What is the process of evaluating a device against accepted usability guidelines called?

The process of evaluating a device against accepted usability guidelines is known as heuristic evaluations. This method involves using established principles, or heuristics, to identify usability issues in a user interface. Typically carried out by usability experts, heuristic evaluations focus on various aspects of the user experience, including ease of navigation, clarity of instructions, and the overall satisfaction of users while interacting with the device.

Heuristic evaluations leverage these guidelines to assess how well a system adheres to best practices in usability. This structured approach helps to uncover potential problems that may hinder user experience before the product is released to the general public, ultimately aiding in the design and development process.

While usability testing, for instance, involves actual users interacting with the product to provide feedback on their experience, heuristic evaluations use expert judgment against predefined criteria, making it a valuable method in the early stages of development. The other options, such as feature analysis and performance assessment, do not specifically apply to the evaluation against established usability guidelines, focusing instead on different aspects of the product's functionality or effectiveness.