Mobile Heuristics
Audit tool and guide to building meaningful and delightful mobile experiences.
I made these heuristics as a continuation of NNG 10 Usability Heuristics that we all know and love, Dieter Rams’ 10 principles of good design annotated as (DR), and a ResearchGate paper on mobile heuristics.
01. VISIBILITY OF SYSTEM STATUS
Useful (DR) Interface immediately gives appropriate status feedback for as long as needed in an appropriate place (status bar).
How to apply it
Make sure that any status message is clearly seen by the user in the status bar. Display it immediately after any changes in status, and keep it displayed until system status is normal again.
02. SYSTEM & REAL WORLD MATCH
Long-lasting (DR) Interface is aligned with expectations, displaying data and elements in natural, logical order in channel-appropriate language.
How to apply it
Use established and well-understood conventions. If a hybrid experience is designed, make sure that content does not say “hover mouse over item”, buttons are at the bottom to account for scrolling, etc.
03. OFFER USERS CONTROL
Honest (DR) Interface provides cancel, stop, redo, and undo options, ensuring actions utilize mobile interaction patterns.
How to apply it
Always ensure that users have the ability to withdraw from going through the task. Some mobile patterns of interaction include swiping up to exit; incorporate these and similar actions for supporting operating systems.
04. CLEAR HELP & DOCUMENTATION
Aesthetic (DR) Error messages are presented in plain language, not code; documentation is available when needed for further assistance.
How to apply it
Always explain error messages. Ex: when data cannot load (especially real-time data) always provide a reason and, if possible, a substitute to instill trust and transparency.
05. AESTHETIC AND MINIMALIST
As little design as possible (DR) Interface never shows elements irrelevant to the task, incorporating universal mobile IA, patterns and meaningful GenAI and autofill.
How to apply it
Mobile design has established conventions, such as bottom navigation having relevant information themes. When possible and meaningful, use GenAI and autofill for bulk action assistance.
06. HELP RECOGNIZE & RESOLVE
Environmentally friendly (DR) Interface ensures brightness & sound control, haptic feedback, access to camera, microphone & location for error resolution.
How to apply it
Users are often outside, in loud environments, have earbuds in, on the go in different locations and on different networks; always ensure that appropriate controls and feedback are available.
07. CONSISTENCY OF STANDARDS
Unobtrusive (DR) Interface accounts for space limitation, cognitive load, industry standards, and stays consistent throughout the experience.
How to apply it
If a flow is complex, break information into buckets with three to four calls to action, never use too much text without breaks, utilize tool tips whenever possible, as well as chat and meaningful AI.
08. ERROR PREVENTION
Thorough (DR) Interface provides details on resolving errors, testing potential traps prior to release, accounting for operating systems.
How to apply it
Account for all operating systems. Always test iOS and Android, and supporting browsers. If updated software is needed to use the app, ensure the user knows that it must be installed prior to downloading or updating the app.
09. RECOGNITION OVER RECALL
Understandable (DR) Experience has one task per interface, displaying only necessary elements, utilizing standard mobile capabilities, patterns, and IA.
How to apply it
Once a design interaction is established (in accordance with industry standards) never use different patterns anywhere else in the app. Always focus only on one task per interface to assist users who need additional focus.
10. FLEXIBILITY & EFFICIENCY OF USE
Innovative (DR) Interface design considers all levels of users, providing shortcuts to experts, customization to novices, while elevating mobile interaction patterns.
How to apply it
Ensure that expert users and novice users are able to customize their experience by using shortcuts or tool tips; these can be dynamic with users’ engagement and knowledge.