Free UX Audit Checklist and Template

A great UX audit doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With the right checklist, you can review any product flow with confidence and spot the issues that frustrate users long before they reach your team.

Why Use a Checklist?

A checklist brings structure to your review and prevents you from missing important details. When you follow a clear framework, your audit becomes:

• Faster - No wasted time wondering what to check
• More consistent - Same quality every time
• Easier to repeat - Use it every time you release a new feature
• More impactful - Clear findings the team can act on
• Easier to share - Prioritized and organized

The 9 Essential Areas

1. Clarity & First Impressions

• Is the purpose of the page immediately clear?
• Is the primary action obvious?
• Is there any visual noise that distracts users?
• Are important elements visible above the fold?
• Does the screen feel approachable and simple?

2. Navigation & Flow Direction

• Is the next step always obvious?
• Do users know where they are in the flow?
• Are there clear back or exit options?
• Is the layout consistent from screen to screen?
• Do unnecessary steps appear anywhere?

3. Readability & Microcopy

• Are labels descriptive and human?
• Does the language avoid technical or internal terms?
• Are error messages helpful and specific?
• Do buttons clearly match the user's intent?
• Are empty states meaningful?

4. Interaction & Feedback

• Do buttons look clickable?
• Are loading states visible?
• Do success messages feel satisfying?
• Do modals and prompts respect context?
• Is the user always aware of what is happening?

5. Forms & Input Fields

• Are fields grouped logically?
• Is optional versus required information clear?
• Are instructions placed where users actually need them?
• Do errors explain how to fix the problem?
• Are there opportunities to reduce typing or choices?

6. Visual Hierarchy & Layout

• Are important actions more visually prominent?
• Do spacing and alignment guide the eye?
• Are distractions minimized?
• Is there a clear left-to-right or top-to-bottom flow?
• Are similar elements styled consistently?

7. Accessibility & Inclusivity

• Does the design work with keyboard input?
• Is the text readable on small screens?
• Are icons supported by labels?
• Is contrast strong enough?
• Can users with different needs complete the flow?

8. Flow Logic & Cognitive Load

• Does the sequence make sense?
• Are complex tasks broken into smaller steps?
• Are advanced options hidden until needed?
• Is the mental model consistent with user expectations?
• Does anything feel surprising or out of order?

9. Issues & Prioritization

Mark each finding with priority:

• P0 - Blocks the user or causes failure (highest priority)
• P1 - Creates friction or slows the user down
• P2 - Nice to fix but lower urgency

Prioritization is essential if you want your audit to be acted on quickly.

How to Use This Checklist Effectively

1. Pick one flow only - Don't try to audit everything at once
2. Go through it at normal speed - Pretend you're a first-time user
3. Review screen by screen - Use the checklist systematically
4. Write every issue in one sentence - Keep it clear and actionable
5. Mark each as P0-P1-P2 - Help the team prioritize
6. Summarize the three biggest problems - For team discussions