Heuristic Evaluation is a usability inspection method used to identify usability problems in a user interface (UI) design. Developed by Jakob Nielsen and Rolf Molich in the early 1990s, this method relies on a set of predefined usability principles, or heuristics, to evaluate how well a design supports user-friendly interactions. The primary goal is to uncover issues that could hinder the user's ability to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

The process typically involves a small group of usability experts, often between three and five, who independently analyze the interface and evaluate it against recognized heuristics, such as consistency and standards, error prevention, flexibility, and user control. Afterward, the experts consolidate their findings to prioritize issues based on severity and potential impact on the user experience.

Heuristic Evaluation is widely used because it is cost-effective and can be applied at various stages of the design process, from early prototypes to final products. Unlike user testing, which involves direct interaction with end-users, this method is faster and leverages expert knowledge to predict usability problems.

However, it does have limitations. Heuristic Evaluation depends heavily on the expertise and experience of evaluators and may miss issues that only emerge during real-world use. Despite these limitations, it is a valuable tool for organizations seeking to improve the usability of their digital products quickly and affordably.