Imagine a mobile banking application that aims to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for its users. Despite implementing what seemed to be an effective design, the users were facing problems using the application which led to a decline in user engagement and a rise in customer support queries.
What could be the root cause of the decrease in user base? Is there a lack in information and feedback channels? Is the user journey too complex for the users to complete their tasks?
UX Audit provides ways to expand an existing situation, and offers heuristics-based recommendations for improvements. By meticulously examining user interactions and leveraging real-world data, a User Experience (UX) audit enables designers to identify pain points, optimise usability, and uncover valuable business opportunities.
An overview of the UX Audit process
Let us discuss about the UX Audit process briefly. We will be dividing the process into 3 stages-
- Pre Audit requirements
- Auditing
- Post Audit monitoring
Pre-Audit Requirements
Before initiating a UX audit, there are several pre-audit requirements that should be considered. These requirements lay the foundation for a thorough and effective audit process. Here are key pre-audit requirements to keep in mind:
- Clearly Define Audit Objectives and Scope
- Gather Existing Documentation
- Define Key User Personas
- Identify Key Performance Metrics
- Plan Audit Methodology and Tools
- Establish timeline, audit constraints, deliverables and stakeholders
Auditing
Now that we have laid out the necessary groundwork for the auditing process, we shall begin with the audit. Here is a general overview of the UX audit process:
- Evaluation: Examining and evaluating the product by conducting heuristic evaluation, user flows and navigation analysis, content assessment, usability testing, accessibility assessment and User Interaction (UI) and design system analysis.
- Data Analysis: After evaluating, we compile and analyse data that we have collected in order to identify pain points and strengths of the product. Then we categorise and prioritise findings according to their impact on the user experience.
- Recommendations and Action Plan: After gathering the data and findings, we can generate actionable insights based on the audit findings, provide recommendations and solutions to address identified issues and improve the user experience.
Post Audit monitoring
After a UX audit has been conducted and the recommendations have been made, we need to implement the suggested improvements, monitor their effectiveness, and iterate on the design to further enhance the user experience.
The next big thing in UX Audit
The field of User Experience is continually evolving to meet the changing needs and expectations of users. There are few areas that show promise and are often discussed as potential “next big things” in UX audit:
AI-driven audits
With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), UX audits may incorporate automated processes for data collection, analysis, and identification of usability issues. AI algorithms could help streamline the audit process, identify patterns, and provide actionable recommendations. AI can prove to be useful at several points like-
- Automated Data Analysis
- User Feedback and Sentiment Analysis
- User Journey Analysis
- Accessibility Assessment
- Predictive Analytics
Integration of emerging technologies: AR, VR, VUI
The future of UX audit holds exciting prospects with the integration of emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Voice User Interfaces (VUI). These technologies are revolutionizing the way users interact with digital products and services, and they present unique challenges and opportunities for UX audits.
In AR/VR contexts, UX audits will need to adapt to assess the user experience within these immersive environments. Auditors will need to evaluate factors such as spatial interactions, visual feedback, comfort, and overall immersion.
For VUI and Natural Language Interactions, UX audits will need to assess how well VUIs understand user commands, provide relevant responses, and handle natural language interactions. Auditors will need to evaluate factors such as voice recognition accuracy, contextual understanding, error handling, and the overall conversational flow.
Deeper focus on inclusivity and accessibility
UX audits will prioritize evaluating the inclusivity of digital products and services. Auditors will assess how well designs cater to users with diverse needs, including those with visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, and motor disabilities. As accessibility regulations and standards evolve, UX audits will become more focused on ensuring compliance with these guidelines. Auditors will assess whether digital products and services meet the accessibility requirements laid out in accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Some solutions to tailor your products to accessibility and inclusivity needs:
- Evaluating factors such as colour contrast, font sizes and readability and alternative texts for images.
- Conduct user testing sessions specifically tailored to include participants with different accessibility needs.
- Support the functionalities and features required by users relying on assistive technologies like, screen readers, voice control, or colour correction.
- Assess whether the language, imagery, and multimedia content used are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and avoid reinforcing stereotypes or biases.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that the future of UX audits will be shaped by various factors, including advancements in technology, evolving user expectations, and industry trends. UX audits will continue to provide valuable insights for enhancing the user experience. Embracing the future of UX audit will not only result in more inclusive and accessible digital environments but also lead to increased user satisfaction, improved business outcomes, and a more equitable digital landscape for all.
Whether you’re seeking an assessment of your existing product, guidance for a redesign, or insights into integrating emerging technologies, Feelpixel is here to provide expert assistance. Our commitment lies in crafting user-centric experiences that not only meet accessibility standards but also exceed user expectations. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any business-related inquiries by visiting our contact page.
