Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Organizations that depend on e-commerce platforms are under increasing pressure to modernize, and Heuristic Evaluation Methods has emerged as one of the more promising avenues for doing so, given its demonstrated impact in related domains.

In practice, however, adoption of heuristic evaluation methods within e-commerce platforms has been uneven, and its actual impact on conversion rate is not yet well understood in a rigorous, evaluable way — a gap this study is positioned to address.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Current e-commerce platforms in many organizations struggle with inadequate conversion rate, often relying on manual processes or outdated architectures that were not designed for today's operating environment. Without a structured approach to integrating heuristic evaluation methods, these limitations are likely to persist, exposing organizations to inefficiency, risk, and a poor user experience. This study is motivated by the need to design and evaluate a heuristic evaluation methods-based approach to addressing this problem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a heuristic evaluation methods-based approach to improving conversion rate in e-commerce platforms.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Heuristic Evaluation Methods in enhancing conversion rate within e-commerce platforms.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying heuristic evaluation methods in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can heuristic evaluation methods be applied to improve conversion rate in e-commerce platforms?
2. How effective is Heuristic Evaluation Methods at enhancing conversion rate within e-commerce platforms?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying heuristic evaluation methods in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in heuristic evaluation methods for their own e-commerce platforms, and contributes to the broader literature on applied UI/UX design by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a heuristic evaluation methods-based approach to improving conversion rate within e-commerce platforms. Reflecting its BSc-level scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.