You ever get that feeling when you're staring at a design that looks good on the surface, but something just feels... off? That’s your UX gut talking. But instead of relying solely on instinct, there’s a secret weapon that makes your design decisions sharper and more strategic: heuristics.
Let’s break down why heuristics matter, where most teams get it wrong, and how you can weave them into every stage of your product workflow without slowing down your momentum.
The Heuristics You Think You Know
Jakob Nielsen laid out 10 usability heuristics back in the '90s, and guess what? They still hold up. Because good UX isn't trendy — it's timeless. Here they are in plain English:
Show me what’s happening (Visibility of system status)
Speak my language (Match between system and real world)
Let me undo my oops (User control and freedom)
Be consistent, not cute (Consistency and standards)
Don’t make me guess (Error prevention)
Tell me what went wrong (Recognition, diagnosis, and recovery from errors)
I shouldn’t need to remember stuff (Recognition rather than recall)
Give me shortcuts (Flexibility and efficiency of use)
Keep it clean (Aesthetic and minimalist design)
Help me help myself (Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors)
They sound simple, but applying them with intention? That’s where the magic happens.
Where teams usually slip up
Let’s be real: most teams only think about heuristics when they’re scrambling to do a UX audit or prepping for a stakeholder review. But these principles should be baked into your day-to-day work. Otherwise, you risk playing UX whack-a-mole, patching issues instead of preventing them.
Common pitfalls we see:
Overcomplicated flows (violating #9)
Clever copy that confuses users (violating #2 and #4)
No clear error recovery (violating #6 and #10)
Hidden features that require memory gymnastics (violating #7)
When you design with these in mind upfront, you reduce rework and save dev time. And let’s be honest: no one likes redoing tickets.
How MXMD uses UX heuristics
Whether we're kicking off a new SaaS dashboard or overhauling an ecommerce flow, heuristics guide our internal critiques, design reviews, and client presentations.
We bake them into:
Wireframe reviews
Accessibility audits
Feature prioritization debates
Client education (sometimes, a well-placed heuristic turns a vague opinion into a clear design reason)
For example: when a client says, "It just feels confusing," we reference #7 and #2 to break down why a dropdown menu might be the culprit. Now we’re not just guessing — we’re leading.
Heuristics in the Age of AI
AI might be speeding up everything from copywriting to layout generation, but it still needs a designer with a sharp eye to make sure those outputs are usable. Heuristics give you the lens to critique AI-generated designs with clarity.
Because AI can’t replace discernment. And design without discernment? That’s just decoration.
TL;DR: Start Using What You Know
Heuristics aren’t old UX theory. They’re a superpower. But like any tool, they only work if you actually use them.
We created our Ultimate UX Heuristics Checklist to help you do just that — in audits, reviews, and everyday design decisions. Whether you're flying solo or running a team, this guide keeps your work grounded in what actually matters: clarity, usability, and human-centered design.
→ Ready to upgrade your process? Download the checklist and start designing smarter today.
