Design Based Site Audit Process

Overview of Updated Design-Based Site Audits for the Design Team

Purpose: The updated design-based site audits aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s website from a design and user experience perspective. This involves assessing all visible elements, ensuring brand consistency, usability, accessibility, and alignment with the client’s brand identity and business goals.

Audit Process and Deliverables

1. Initial In-Depth Review

   • Conduct a thorough visual and functional walkthrough of the entire website.

   • Focus on the overall design, layout, color scheme, typography, imagery, and visual hierarchy.

   • Assess consistency of branding elements such as logos, brand colors, fonts, and tone of voice.

   • Evaluate user journey flows, navigation clarity, and site accessibility.

2. Detailed Documentation

   • Prepare a detailed Google Document (or equivalent) capturing all identified design issues, improvement opportunities, and client-specific preferences.

   • Include screenshots or screen recordings (Loom videos) where applicable to visually illustrate points.

   • Provide clear and actionable suggestions for corrections or enhancements.

3. Client Review and Approval

   • Share the design audit document with the client for feedback and approval.

   • Incorporate any client feedback to refine the recommendations.

   • Confirm which changes the client wants to proceed with before scoping.

4. Scoping

   • Once approved by the client, evaluate the time and resources needed for each recommended change.

   • Produce a scoped summary with estimated hours per task or grouped tasks.

   • Provide this scoped estimate back to the client for final approval.

5. Task Breakdown for Implementation

   • Upon final approval of scope, break down the approved design tasks into individual Asana tasks.

   • Tasks must include clear descriptions, precise instructions, and estimated time for completion.

   • Assign priorities based on the agreed client timeline and business needs.

Key Focus Areas for the Design Audit

• Branding Cohesion

  • Verify logo usage and placement consistency across all pages.

  • Check color scheme alignment with brand guidelines.

  • Ensure typography usage is uniform and legible.

• Visual Design & Layout

  • Validate spacing, margins, and layout consistency.

  • Ensure imagery and graphics meet quality standards and are optimized.

  • Review all pages for responsive design integrity on different devices.

• User Experience (UX)

  • Evaluate site navigation structure; menus, CTA (Call To Action) buttons, and links for ease of use and clarity.

  • Check accessibility standards including alt-text for images, color contrast, font sizes, and screen reader compatibility.

  • Identify any barriers to conversion or important actions the user should take.

• Checkout and Conversion Points

  • Audit checkout pages for branded elements and alignment with the overall design.

  • Examine user flow to detect any friction points during the purchase process.

• Site Content Presentation

  • Review text formatting, headings, and readability.

  • Assess multimedia content integration and functionality.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design Team (Auditors)

  • Perform the visual audit and produce the detailed findings document.

  • Collaborate with client-facing team members for client feedback and final approval.

  • Provide clear, detailed feedback and proposed design solutions.

• Project Management / Implementation Team

  • After client approval, translate design audit findings into tasks in Asana.

  • Allocate resources and schedule these tasks based on priorities.

  • Manage task completion workflow and report progress.

Timeline Expectations

• Initial Audit Duration: Typically 1–3 days depending on site size and complexity.

• Documentation Creation: Detailed report with visuals to be completed within 2 business days after audit.

• Client Feedback Turnaround: Allow 2 business days for client review and comments.

• Scoping Time: Scoping phase should not exceed 1 business day post client approval.

• Task Creation and Assignment: Tasks added to Asana within 1 business day after scope approval.

Notes

• The audit focuses solely on front-end design elements; backend or technical audits follow separate protocols.

• A standard operating procedure (SOP) document with audit checklists and templates will be provided to ensure consistency.

• Team members must ensure all client communications during this process are documented and transparent.

• Progress and challenges should be reported in weekly team meetings to ensure alignment.

This structured process ensures clarity, accountability, and efficiency in delivering high-quality design improvements aligned with client expectations and brand standards.