Can I tell what page this is and what I can do here?
• Is there a clear visual hierarchy?
• Do all interactive elements look clickable?
• Is there feedback when I take an action?
• Can I undo or go back easily?
• Are error messages helpful and specific?
• Does it work on mobile without hover?
• Are tap targets large enough (44x44px)?
• Is the most important action obvious?
• Would a first-time user know what to do?