Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Effective UX Audit Report

After conducting your UX audit, the next critical step is to present your findings in a structured, actionable format. A well-crafted UX audit report helps stakeholders understand usability issues, prioritise fixes, and align teams around meaningful improvements.

Follow this guide to write a clear, concise, and effective UX audit report.


1. Executive Summary

Start your report with a brief overview that offers quick insight into what was assessed and what actions are needed.

Include:

  • Key Findings: A short list of major usability issues, supported by data or user feedback.

  • Top Recommendations: Summarise the most impactful suggestions for improvement.

???? Example:

The UX audit of the DESS website revealed significant issues with navigation clarity and accessibility. Key recommendations include restructuring the menu for better usability and ensuring full compatibility with assistive technologies to improve access for all users.


2. Introduction

Set the stage with background information about the product, its audience, and your audit objectives.

Include:

  • User Segments: Who the product is for, and their needs or goals.

  • Audit Objectives & Methods: Why the audit was performed and which methods were used (e.g., usability testing, heuristic analysis).

???? Example:

The DESS website showcases Deryl's digital artwork to art lovers and potential clients. This audit sought to identify usability barriers through heuristic evaluations and user feedback.


3. Methodology

Explain how you conducted the audit. This section builds credibility and transparency.

Include:

  • Techniques and Tools: (e.g., Google Analytics, heatmaps, WCAG compliance checkers)

  • User Research Methods: If applicable, include interviews, surveys, or testing.

???? Example:

The audit included Google Analytics insights, a heuristic review based on Nielsen’s principles, and accessibility checks using tools like Axe. We also consulted real users to validate our observations.


4. Findings

Present your main usability issues grouped by key categories like:

  • Information architecture

  • Navigation

  • Accessibility

  • User interface

  • User flows

Include:

  • Detailed Issues: What’s wrong, where, and why it matters.

  • Data & Feedback: Quantitative and qualitative support.

  • Visual Aids: Screenshots, graphs, or heatmaps.

  • Implications: How the issue affects user experience or business goals.

???? Example:

Visitors struggled to find specific galleries due to unclear categorisation. This resulted in higher bounce rates. Additionally, key buttons were inaccessible by keyboard, affecting users with disabilities.


5. Recommendations

Now translate each problem into actionable steps. Keep this section practical and evidence-based.

Include:

  • Step-by-step Fixes: What changes should be made.

  • Supporting Evidence: Back each suggestion with your findings.

???? Example:

To improve discoverability, regroup artworks based on themes (e.g., nature, abstract) rather than mediums. Use clear labels and enable keyboard navigation using ARIA roles and tabindex attributes.


6. Conclusion

Reinforce the value of acting on your recommendations and summarise what’s next.

Include:

  • Summary of Key Fixes

  • Benefits: (e.g., increased engagement, better accessibility, improved conversions)

  • Call to Action: Encourage stakeholders to move forward with implementation.

???? Example:

Implementing these fixes will improve the DESS website’s user experience and support better engagement with a diverse audience. Prioritising these improvements will lead to a stronger brand presence and improved user satisfaction.


7. Appendices (Optional but Valuable)

Add supplementary data and documentation for those seeking in-depth details.

Examples:

  • User personas

  • Raw usability test data

  • Accessibility audit tables

  • Heatmaps or analytics screenshots

  • Interview transcripts


Bonus: Leverage the Experts at DESS

Struggling with where to start?
Let DESS guide you through the entire UX audit journey—from defining your goals and collecting data to delivering a professional-grade report.

???? Curious why users leave your website without converting?

Explore our next guide:
“Is Your Website Leaving Users Confused? Essential UX Audit Tools to the Rescue!”

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