UX audit
A structured review that finds where a product loses people and how to fix it.
A UX audit is a structured expert review of a website or app that finds usability problems: where people get confused, slowed down or stopped. It covers first impressions, navigation, key flows, forms, copy, layout on phones and accessibility, and ends in a ranked list of fixes.
Audits usually combine a heuristic evaluation with analytics and any existing research. They differ from usability testing, which watches real users try tasks; an audit is faster and cheaper, and the two work well together.
Key characteristics
- An expert review of a product's usability and flows.
- Covers navigation, forms, copy, mobile layout and accessibility.
- Ends in findings ranked by impact, each with a fix.
- Faster than usability testing, and complementary to it.
Example
An audit of a SaaS sign-up finds that two required fields are not needed until later and that error messages rely on colour alone. Moving the fields and fixing the errors is ranked first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a UX audit and usability testing?
A UX audit is an expert review of the product. Usability testing watches real users attempt tasks. Audits are quicker; testing shows real behaviour. Many teams do an audit first.
How long does a UX audit take?
It depends on scope. A focused audit of key flows can take a few days; a full product audit takes longer.