Expert Review
Identifying usability issues and improving user experiences
In an expert review, usability experts review a product or application based on established usability standards and guidelines. An expert opinion identifies major usability problems and possibilities for improvement of a product.
Our Approach to Expert Reviews
In an expert review, our team of UX professionals independently reviews your product. We apply a combined approach of a heuristic evaluation and a cognitive walkthrough. Depending on the focus, different questions are examined: How well and how efficiently can key tasks be completed? Are commonly used navigation principles adequately applied? Is the structure of the application understandable? Are forms intuitively usable? Does the search support the users’ tasks?
During the cognitive walkthrough, our experts (female and male) put themselves in the perspective of new users and examine the central use scenarios of your product. The results are then jointly discussed and evaluated. Thanks to our many years of experience, you quickly receive not only an overview of the weaknesses in your applications but also specific solutions for optimization.
What Methods Are Used?
Cognitive Walkthrough
In a cognitive walkthrough, several usability experts independently review the main use case scenarios from the user's perspective. We start by working with you to define the questions for the expert review. Based on the most important use scenarios, the experts run through your application and document critical points. We discuss the results as a team and develop specific solution proposals for your product.
Heuristic Evaluation
Another component of the usability analysis is the heuristic evaluation. It is based on established usability heuristics, for example from EN ISO 9241 or on guidelines for accessibility, such as WCAG. These criteria enable users to have an effective, efficient, and satisfactory interaction with your application. Any deviations from these standards are documented, discussed within the expert team, and classified according to their severity (e.g., possible termination point).
Through the combination of these two methods, weaknesses of an application are reliably identified.
What Constitutes a Good Expert Review?
The quality of an expert review not only depends on a systematic and methodical approach but is also strongly determined by the knowledge and experience of the experts and their knowledge of a particular sector and/or experience with comparable applications. We believe it is important to review each application individually with regard to objectives, tasks, and usage scenarios on a wholly individual basis rather than relying on rigid checklists. We are also happy to take into consideration, for example, your analytics data or any other information at your disposal in the review.
Our team of UX professionals has many years of experience in the user-centered development of interactive products and has already conducted a wide range of usability tests with different applications and target groups. This combination of experience, expertise, and methodological diligence makes our analyses especially valuable – an added value that is also confirmed by our clients.
When Do We Recommend an Expert Review?
An expert review is worthwhile both during new interface design as well as during further development of products and applications. A finished system is not required – initial designs or wireframes are sufficient to identify common usability stumbling blocks. Expert reviews performed early and regularly help to avoid misguided developments in product design.
Our experience shows that an expert review cannot completely replace a usability test with real users. The greatest added value comes from combining both methods – quick, well-founded expert insights complemented by authentic feedback from practice.
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Feedback within a short time
You receive your results within a few days.
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Little effort
The fastest way to cost-effectively elevate the usability status quo.
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Ideal in combination with usability testing
Violations of recognized usability guidelines can be identified and eliminated before the usability test.
Wondering if an Expert Review can help your project move forward?
In a short conversation with our Consulting Team, you can quickly find out how we can best support you. Alternatively, feel free to send us a short message, and we will get back to you.
We are happy to advise you - free of charge and without obligation.
What Can We Find Out with an Expert Review?
- Is the wording used adapted to the user?
- Are established usability conventions being followed?
- Are help and error messages clearly formulated and understandable?
- How well is the user guided through particular processes (e.g., when placing an order)?
- How quickly and easily do users achieve their goal?
- Is the chosen navigation structure sensible and easy to understand?
What Results Do You Receive?
You receive the results in the form of a detailed report containing all identified usability problems and specific expert recommendations for improvement. On request, we also develop graphical solution suggestions and concepts for structural or more complex questions. These can be used directly as a template for implementation and thus reduce the time involved in the implementation process significantly.
More Questions? The Workshop
In a workshop we will present your results and the resulting recommendations for improvement to project participants and stakeholders in your company.
In this case, our usability experts are personally available to answer any questions regarding their suggestions for optimization and to support you in the planning of any needed adjustments. Whether your development projects are agile or conventional, the many years of experience of our experts will help you to find customized solutions for your company and product.
Client Voices Regarding Expert Reviews
Other Interesting UX Methods
Usability Testing 
Eye Tracking
Contextual Inquiries
PrototypingWhat Are the Benefits of Good Usability?
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Satisfied customers and users
Higher customer loyalty, reduced bounce rates
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Better product quality
Easy to use products, reduce errors
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Increase in revenue and profit
Conversion Rate Optimization
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Increase in productivity
Employees, working efficiency, less operation errors
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Decrease of development time and costs
More agile processes, avoid failing products
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Decrease of support and & training costs
Intuitive to use products do not require any training
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Win new customers by reducing exit rates
Reduced bounce rate using landing page optimization
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User Experience as a positive product feature
Competitive differentiation
