Heuristische

Heuristische, the Dutch adjective meaning relating to heuristics, is the term used for problem-solving methods based on practical rules of thumb rather than guaranteed optimality. They aim to produce good-enough solutions quickly when a full analysis is impractical. In psychology, heuristics are mental shortcuts people use to judge probability, risk, or value. Notable examples include the availability heuristic (judging likelihood based on how easily examples come to mind), representativeness (assessing similarity to a category), and anchoring and adjustment (relying on an initial value and adjusting insufficiently). These heuristics can speed decision making but also lead to systematic errors or biases.

In artificial intelligence and computer science, heuristics are strategies that guide exploration or problem-solving when exhaustive search is infeasible. Examples include using a distance estimate in pathfinding with the A* algorithm or domain-specific rules that reduce the search space. In programming, heuristic evaluation functions estimate the desirability of a game state. In human–computer interaction, heuristic evaluation refers to a method for identifying usability problems based on established usability principles.

The term derives from the Greek heuriskein, meaning to find or discover. While heuristics improve efficiency, they do not guarantee optimal or correct results and can be context-specific. They complement formal methods by providing practical guidelines in uncertain or complex environments.