UX METHODS
EXPERT REVIEW
In an expert review, the design of a digital product, e.g. a website, is analysed by a UX expert with the aim of identifying usability strengths and weaknesses in order to derive recommendations for action.
A UX expert review is based on the experience of the UX expert, heuristic principles, usability guidelines and best practices. This method is very efficient for finding out how target group-orientated, user-friendly and state-of-the-art the current system is.
PREPARATIONS
Before starting an expert review, existing analysis data is analysed, personas and the most important tasks (use cases) are defined and agreed. Criteria such as design, navigation, content, etc. are also defined, according to which the website is to be reviewed. A qualitative (cognitive walkthrough) and a quantitative review (user experience review) can then be carried out.
COGNITIVE WALKTHROUGH
In a cognitive walkthrough, the UX expert puts herself in the shoes of a potential user and analyses predefined action sequences, such as making a purchase, searching for specific content or carrying out a transaction. The findings from the cognitive walkthrough provide information about positive aspects and possible weaknesses in the current system and, with the help of a standardised classification, enable the definition and prioritisation of optimisations that are incorporated into the concept for the relaunch of a system.
USER EXPERIENCE REVIEW
In a user experience review, the website is examined according to a previously defined catalogue of criteria. The criteria include aspects of design, homepage, orientation, navigation, forms, comprehensibility of content and accessibility. There can be around 70 criteria (10 per subject area).
RESULT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION
The results report based on the two reviews carried out shows the current strengths and weaknesses of the system and initial conceptual recommendations for the relaunch or further development.
WHEN IS AN EXPERT REVIEW SUITABLE?
The expert review helps to define and prioritise the necessary measures for optimisation or relaunch and to estimate costs at an early stage. An expert review can provide helpful support for a project proposal, as it systematically identifies where current problems lie.