RESOURCE REPOSITORY

Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design

Design Principles • Neilsen Norman Group

Details

By Jakob Nielsen on Apr. 24, 1994; Updated Nov. 15, 2020

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The Neilsen Norman Group is a UX research and consulting firm founded in 1993.

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Strengths

Clear guidance to reveal usability issues for diverse product types
Includes detailed case studies
Consistently updated

Description

Jakob Nielsen's 10 general principles for interaction design. They are called "heuristics" because they are broad rules of thumb and not specific usability guidelines.

Limitations

Developed for desktop applications
Best applied by experts, can be resource-heavy and time-consuming

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Use cases

Design heuristics are broad principles, not guidelines. They are useful to keep in mind as projects are planned, iterated, and executed, especially if you do not have access to the intended user. In sum, they are valuable when evaluating the effectiveness of materials, especially when:

Creating interactive digital materials
Developing educational or instructional materials
Evaluating accessibility

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The Good Things Foundation: Online Courses

Online resource • The Good Things Foundation

Details

Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK, the organization is focused on community development and social inclusion.

Strengths

Useful resource to help end-users build digital skills, for a variety of different use cases
Specific resources for elderly individuals, and for patients
Contains resources specific for all levels of digital proficiency, and for aiding others

Description

Good Things Foundation is a non-profit that supports "digitally and socially excluded people to improve their lives through digital." They provide online learning resources to help disadvantaged or marginalized individuals get online.

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Limitations

Limited to UK-specific supports, especially governmental supports
Unclear update schedule
Website can be difficult to navigate for those with less digital literacy

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Use cases

The learning resources available at the Good Things Foundation can be used directly by end users (e.g. older patients unfamiliar with digital technologies) or by communicators/designers to inform a communications strategy.

Introducing community members with minimal digital literacy to digital tools (e.g. different devices, available online services, personal privacy considerations)
Learning about different strategies to promote a digital solution/resource to intended end users
Understanding the types of support necessary for potential user groups (e.g. children, teens, rural users)

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NN/g: Design Thinking Study Guide

Online resource • Kate Moran

Details

Updated by Kate Moran on August 22, 2021

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The Neilsen Norman Group is a UX research and consulting firm founded in 1993.

Strengths

Clear introduction to concept and steps of design thinking
Free library of design resources
Breaks down commonly-used design jargon
Useful exemplars interspersed with concise guidance to central tenets of modern design

Description

What is design thinking and why should you care? History and background plus a quick overview and visualization of 6 phases of the design thinking process. Approaching problem solving with a hands-on, user-centric mindset leads to innovation, and innovation can lead to differentiation and a competitive advantage.

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Limitations

Guided training in design thinking is available through a paywall
General guidance does not provide specific case studies with teachings put to real-world use
Long list of articles with use order designed specifically for beginners; moderately- or highly-experienced individuals would need to use resources more selectively

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Use cases

Design thinking is a framework designed to be adapted to each use case. It can be used when developing visuals, products, or experiences, and can be scaled up or down depending on available project resources. The Design Thinking Study Guide is useful for:

Learning about, or refreshing knowledge about the different stages of design thinking
Reviewing the purpose and use of different activities for each stage
Referring a collaborator less experienced with the co-design process to the design thinking framework

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IDEO.org Design Kit

Online resource • Non-profit design studio

Details

IDEO.org is a non-profit design studio that build tools that help people learn and practice human-centered design (HCD).

Strengths

Provides context for the usefulness of HCD through real-world case studies
Provides breakdown for HCD activities: Suggested Time, Level of Difficulty, Materials Needed, and Participants
Links to free additional resources on human-centered design

Description

The IDEO.org design kit is an online resource containing guidance, examples, and use cases for human-centered design (HCD).

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Limitations

Does not provide a clear order of exploration for all available content
Guidance is general, and best used in concert with an established background in design thinking

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Use cases

The IDEO.org design kit is useful for:

Introducing/refreshing oneself or collaborators to HCD
Informing overall project structure with respect to co-creating with stakeholders
Ideating communication and engagement activities to conduct with stakeholders

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U.S. Gov’t design & communication resources

Online resource • United States Federal Government

Details

Digital.gov is designed to help the U.S. government deliver improved digital services. Their mission is to "transform how government learns, builds, delivers, and measures digital services in the 21st century."

Strengths

Trusted strategies validated by research to the design and creation of digital products
Resources sortable by topic (e.g. Design, Usability, Accessibility, User Experience)
Regular review and updates of available resources by experts

Description

Essential ‘how-to’ guidance for product managers in government, including content from: Digital.gov, PlainLanguage.gov, and the U.S. Web Design System.

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Limitations

Most useful for digital products, services, and experiences
Government-specific resources are not applicable for external use cases
Topic areas can be highly specific
Provides forum for discussion for best strategies and practices for creating digital products, tools, or experiences for government employees only

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Use cases

This design and communication library is most useful for:

Projects where referencing a standard set of practices is more useful than creating a brand-new standard (for usability testing, co-creation practices, plain language and other accessibility considerations)
Validating design choices

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The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN)

Online resource • United States Federal Government

Details

The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is an unfunded working group of federal employees from different agencies and specialties who support the use of clear communication in government writing.

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Strengths

Trusted strategies validated by research to the design and creation of digital products
Regular review and updates of available resources by experts
Provides examples, training, and checklists for plain language, as well as methods to convince stakeholders of its importance

Description

Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Their goal is to promote the use of plain language for all U.S. government communications.

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Limitations

Government-specific resources are not applicable for external use cases
Provides training opportunities for government employees only

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Use cases

PLAIN is a product designed specifically for use by the United States federal government, and should be used with that context in mind. It can be useful for:

Considering plain language requirements during the project planning phase
Validating usability and linguistic accessibility during the user testing phase
Familiarizing stakeholders with the importance of plain language

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Web Accessibility Initiative

Online resource • World Wide Web Consortium

Details

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops international standards for the Web: HTML, CSS, and many more.

Strengths

Concise introduction to web accessibility with a clear path of exploration
Clearly demarcates resources for different roles: e.g. writers, designers, managers, educators
Visual examples of important considerations when designing for the Web

Description

The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) develops standards and support materials to help you understand and implement accessibility.

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Limitations

Information is often browser-specific; designing for mobile involves a different set of standards
Examples are basic, and often out-of-date with recent design trends
Primarily English-focused

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Use cases

The W3C is the international standard for the Web, and provides up-to-date information on web accessibility. It can be useful when:

Developing novel or experimental products/visuals/experiences for the Web, which requires accessibility validation
Understanding the user experience of individuals who require specific web-based accommodations (e.g. those with colourblindness, ADHD, stress injuries), with relevant guidance highlighted for each type of user

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Merrill's First Principles of Instructional Design

Instructional design principles • M. David Merrill

Details

M. David Merrill is professor emeritus at Utah State University.

He has been engaged in the study of effective, efficient and engaging instruction for more than 50 years.

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Strengths

A comprehensive review of instructional design literature, resulting in a collective set of principles for educational instruction
Inclusive of alternative learning models aside from lecturing and assessments
Provides examples of application of the First Principles

Description

Dr. Merrill has reviewed instructional design theories in an

attempt to identify prescriptive principles that are common to the various theories. This paper is a preliminary report of the principles that have been identified by this search.

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Limitations

The original publications are extensive and can be difficult to parse. Alternative avenues provide summaries and diagrams that aid in the illustration of the theory
Implementation of the theory can be hindered by the resources and environment available to the instructor and learner(s)

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Use cases

Merrill's First Principles provide a starting point for educational design. It can be useful for:

Consolidating raw data/information for educational or instructional materials
Identifying pain points for the education of end users with specific/non-traditional educational needs
Designing educational materials for multiple groups of end users with differing needs

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Library of Open-Source UX Design Resources

Online library • Interaction Design Foundation

Details

The Interaction Design Foundation is an online design school, founded by Daniel Rosenberg in 2002.

Strengths

Provides extensive free literature and instruction for user experience design for a variety of different products, services, and experiences
Open-source books available for free by subject matter experts
Links to resource bibliography to reference in any user research

Description

The library of resources comprise of textbooks written by designers, authors, and university professors. They cover the design of interactive products and services such as websites, household objects, smartphones, computer software, aircraft cockpits, and others.

Limitations

Community forums and master classes only accessible through membership fee
Specialized UX courses (e.g. UX Design for an Aging Population) unavailable without membership
Design articles do not have a search function, making the library difficult to parse

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Use cases

The library of open-source UX design resources is an extensive repository of information. Due to its size, it is most useful for users who understand and can specifically look for what might be most useful for them, whether as a beginner or as an experienced designer. As such, it can be best availed when:

Introducing or refreshing UX best practices for oneself/for stakeholders
Planning out usability pathways or user journeys
Understanding the present UX problem space for a specific project

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Google’s Material Design

Online Resource • Google

Details

Material is a design system created by Google to help teams build high-quality digital experiences for Android, iOS, Flutter, and the web.

Strengths

Standard that has been extensively tested across different platforms; familiar to most users
Exemplifies modern accessibility, interactions, layout, etc. based off of the principles of good design, with library of examples/use cases
Highly adaptable

Description

Material Design defines the qualities that can be expressed by UI regions, surfaces, and components. Material is an adaptable system of guidelines, components, and tools that support the best practices of user interface design.

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Limitations

Most useful for the Google ecosystem of devices and programs
At times, prioritizes aesthetic decisions over clarity/usability

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Use cases

Google's Material Design is useful as a starting point for the development of web-based products, with theming available to customize any design. For the heart failure context, it can be useful for:

Developing and testing prototypes and wireframes
Rapidly iterating on potential layouts
Applying consistent UI across different devices (e.g. smartwatches, phones, computers)

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CDC's Health Communication Gateway

Online resource • United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC)

Details

Page last reviewed on Sept. 3rd, 2021

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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CDC is the United States' leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health.

Strengths

Provides guidance on inclusive and accessible health communication to further health literacy
E xpert-validated tools and resources available to assess and promote health literacy across communications platforms, including Communication Guidance, Material Assessment Tools, Plain Language Materials and References, and Web-specific Communication Guidance.
Includes lists of collaborators, including healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and libraries

Description

The CDC’s health literacy website is for health communicators, public health professionals, and community leaders who seek information and tools on health literacy research, practice, and evaluation.

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Limitations

Specific information and resources most relevant to the United States
Training only available for government employees
Redundant or repeated information must be parsed through

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Use cases

The CDC Health Communication Gateway provides beginner- to expert- level guidance on health literacy in the United States. The resources it contains can be useful for:

Recognizing and responding to end users' information and communication needs
Identifying common interests and opportunities to work with partner organizations on local and regional levels
Evaluating a product or project's overall suitability for the general population's health literacy needs

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The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT)

Assessment Tool • United States Department of Health and Human Services

Details

Last reviewed November 2020

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Prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Strengths

Different versions of PEMAT are tailored for print or for audiovisual materials

Description

The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) is a systematic method to evaluate and compare the understandability and actionability of patient education materials. It is designed as a guide to help determine whether patients will be able to understand and act on information.

Limitations

Highly subjective depending on the knowledge, experience, and personal judgement of the assessor
Does not explicitly include patients in the assessment process

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Use cases

The PEMAT is a tool designed to ensure that health education materials are understandable and actionable. It can be useful for:

Evaluating accessibility throughout content development process
Reference when adapting patient-facing materials from one medium to another

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Universal Patient Language (UPL)

Online resource • Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)

Details

Last updated March 2017.

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Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) developed the UPL to provide practical tools and guidance to BMS teams who create patient communications.

Strengths

Different patient communication goals are examined both individually and as a whole
Includes case studies on the application of the UPL in multiple contexts
Provides notes on the readiness of different aspects of the tool (Primed and Polished; Ready but Limited; A Starting Point)

Description

The UPL is an evolving set of resources to help communicate to patients about complex topics. It was created in collaboration with patients, caregivers, advocates, healthcare providers, and visual communication experts.

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Limitations

Case studies primarily cover pharmaceutical contexts/problems
Some materials have not been evaluated or are preliminary in nature

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Use cases

The Universal Patient Language is particularly useful for knowledge translation and development. It can be used to:

Provide a starting point for creating new patient communications for complex research topics
Inform the development of patient education materials when patients are not directly available as consultants

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AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit

Online resource • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Details

Page last reviewed September 2020

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Prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Strengths

Includes specific guidance on written and spoken communication, with references
Provides guidance for improving patient support systems
Quick start guide for different methods applicable to specific use cases
Sample surveys, letters, appointment reminders and emails

Description

The AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, 2nd edition, can help primary care practices reduce the complexity of health care, increase patient understanding of health information, and enhance support for patients of all health literacy levels.

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Limitations

Sub-categorization not filterable
Requires time and resource investment from top down

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Use cases

Coming soon

RESOURCE REPOSITORY

Design Thinking for Health

Online course • University of Pennsylvania and Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation

Details

Last updated February 2022

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Design Thinking for Health is an online platform that teaches nurses a new framework to tackle the complex challenges they see in their practice.

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Strengths

Design thinking broken down for nursing professionals
Includes stories of leaders in nursing and design
Case studies for the American health care context
Multiple types of learning tools available

Description

Design Thinking for Health contains tools, resources, and inspiration needed to generate innovative solutions that impact health and healthcare in a rigorous and systematic way.

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Limitations

Module comprised of both internal and external resources, with potential variance in quality

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Use cases

Design Thinking for Health can be useful for:

Introducing design thinking to healthcare professionals
Referring stakeholders to diverse design resources

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