UX Audit Framework · CHAPTER 4 OF 6
Evaluating data and workflows
Study the Data Used in the Flow
Step 3
Format

Purpose

Dependencies

Source & If Missing

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.



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.




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

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.



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.



Helper text

Placeholder
copy

Validation
message

Input
restriction

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

Placeholder
copy

Validation
message

Input
restriction

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

Clarity

Feedback

Consistency

Error prevention

User control

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.

Clarity

Feedback

Consistency

Error prevention

User control

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


1

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


1

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


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


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.

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.

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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.
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


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:
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


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


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.


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.


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


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


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.