Specific Heuristics for Smartwatch Usability Evaluation: Development, Validation, and Comparison

Li, Yiyao; Richart, Maria; Hermawati, Setia

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of specialised heuristics for smartwatches, focusing on unique usability challenges of wearable interfaces. The study used a combination of literature review, focus groups, and expert evaluation to develop ten heuristics for smartwatch interfaces. Subsequently, an empirical study of five typical tasks on smartwatch was conducted, with three groups of participants using Nielsen’s heuristics, specialised heuristics, and user testing to collect data. By combining theoretical development and empirical validation, this research proposed a framework for adapting and validating heuristic evaluations to emerging wearable technologies. Our findings showed that the heuristics set for smartwatch was more effective than general heuristics due to its better accuracy in anticipating notable usability concerns.

Citation

Li, Y., Richart, M., & Hermawati, S. (2025, April). Specific Heuristics for Smartwatch Usability Evaluation: Development, Validation, and Comparison. Presented at Ergonomics & Human Factors 2025, Burton Upon Trent, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: Ergonomics & Human Factors 2025
• Start Date: Apr 28, 2025
• End Date: Apr 30, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Jan 17, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 25, 2025
• Publisher: Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/45854284
• Related Public URLs: https://ergonomics.org.uk/events-calendar/ergonomics-human-factors-2025.html