Template10 min readInteractive

Heuristic Evaluation Scorecard & Template

Evaluate your digital product through Jakob Nielsen's 10 Heuristics combined with modern SaaS behavioral psychology models.

Audit score

0/8

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1. Severity Classification Rubric

0/4 passed

P0 — Blocker (Conversion Killer) P0

Users cannot complete transaction, signup, or primary workflow; immediate loss of revenue.

P1 — High Friction P0

Users can complete the task but experience severe hesitation, confusion, or retry loops.

P2 — Moderate Inconsistency

Visual drift, misalignment, or slow interaction patterns that reduce brand perceived trust.

P3 — Low Cosmetic

Minor typographic or spacing imperfections that do not impair workflow completion.

2. Core Heuristic Categories Tested

0/4 passed

Visibility of System Status P0

Does the system always keep users informed about what is going on through appropriate feedback?

Match Between System and Real World P0

Does the interface speak the user's language rather than internal engineering database terms?

User Control and Freedom P0

Do users have clear emergency exits to leave unwanted states without an extended dialogue?

Error Prevention Over Error Messages P0

Does the design eliminate error-prone conditions before they occur?

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Principles

Best practices.

Always prioritize P0 conversion blockers before spending time polishing minor P3 styling details.
Record your audit walkthrough via video: hearing vocal hesitation illustrates friction far better than static screenshots.

FAQ

Common question.

Can I use this template to audit my own product?

Yes, though founders often suffer from 'creator blindness'. Having an external expert walk through your flow uncovers assumptions you take for granted.

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