UX Audit Framework · CHAPTER 4 OF 6

Evaluating data and workflows

Study the Data Used in the Flow

Step 3

Format

Data Study Helps Find Better Solutions.: Format Purpose Dependencies Source & If Missing This helps uncover missing guidance, unclear labels, validation gaps, and workflow dependencies.

Purpose

Data Study Helps Find Better Solutions.: Format Purpose Dependencies Source & If Missing This helps uncover missing guidance, unclear labels, validation gaps, and workflow dependencies.

Dependencies

Data Study Helps Find Better Solutions.: Format Purpose Dependencies Source & If Missing This helps uncover missing guidance, unclear labels, validation gaps, and workflow dependencies.

Source & If Missing

Data Study Helps Find Better Solutions.: Format Purpose Dependencies Source & If Missing This helps uncover missing guidance, unclear labels, validation gaps, and workflow dependencies.

This helps uncover missing guidance, unclear labels, validation gaps, and workflow dependencies.

Data Study Helps Find Better Solutions.

In data study, we examine the information users enter to complete the task.

For each important input or action, study:

Data Study Helps Find Better Solutions.

In data study, we examine the information users enter to complete the task.

Format

Purpose

Dependencies

Source & If Missing

This helps uncover missing guidance, unclear labels, validation gaps, and workflow dependencies.

For each important input or action, study:

Identify the Main Data Points.

For the registered-user login flow, users enter:

​

  • USC Number
  • Name
  • Mobile Number
  • OTP

​

Start with the first required input and study it properly.

Identify the Main Data Points.: USC Number Name OTP Mobile Number
Identify the Main Data Points.: USC Number Name OTP Mobile Number

USC Number

Name

OTP

Mobile Number

Identify the Main Data Points.

For the registered-user login flow, users enter:

  • USC Number
  • Name
  • Mobile Number
  • OTP

Start with the first required input and study it properly.

Identify the Main Data Points.: USC Number Name OTP Mobile Number
Identify the Main Data Points.: USC Number Name OTP Mobile Number

USC Number

Name

OTP

Mobile Number

Always Write the Full Form.

When using abbreviations, write the full form.

​

Example:

​

USC — Unique Service Number

​

This gives context, makes the audit easier to understand, and helps other team members refer to it later.

1

Lack of clarity

What is USC number where can i find it

1

USC Number (Unified Service Connection Number)

A unique identifier assigned to electricity consumers by the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL). 

Always Write the Full Form.

When using abbreviations, write the full form.

Example:

USC — Unique Service Number

This gives context, makes the audit easier to understand, and helps other team members refer to it later.

1

Lack of clarity

What is USC number where can i find it

1

USC Number (Unified Service Connection Number)

A unique identifier assigned to electricity consumers by the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL). 

Document the Format.

Format tells us what kind of input users need to enter.

​

Ask:

Is it numbers, letters, or both?

Is there a character limit?

Is there a specific format?

​

Example:

USC number is a 9-digit number.

This can influence helper text, placeholders, input restrictions, and validation messages.

Illustration accompanying Document the Format.
Illustration accompanying Document the Format.

Document the Format.

Format tells us what kind of input users need to enter.

Ask:

Is it numbers, letters, or both?

Is there a character limit?

Is there a specific format?

Example:

USC number is a 9-digit number.

This can influence helper text, placeholders, input restrictions, and validation messages.

Illustration accompanying Document the Format.
Illustration accompanying Document the Format.

Document the Source.

Source tells us where users can find the information.

​

Example:

​

Users can find the USC number on their electricity bill.

​

But if users do not know where it appears on the bill, the interface should guide them visually.

Illustration accompanying Document the Source.
Illustration accompanying Document the Source.
Illustration accompanying Document the Source.

Document the Source.

Source tells us where users can find the information.

Example:

Users can find the USC number on their electricity bill.

But if users do not know where it appears on the bill, the interface should guide them visually.

Illustration accompanying Document the Source.
Illustration accompanying Document the Source.
Illustration accompanying Document the Source.

Identify the connection

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Pay bills

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Check bill history

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Register an account

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

View bills

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Access services

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services
Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

USC number is used to:

Document the Purpose.

Purpose explains why that data is needed inside the software.

Document the Purpose.

Purpose explains why that data is needed inside the software.

Identify the connection

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Pay bills

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Check bill history

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Register an account

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

View bills

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

Access services

Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services
Document the Purpose.: Identify the connection Pay bills Check bill history Register an account View bills Access services

USC number is used to:

Document Dependencies.

Dependencies show which tasks rely on the same data.

​

Example:

​

Users need the USC number before they can pay a bill, view bill details, check payment history, register a connection, or request services.

​

This shows how one data point affects the complete journey.

Illustration accompanying Document Dependencies.
Illustration accompanying Document Dependencies.
Illustration accompanying Document Dependencies.

Document Dependencies.

Dependencies show which tasks rely on the same data.

Example:

Users need the USC number before they can pay a bill, view bill details, check payment history, register a connection, or request services.

This shows how one data point affects the complete journey.

Illustration accompanying Document Dependencies.
Illustration accompanying Document Dependencies.
Illustration accompanying Document Dependencies.

Helper text

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

Placeholder
copy

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

Validation
message

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

Input
restriction

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.

A 9-digit number may look like a small detail.

But it can directly influence:

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.

A 9-digit number may look like a small detail.

Helper text

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

Placeholder
copy

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

Validation
message

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

Input
restriction

Small Details Lead to Strong Design Decisions.: Helper text Placeholder copy Validation message Input restriction That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

That is why data study is important before designing solutions.

But it can directly influence:

Identify What Is Working and What Is Not

Step 4

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Clarity

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Feedback

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Consistency

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Error prevention

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

User control

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Recovery from errors

You can also use usability heuristics to check:

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.

Use the context gathered so far and evaluate the flow using fundamental UI/UX principles.

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.

Use the context gathered so far and evaluate the flow using fundamental UI/UX principles.

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Clarity

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Feedback

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Consistency

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Error prevention

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

User control

Now Start Documenting Audit Points.: Clarity Feedback Consistency Error prevention User control Recovery from errors

Recovery from errors

You can also use usability heuristics to check:

Example:
Registered vs Guest User Confusion

From the visual user flow and user persona steps, the difference between Registered User and Guest User is unclear.

​

Users may not know which option they should select.

​

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: Registered vs Guest User Confusion: 1 To Be Fixed
Example: Registered vs Guest User Confusion: 1 To Be Fixed

1

Example: Registered vs Guest User Confusion: 1 To Be Fixed

To Be Fixed

Example: Registered vs Guest User Confusion

From the visual user flow and user persona steps, the difference between Registered User and Guest User is unclear.

Users may not know which option they should select.

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: Registered vs Guest User Confusion: 1 To Be Fixed
Example: Registered vs Guest User Confusion: 1 To Be Fixed

1

Example: Registered vs Guest User Confusion: 1 To Be Fixed

To Be Fixed

Example:
Weak Visual Hierarchy

The text “Welcome, sign in to continue” does not clearly show what users should notice first.

​

The spacing and font hierarchy need improvement.

​

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: Weak Visual Hierarchy: 2 2 Visual Hierarchy The Hierarchy of “welcome” and sign in continue needs to be fixed as it lacks priority on what needs to be looked at first, especially with the spacking as well To Be Fixed
Example: Weak Visual Hierarchy: 2 2 Visual Hierarchy The Hierarchy of “welcome” and sign in continue needs to be fixed as it lacks priority on what needs to be looked at first, especially with the spacking as well To Be Fixed

2

2

Visual Hierarchy

The Hierarchy of “welcome” and sign in continue needs to be fixed as it lacks priority on what needs to be looked at first, especially with the spacking as well

To Be Fixed

Example: Weak Visual Hierarchy

The text “Welcome, sign in to continue” does not clearly show what users should notice first.

The spacing and font hierarchy need improvement.

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: Weak Visual Hierarchy: 2 2 Visual Hierarchy The Hierarchy of “welcome” and sign in continue needs to be fixed as it lacks priority on what needs to be looked at first, especially with the spacking as well To Be Fixed
Example: Weak Visual Hierarchy: 2 2 Visual Hierarchy The Hierarchy of “welcome” and sign in continue needs to be fixed as it lacks priority on what needs to be looked at first, especially with the spacking as well To Be Fixed

2

2

Visual Hierarchy

The Hierarchy of “welcome” and sign in continue needs to be fixed as it lacks priority on what needs to be looked at first, especially with the spacking as well

To Be Fixed

Do Not Repeat the Same UI Issue Again and Again.

If the same UI issue appears across multiple screens, document it only once.

​

For example, if heading hierarchy is weak across the product, it can later be corrected through the design system.

Illustration accompanying Do Not Repeat the Same UI Issue Again and Again.

Do Not Repeat the Same UI Issue Again and Again.

If the same UI issue appears across multiple screens, document it only once.

For example, if heading hierarchy is weak across the product, it can later be corrected through the design system.

Illustration accompanying Do Not Repeat the Same UI Issue Again and Again.

Example:
USC Number Needs Guidance.

Users are not properly guided about what the USC number is or where they can find it.

​

Since this can stop users from continuing, it becomes a major usability issue.

​

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: USC Number Needs Guidance.: 3 3 No mention of USC Source If I lost my electricity bill and don’t know my USC number, even as a guest user I would not know To Be Fixed
Example: USC Number Needs Guidance.: 3 3 No mention of USC Source If I lost my electricity bill and don’t know my USC number, even as a guest user I would not know To Be Fixed

3

3

No mention of USC Source

If I lost my electricity bill and don’t know my USC number, even as a guest user I would not know

To Be Fixed

Example: USC Number Needs Guidance.

Users are not properly guided about what the USC number is or where they can find it.

Since this can stop users from continuing, it becomes a major usability issue.

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: USC Number Needs Guidance.: 3 3 No mention of USC Source If I lost my electricity bill and don’t know my USC number, even as a guest user I would not know To Be Fixed
Example: USC Number Needs Guidance.: 3 3 No mention of USC Source If I lost my electricity bill and don’t know my USC number, even as a guest user I would not know To Be Fixed

3

3

No mention of USC Source

If I lost my electricity bill and don’t know my USC number, even as a guest user I would not know

To Be Fixed

Example:
Name Field Lacks Context.

It is unclear whose name should be entered.

​

Should users enter the name of the person using the app?

​

Or the name of the electricity connection owner?

​

This becomes important when tenants pay bills for properties registered under the owner’s name.

To Be Fixed

Example: Name Field Lacks Context.: To Be Fixed 4 4 Lack of Context It is unclear whose name to write. Mine or the home owner’s. Same with phone number
Example: Name Field Lacks Context.: To Be Fixed 4 4 Lack of Context It is unclear whose name to write. Mine or the home owner’s. Same with phone number

4

4

Lack of Context

It is unclear whose name to write.
Mine or the home owner’s. Same with phone number

Example: Name Field Lacks Context.

It is unclear whose name should be entered.

Should users enter the name of the person using the app?

Or the name of the electricity connection owner?

This becomes important when tenants pay bills for properties registered under the owner’s name.

To Be Fixed

Example: Name Field Lacks Context.: To Be Fixed 4 4 Lack of Context It is unclear whose name to write. Mine or the home owner’s. Same with phone number
Example: Name Field Lacks Context.: To Be Fixed 4 4 Lack of Context It is unclear whose name to write. Mine or the home owner’s. Same with phone number

4

4

Lack of Context

It is unclear whose name to write.
Mine or the home owner’s. Same with phone number

Example:
No Resend OTP Option.

Some users may face poor network connectivity or delayed OTP delivery.

​

But if there is no resend option, they may not be able to complete the task.

​

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: No Resend OTP Option.: 5 To Be Fixed 5 Resend OTP option missing What happens if I did not receive OTP? No resend option as such
Example: No Resend OTP Option.: 5 To Be Fixed 5 Resend OTP option missing What happens if I did not receive OTP? No resend option as such

5

To Be Fixed

5

Resend OTP option missing

What happens if I did not receive OTP? No resend option as such

Example: No Resend OTP Option.

Some users may face poor network connectivity or delayed OTP delivery.

But if there is no resend option, they may not be able to complete the task.

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: No Resend OTP Option.: 5 To Be Fixed 5 Resend OTP option missing What happens if I did not receive OTP? No resend option as such
Example: No Resend OTP Option.: 5 To Be Fixed 5 Resend OTP option missing What happens if I did not receive OTP? No resend option as such

5

To Be Fixed

5

Resend OTP option missing

What happens if I did not receive OTP? No resend option as such

Example:
OTP Input Can Be Improved.

The current OTP input does not clearly show how many digits users need to enter.

​

This can be marked as orange: To Be Improved

​

A possible solution is to show separate OTP boxes.

​

Mark that as blue: Ideas

To Be Improved

Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP
Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP

6

6

OTP Input Field

Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?)

Idea

Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP
Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP

6

6

OTP boxes

Give 4 boxes for OTP

Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.

The current OTP input does not clearly show how many digits users need to enter.

This can be marked as orange: To Be Improved

A possible solution is to show separate OTP boxes.

Mark that as blue: Ideas

To Be Improved

Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP
Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP

6

6

OTP Input Field

Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?)

Idea

Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP
Example: OTP Input Can Be Improved.: To Be Improved 6 6 OTP Input Field Giving an input field for OTP makes it little more difficult to check if all numbers are entered (how many are there?) Idea 6 6 OTP boxes Give 4 boxes for OTP

6

6

OTP boxes

Give 4 boxes for OTP

Example:
Buttons Are Active Too Early.

Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.

​

These buttons should remain disabled until the required fields are filled.

​

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: Buttons Are Active Too Early.: 7 To Be Fixed 7 Button is by default active Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.
Example: Buttons Are Active Too Early.: 7 To Be Fixed 7 Button is by default active Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.

7

To Be Fixed

7

Button is by default active

Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.

Example: Buttons Are Active Too Early.

Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.

These buttons should remain disabled until the required fields are filled.

Mark this as red: To Be Fixed

Example: Buttons Are Active Too Early.: 7 To Be Fixed 7 Button is by default active Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.
Example: Buttons Are Active Too Early.: 7 To Be Fixed 7 Button is by default active Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.

7

To Be Fixed

7

Button is by default active

Register and Get OTP appear active even when no information has been entered.

Multi-Connection Clarity Is Missing.

Some users may need to pay multiple electricity bills. For example,
one for their home and another for a rented office.

​

But the login experience does not explain whether multiple connections can be managed.

This should be documented as a clarity gap.

Multi-Connection Clarity Is Missing.: 8 To Be Fixed 8 Multiple USC Numbers No option for the user to add multiple USC numbers. There is no indication that such feature exists, or that more can be added later
Multi-Connection Clarity Is Missing.: 8 To Be Fixed 8 Multiple USC Numbers No option for the user to add multiple USC numbers. There is no indication that such feature exists, or that more can be added later

8

To Be Fixed

8

Multiple USC Numbers

No option for the user to add multiple USC numbers. There is no indication that such feature exists, or that more can be added later

Multi-Connection Clarity Is Missing.

Some users may need to pay multiple electricity bills. For example, one for their home and another for a rented office.

But the login experience does not explain whether multiple connections can be managed.

This should be documented as a clarity gap.

Multi-Connection Clarity Is Missing.: 8 To Be Fixed 8 Multiple USC Numbers No option for the user to add multiple USC numbers. There is no indication that such feature exists, or that more can be added later
Multi-Connection Clarity Is Missing.: 8 To Be Fixed 8 Multiple USC Numbers No option for the user to add multiple USC numbers. There is no indication that such feature exists, or that more can be added later

8

To Be Fixed

8

Multiple USC Numbers

No option for the user to add multiple USC numbers. There is no indication that such feature exists, or that more can be added later

Identify What Is Already Good.

Requesting OTP and completing registration are two different system actions.

​

The current software separates these actions.

​

This should be marked as green: Good

​

Good patterns should be retained or improved, not removed blindly.

Good

Identify What Is Already Good.: Good 9 9 OTP & Register Receiving OTP and register actions are separated, which is a good think. We can enhance that separation of action.
Identify What Is Already Good.: Good 9 9 OTP & Register Receiving OTP and register actions are separated, which is a good think. We can enhance that separation of action.

9

9

OTP & Register

Receiving OTP and register actions are separated, which is a good think. We can enhance that separation of action.

Identify What Is Already Good.

Requesting OTP and completing registration are two different system actions.

The current software separates these actions.

This should be marked as green: Good

Good patterns should be retained or improved, not removed blindly.

Good

Identify What Is Already Good.: Good 9 9 OTP & Register Receiving OTP and register actions are separated, which is a good think. We can enhance that separation of action.
Identify What Is Already Good.: Good 9 9 OTP & Register Receiving OTP and register actions are separated, which is a good think. We can enhance that separation of action.

9

9

OTP & Register

Receiving OTP and register actions are separated, which is a good think. We can enhance that separation of action.

Audit every important user and workflow in sequence.

Start with the initiating user. Follow the flow step by step.

Do not repeat an audit point unless there is a clear reason.

Continue the Same Process Across the Workflow.

Continue the Same Process Across the Workflow.

Audit every important user and workflow in sequence.

Start with the initiating user. Follow the flow step by step.

Do not repeat an audit point unless there is a clear reason.

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