Research Article

Identifying Usability Issues in Instant Messaging Apps on iOS and Android Platforms

Table 4

Heuristic subsections.

AVisibility of system status and losability/findability of the mobile deviceA1The battery status is visible
A2The network status is visible when transmitting data
A3The time is visible when entering data
A4The previously logged data and personal settings can be recovered if the device is lost

BMatch between system and the real worldB1The information appears in a natural and logical order
B2The information is presented clearly
B3You can see where everything is that you might need

CConsistency and mappingC1It is easy to see how to do tasks like sending a message, adding a contact or delete a contact
C2There are no objects on the interface that you would not expect to see

DGood ergonomics and minimalist designD1The screens are well designed and clear
D2The dialogues do not contain information that is irrelevant or rarely used

EEase of input, screen readability, and glancabilityE1It is easy to input the numbers
E2It is easy to see what the information on each screen means
E3You can easily navigate around the app
E4The screens have a “back” button
E5The user can get crucial information “at a glance”

FFlexibility, efficiency of use, and personalizationF1The user can personalize the system sufficiently
F2The system allows efficient input of data

GAesthetic, privacy, and social conventionsG1The design looks good
G2There are suitable provisions for security and privacy (e.g., transmission of data is encrypted.)

HRealistic error managementH1Users can recover from errors easily (if something goes wrong you can get back to where you were easily.)
H2If data is input incorrectly, it can be edited
H3There is an undo button, where appropriate