One of the most representative examples is the heuristic
evaluation method proposed by Nielsen [26]. Since Webbased
interfaces have grown in importance, new and adapted
UEMs have emerged to address this type of user interfaces.
Although several taxonomies for classifying UEMs have been
proposed, UEMs can in general terms be principally classified into
two different types: empirical methods and inspection methods.
Empirical methods are based on capturing and analyzing usage
data from real end-users. Real end-users employ the software
product (or a prototype) to complete a predefined set of tasks
while the tester (human or specific software) records the outcomes
of their work. Analysis of these outcomes can provide useful information
to detect usability problems during the user’s task completion.
Inspection methods are performed by expert evaluators or
designers (i.e., they do not require the participation of real endusers)
and are based on reviewing the usability aspects of Web
artifacts, which are commonly user interfaces, with regard to their
conformance with a set of guidelines. These guidelines can range
from checking the level of achievement of specific usability attributes
to heuristic evaluations concerning predictions of problems
related to user interfaces.