Background
ACC’s Accreditation Tools are used by healthcare organizations to collect and submit clinical data, which is then reviewed to support accreditation. Users include clinical staff and administrators who rely on the platform to complete documentation, upload records, and access learning resources.
With plans to modernize the tool’s interface, I conducted a full-page evaluation to identify areas for immediate improvement based on usability standards.
Heuristic Evaluation Process
I performed a detailed walkthrough of the Accreditation Tools platform, examining each screen and feature using Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics, including:
- Visibility of system status
- Match between system and real world
- User control and freedom
- Consistency and standards
- Aesthetic and minimalist design
I documented usability violations and noted opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce user friction.
Key Enhancements and UI Improvements
Learning Center
Problem: “Click Here” links cluttered the interface and nursing credentials were hard to scan.
Solution:
- Replaced links with a persistent side menu for improved navigation
- Displayed credentials in clearly structured, alphabetical rows for quicker access
Supporting Documents
Problem: The “Upload a New Document” button appeared far below the fold when many documents were present, making it effectively hidden.
Solution:
- Moved the upload function to the top of the page
- Expanded the drag-and-drop area for better usability
- Updated text alignment and color for clarity and visibility
- Added clear “Drag and Drop” instruction to guide users
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Problem: Instructions were only available on the homepage, requiring users to toggle between sections to recall steps.
Solution:
- Embedded key instructions directly within each section of the EHR interface
- Reduced cognitive load by keeping necessary information visible at the point of nee
Outcome
These interface enhancements addressed core usability issues identified during the heuristic evaluation. As a result:
- Navigation was more intuitive and consistent
- Key actions (like uploading) became more visible and accessible
- Instructional content was aligned with users' mental models and workflows
Key Takeaways
This project demonstrated the practical value of heuristic evaluation as a fast, cost-effective UX method. It was my second formal heuristic review—and the first one implemented in my current role—which helped refine my eye for identifying usability flaws. Regularly applying these principles is helping me build stronger instincts for creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences.