As mentioned in the previous blog post, I decided to examine my project through the lens of established UX heuristics. I chose Jakob Nielsen’s Ten Usability Heuristics and began interpreting them in a way that makes them applicable to my topic:
1. Visibility of system status
A system should keep users informed about what is happening through timely and appropriate feedback. In physical spaces, this can be implemented through clear, easily visible signage that shows users where they are and how they can move to their desired location. Real-time updates, such as waiting times, delays, and recent changes, should be displayed clearly on timetables, information screens, or digital boards to keep travelers constantly informed.
2. Match between the system and the real world
A system should communicate in a way that feels familiar and intuitive to users. This involves using established mental models to create environments that are easy to interpret. In the real world, this can be achieved through concise text, clear instructions, and comprehensible audio announcements. Additionally, pathways, iconography, and layout patterns should align with users’ expectations of how public spaces typically function.
3. User control and freedom
Users should be able to easily undo mistakes or exit processes when necessary. This can be interpreted quite literally in real-world environments: users need multiple accessible and clearly marked entry and exit routes. The ability to navigate freely and safely through a space is essential for maintaining a sense of control.
4. Consistency and standards
Consistency reduces cognitive load by allowing users to apply previously learned knowledge to new situations. In spaces, this may mean maintaining similar structures, layouts, and visual identities across different areas of a environment or even across multiple locations. Consistent color schemes, typography, signage design, audio cues, and general spatial organization help create a cohesive and predictable experience.
5. Error prevention
Systems should anticipate common errors and be designed in ways that reduce the likelihood of users making them. In public places, implementing this heuristic can be challenging due to the diversity of users and the unpredictability of human behavior. Nevertheless, strategies such as well-marked pathways, abundant signage, and clear audio guidance can help. Visual guidance that subtly limits or directs user choices may also prevent confusion or missteps.
6. Recognition rather than recall
Users should not have to rely heavily on memory. Instead, relevant information should be visible or easily accessible. Implementing this into physical spaces, may involve a thoughtful combination of visual, audio, and tactile cues placed strategically to support user decision-making. Careful placement is essential: the goal is to make important information visible while avoiding overwhelming users with unnecessary details.
7. Flexibility and efficiency of use
Systems should cater to users with varying levels of skill and experience. For physical environments, one might consider shortcuts or direct routes for experienced users, while providing clearly signposted pathways and supportive instructions for newcomers, or people with disabilities. This dual structure ensures efficient navigation for all.
8. Aesthetic and minimalist design
Design should avoid unnecessary complexity and visual clutter, highlighting only essential information. This heuristic is highly relevant to physical UX design. Elements such as color, lighting, object placement, spatial layout, and even sound can contribute to an environment that is visually calm and easy to interpret. Within signage systems, information should be organized hierarchically, so users can quickly identify the most important elements.
9. Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors
When errors occur, information about them should be clearly communicated. In real-world scenarios, this could involve visual and audio feedback that describes the problem in plain language and offers instructions for resolving it. The messaging should be constructive, explanatory, and free of blame, helping users navigate disruptions confidently.
10. Help and documentation
Documentations might be necessary for complex systems. Make help resources easily accessible, searchable and focused on helping users accomplish their goals. While extensive documentation is not always realistic in physical environments, support should still be available. Digital systems, help points, and on-site staff can provide accessible and goal-oriented assistance to users when they require additional guidance (Nguyen, 2025).
These interpretations provide a foundation for adapting Nielsen’s heuristics to physical spaces. The next step will be to refine these concepts and apply them specifically to the context of train stations.
Information Gathered
By going through the heuristics step by step I’ve seen how many different challenges can appear in physical spaces and how deeply considered solutions have to be. This preparation will make it easier in the future of this project to apply the heuristics to actual challenge.
Next Steps
My next steps will focus more directly on German train stations and platforms. This will include investigating user behavior, spatial organization, signage systems, and potential pain points specific to railway environments. Based on this research, I aim to define the primary areas of interest for the project and identify opportunities for targeted design interventions.
References
Coughenour, A. (2025). User Experience in Physical Spaces. Von Orbis Cascade Alliance: https://www.orbiscascade.org/programs/dux/documentation/user-experience-in-physical-spaces/ abgerufen
Dengiz, C. (10. February 2024). The power of Physical User Experience Design (PUXD). Von LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-physical-user-experience-design-puxd-cansu-dengiz-zv9pe/ abgerufen
heurio. (2023). Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics. Von heurio: https://www.heurio.co/nielsens-10-usability-heuristics abgerufen
Kaarwan, T. (18. June 2025). How Does UI-UX Design Transform User Experience in Physical Spaces. Von Kaarwan: https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/ui-ux-design/ui-ux-design-transform-user-experience-in-physical-spaces?id=541 abgerufen
Nguyen, S. (05. June 2025). Applying Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics for Better UX Design. Von DevBlog: https://shiftasia.com/community/applying-jakob-nielsens-10-usability-heuristics-for-better-ux-design/ abgerufen
