Heuristic Evaluation - Steam

  Heuristic Evaluation Ratings:

0 - No Usability Issue

1 - Cosmetic Issue

2 - Minor Usability Issue

3 - Major Usability Issue; Important to Fix

4 - Usability Catastrophe; Imperative to Fix 

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#1: Visibility of system status

Rating: 2

I'm a big gamer, but for newcomers, Steam might be overwhelming and confusing.  The reason I believe this is a small usability issue is that the top header bar remains at the top, making it difficult to navigate to other areas after minutes of viewing new games.  At the home screen, Steam provides handy navigation and suggestions to assist its customers.  Finally, you'll be able to follow certain personalization categories based on your game preferences.

#2: Match between system and the real world

Rating: 0

To advertise and notify its consumers about forthcoming or new titles on sale, Steam uses both visuals and text.  They connect your favorite game categories and present the original pricing as well as the new discounted rates for the game.  Daily and seasonal grand deals are also available on Steam.  The many advertising games will cycle through, allowing the viewer to view screenshots, trailers, and a link to the game's homepage.

#3: User control and freedom

Rating: 0

This component, in my opinion, is critical for a thriving and user-friendly website.  Steam offers customers a convenient way to adjust their preferences, as well as the ability to swiftly correct errors or exit this menu.  It's simple and straight to the point.  They allow the user to completely control what they see, as well as provide family settings that restrict gore and other inappropriate exposure for children.  Parental control allows them to manage who has access to their account and stops them from "accidentally" purchasing a game. 

#4: Consistency and standards

Rating: 2

I awarded this portion a 2 since the category drop down disappears when you switch websites, and some new users may not be familiar with such categories.  I've been a gamer for 20 years and am familiar with each category, but a new user or parent may be confused, and they may need to know what each category means for their children.  All of the categories, on the other hand, are neatly sorted into their appropriate divisions.

#5: Error prevention

Rating: 0

During the checkout process, Steam highlights and informs the user which categories are lacking information or do not utilize the necessary characters.  They give the user with straightforward and descriptive error messages.  While good error messages are vital, the finest designs take care to avoid issues in the first place.

#6: Recognition rather than recall

Rating: 0

Steam provides the user to set reminders of gaming news.  They also remind you when your Wishlist games are releasing news or updates to the game.  It also allows the user to post and follow blogs within this platform.  When someone comments on your blog or contributes to the blog, the user may choose to receive emails or steam alerts.

#7: Flexibility and efficiency of use

Rating: 2

As previously mentioned, to cycle through the many different tabs on Steam, the user must scroll to the top of the screen when browsing games or blogs.  To address this issue, they could include a home screen tab that stays at the top or side of the screen when the user scrolls down.  The home tab should feature the following items: Home, Categories, and Profile.  They should also allow the user to personalize this tab to meet their own requirements.

#8: Aesthetic and minimalist design

Rating: 0

When the user clicks on the desired game, they are sent to the game's homepage.  This webpage promotes the game's features as well as other important information that will help the consumer decide whether or not to purchase the product.  The user is greeted with an automated trailer of the game and a photo slide presentation demonstrating how the game appears.  This design is simple and provides the user with enough information to make their purchase. 

#9: Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors

Rating: 0

Error messages should be written in straightforward English, describe the problem precisely, and constructively offer a remedy.  The system shows sections that will not operate throughout the checkout process.  If the user becomes confused, the system shows a brief error warning for each mistake.   

#10: Help and documentation

Rating: 1

Steam provides an easy platform for consumers to solve their difficulties. These sections include thorough answers as well as additional assistance from a customer care representative.  The Help page is simple to use and accessible to its users.