Heuristics are mental shortcuts that allow people to make quick decisions and simplify problem-solving. They are practical rules of thumb that are not guaranteed to be optimal or rational, but are sufficient for reaching an immediate solution. Examples of heuristics include using trial and error, a rule of thumb, or an educated guess. Heuristics are strategies derived from previous experiences with similar problems, and they depend on using readily accessible, though loosely applicable, information to control problem-solving in human beings, machines, and abstract issues.

In psychology, heuristics are simple, efficient rules that people use to make decisions, come to judgments, and solve problems. These rules typically come into play when people face complex problems or incomplete information. Researchers employ various methods to test whether people use these rules.

Heuristics are not always accurate and can lead to cognitive biases. However, they are necessary for our brains to function given the complexity of the world, the amount of data to process, and the calculative abilities required to form an optimal decision. Heuristics can be useful in product design, as they are intuitive to us and can be applied to create a more user-friendly experience and one that is more valuable to the customer.