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UX Audit Checklist — 60-Point Framework for 2026

A UX audit checklist gives you a systematic framework to evaluate any digital product objectively. This 60-point checklist covers the six dimensions that UX research consistently identifies as the root causes of user drop-off: Navigation, Visual Hierarchy, Onboarding, Friction, Accessibility, and Conversion Design. Use it for manual audits or as a reference for interpreting automated UX audit results.

How to Use This UX Audit Checklist

Score each checkpoint: 0 = fails completely, 1 = partially passes, 2 = fully passes. Tally your dimension scores out of 20 and calculate a percentage. Any dimension below 60% is a priority area requiring immediate attention.

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Dimension 1: Navigation & Information Architecture (10 Points)

□ Primary navigation is visible and legible on all device sizes

□ Active state clearly shows current location within the product

□ No more than 2 levels of navigation depth for core user flows

□ Search is available and returns relevant results for key queries

□ Back button and breadcrumbs function correctly throughout

□ Navigation labels match the user's mental model (not internal jargon)

□ Mobile navigation is thumb-friendly and doesn't obscure content

□ Error pages (404) include navigation back to useful content

□ External links open in new tabs; internal links stay in-app

□ Deep links work correctly and return users to the right context

Dimension 2: Visual Hierarchy & Design Clarity (10 Points)

□ Primary CTA is visually dominant on every key screen

□ Font sizes create a clear hierarchy: H1 > H2 > body > caption

□ Text contrast meets WCAG AA standard (4.5:1 ratio for body text)

□ Whitespace groups related elements and separates unrelated ones

□ Most important content is above the fold on mobile (375px width)

□ Colour is used consistently and purposefully (not decoratively)

□ Images and illustrations support the content rather than distract

□ Loading states and skeletons maintain layout stability

□ No orphaned UI elements (buttons without context, unlabelled icons)

□ Information density is appropriate — no overwhelming walls of text

Dimension 3: Onboarding & First-Use Experience (10 Points)

□ New users can complete the core action without contacting support

□ Empty states explain what to do next (not just "Nothing here yet")

□ Progress is shown for multi-step flows (step 2 of 4)

□ Error messages explain what went wrong and how to fix it

□ Tooltips or walkthroughs are available for complex features

□ Social login is available to reduce sign-up friction

□ Users reach the "aha moment" within the first session

□ Onboarding doesn't require filling in unnecessary profile fields

□ Welcome email or in-app prompt guides next action

□ Users can skip optional onboarding steps

Dimension 4: Friction & Form Design (10 Points)

□ Forms request only the minimum information needed at each step

□ Field labels are visible when the field is focused (not just placeholders)

□ Inline validation fires on blur, not only on submit

□ Passwords can be toggled to visible

□ Auto-complete is enabled for appropriate fields (email, address)

□ Long forms are split into logical multi-step flows

□ Success states are clearly communicated after form submission

□ Loading states prevent duplicate submissions

□ Destructive actions (delete, cancel) require confirmation

□ Session timeouts warn users before expiry

Dimension 5: Accessibility (10 Points)

□ All interactive elements are keyboard accessible

□ Focus indicators are visible (not removed with outline: none)

□ Touch targets are at least 44×44px on mobile

□ Images have descriptive alt text (not just "image" or filename)

□ Form fields have associated <label> elements

□ Color is not the sole means of conveying information

□ Videos have captions; audio has transcripts

□ ARIA roles are used correctly where semantic HTML is insufficient

□ Screen reader announces dynamic content changes

□ Page zoom to 200% doesn't break layout or clip content

Dimension 6: Conversion Design (10 Points)

□ CTA copy is specific and outcome-focused ("Start free audit" not "Submit")

□ Social proof is visible near primary CTAs (testimonials, logos, ratings)

□ Trust signals are present on purchase/sign-up screens (security badges, guarantees)

□ Pricing is clear with no hidden fees revealed at checkout

□ Free trial or freemium offer is prominently communicated

□ Urgency and scarcity claims are truthful and specific

□ Comparison tables are scannable and highlight the recommended plan

□ Checkout reduces fields to the absolute minimum

□ Post-signup confirmation sets expectations for next steps

□ Upsell and cross-sell placement doesn't interrupt core user flows

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