Evaluating Stack Overflow Usability Posts in Conjunction with Usability Heuristics

This thesis explores the critical role of usability in software development and uses usability heuristics as a cost-effective and efficient method for evaluating various software functions and interfaces. With the proliferation of software development in the modern digital age, developing user-friendly interfaces that meet the needs and preferences of users has become a complex process. Usability heuristics, a set of guidelines based on principles of human-computer interaction, provide a starting point for designers to create intuitive, efficient, and easy-to-use interfaces that provide a seamless user experience. The study uses Jakob Nieson's ten usability heuristics to evaluate the usability of Stack Overflow posts, a popular Q\&A website for developers. Through the analysis of 894 posts related to usability, the study identifies common usability problems faced by users and developers, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of usability guidelines in software development practice. The research findings emphasize the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of software interfaces to ensure a seamless user experience. The thesis concludes by highlighting the potential of usability heuristics in guiding the design of user-friendly software interfaces and improving the overall user experience in software development.