More about Heatmaps
The data collected is represented using different colors where warmer colors indicate where the users spent most time and cooler colors indicate a reduced level of attention or interest for the users.
Heat maps can be used to test different prototypes and models in terms of how engaging they are for the users, whether they are addressing the needs of the users and whether the user is taking intended actions intuitively. Similarly, heat maps can help determining the optimum layout and user experience of websites. Various elements that make up a good user experience can be gauged for optimization. The aspects to analyze include navigation, user goals achieved with fewer number of clicks, page layout, the kind of images used, the color combinations employed, the shape and size of buttons, the terminologies used to state the functionality of the buttons, the length and language used for content. If coupled with other methods such as usage analytics and usability testing, heat maps can give comprehensive and valuable insights to optimize the models under inquiry.
Heat maps are not necessarily restricted to mouse tracking, there are devices that can track eye movement and represent that data graphically in the form of heat maps. Heatmaps are also generated using cameras and additional plugin tools when we want to analyze traffic patterns or footfalls.
Types of Heatmaps: Scroll Heatmaps and Confetti Heatmaps
Heat Maps can be segregated into different types such as scroll and confetti, making the map easy to interpret.
Scroll maps represent data in the form of a spectrum of colors showing how far to the bottom of a page do users navigate whereas confetti heat maps give an indication of mouse clicks represented as spots of different colors.
Depending on the kind of data that needs to be gathers to improve on user experience; one, the other or both can be employed. For example, if the submit button located at the foot of a long form doesn’t get clicked, then how far the user scrolls down on the form can be figured using a scroll type heat map whereas when there are multiple buttons on the page and we need to find out which button is optimally placed, is made of the appropriate colors, the terminologies used accurately capture the function buttons will perform on click.
| Device | Purpose | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Mouse Tracking | To track and record mouse movement of users. |
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| Eye tracking | To track and record eye movement of users. |
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Advantages of Heat maps in User research
1. Rich Insights
Heat map analysis gives quite rich insights in terms of usability, if used correctly can determine not only user behavior but also why they behave the way they do.
2. Optimization direction
Heat map analysis can help figure the user experience of prototypes or models and indicate the possible design directions that the designs must take.
3. Easy to interpret
Heat maps are easy to interpret so it can be easily read and fairly understood by most people.
Disadvantages of Heat maps in User research
1. Incorrect use of heat maps
Depending on whether an eye tracking or mouse tracking device is used or whether a scroll or confetti type heat map is used to represent the data gathered, the findings that a researcher can draw from the heat maps will vary.
2. Use of additional methods
Standalone heat maps as not as effective as using it in conjunction with usage analytics and testing methodologies.
3. Data interpretation
For a researcher who doesn’t have any background knowledge in analytics, heat map data analysis may not be as in-depth as required.
