NEWS

A great website isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it works for the people who use it. User experience (UX) shapes how visitors interact with your site, how easily they find what they need, and ultimately whether they stay, return, or convert. A poor UX can drive users away in seconds, while a thoughtful, well-structured website design builds trust, credibility, and engagement.

This UX checklist is designed to help you evaluate and improve every aspect of your website’s user experience, from navigation and accessibility to performance, content, and conversion. Use it as a practical guide for audits, redesigns, or ongoing optimisation to ensure your site consistently delivers a seamless and enjoyable experience for all users.

1. General Usability

• Clear and intuitive navigation structure

• Consistent layout, design, and behaviour across all pages

• Search function is easy to find and works well

• Content hierarchy is logical (headings, subheadings, body text)

• Breadcrumbs or other wayfinding cues present

• Forms are easy to complete (minimal required fields, clear errors, success feedback)

• Avoids unnecessary popups or distractions

• Key information is accessible in 3 clicks or fewer

2. Accessibility

• Alt text for all images are applied

• Proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3…)

• High contrast between text and background

• Text is resizable without breaking layout

• Supports screen readers (semantic HTML, ARIA labels)

• Links are descriptive (no “click here”)

• Focus indicators are visible when tabbing

• Captions or transcripts for videos are added

• Meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards

3. Navigation & Information Architecture

• Global navigation is clearly visible and consistent

• Search bar is prominent and delivers relevant results

• Clear visual hierarchy (important content stands out)

• Logo links back to homepage

• Footer includes key links (Legal, Contact, Copyright Notice, Social Media)

• No dead ends (every page has onward navigation).

4. Performance & Speed

• Pages load in under 3 seconds

• Images are optimised and compressed

• Minified CSS, JavaScript, and HTML

• Lazy loading for images and videos

• Mobile network performance tested (3G/4G)

• Caching and CDN enabled

5. Mobile & Responsive Design

• Works seamlessly across devices (mobile, tablet, desktop)

• Mobile-friendly navigation (hamburger menu, collapsible sections)

• Buttons and links have adequate touch targets (min. 44px)

• No horizontal scrolling

• Forms optimised for mobile (numeric keyboard for numbers, autofill support)

• Media queries tested for common breakpoints

6. Content & Readability

• Plain language, short sentences, and scannable text

• Headings and subheadings break up content

• Key information is above the fold

• Avoids jargon and complex terminology

• Font size ≥ 16-18px for body text

• Adequate line spacing

• No walls of text — uses lists, visuals, and whitespace

7. Visual Design & Branding

• Consistent use of colors, typography, and spacing

• Visual hierarchy directs attention (contrast, size, position)

• Calls to action (CTAs) are clear and visually distinct

• Design aligns with brand identity

• Images and icons support the message, not just decoration

• Adequate whitespace to reduce clutter

8. Trust & Credibility

• HTTPS secure with valid SSL certificate

• Privacy policy and terms easily accessible

• Contact information clearly visible

• Social proof (testimonials, case studies, reviews) included

• About page explains who you are and what you do

• No broken links or outdated content

• Error pages (404) are helpful and branded

9. Interaction & Feedback

• Hover states, button animations, and microinteractions are clear

• System provides feedback (loading indicators, confirmations, error messages)

• CTAs show clear next steps (e.g., “Get Started,” not just “Submit”)

• Prevents user errors where possible (e.g., form validation, undo options)

• Links open in the same tab unless external

10. Conversion & Goal Completion

• Clear primary CTA on each page

• CTAs visually distinct and repeated where relevant

• Forms short and frictionless

• Checkout or signup flow streamlined (minimal steps)

• A/B testing for key conversion elements (CTAs, forms, landing pages)

• Analytics tracking goals and funnels are set up correctly

11. Testing & Maintenance

• Cross-browser compatibility tested (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)

• Regular usability testing with real users

• Heatmaps or session recordings analysed (e.g., Hotjar, Microsoft Clarity)

• Analytics configured and monitored (Google Analytics, GA4)

• Broken links checked regularly and corrected

• Regular content updates and audits

• Site backups and recovery plan in place

Final thoughts

A well-crafted website isn’t built overnight, it’s the result of continuous attention to detail, testing, and improvement. By using this UX checklist as a guide, you’ll not only spot issues that frustrate users but also uncover opportunities to make their journey smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Remember, great user experience isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Keep refining, listening to user feedback, and adapting to evolving best practices, and your website will stay one step ahead in delivering real value to your visitors.

Need help improving your website’s UX? JC Creative specialises in creating seamless, user-friendly digital experiences that drive results. Contact us today to discuss how we can optimise your site for better usability, accessibility, and conversions on jake@jccreativesolutions.co.uk or call us on 07968 112871.