KEEP THIS BESIDE THE WEBSITE
Your website-analysis cheat sheet. Read one question, look at the page, then say what you notice. You don’t need design terminology.
UNDERSTAND
Before scrolling, can I tell what it offers, who it’s for, and what I should do next?
Look for the main headline and action. Say what you think the business offers. If you’re unsure, that uncertainty is worth recording.
NOTICE
What catches my eye first, then second? Is the important information easy to find?
Notice size, position, colour and empty space. Point to the element first; we can name the design principle afterwards.
DESCRIBE
What do I like or dislike about the text, colours, pictures, shapes and spacing? Why?
Try “the large photo makes the service obvious” or “the label blends into the background.” One specific observation is enough.
TRY
Try finding a menu, a product or contact details. Where do I hesitate? Do the controls behave as expected?
Follow one ordinary visitor journey. Stop before making a purchase or sending a real enquiry. Describe the steps where you became confused.
CHECK COMFORT
On my phone, can I read and tap comfortably? Does anything overlap, jump around or distract me?
Notice small text, unclear controls and uncomfortable motion. A narrow desktop window is a useful clue, but it isn’t a real-phone test.
TAKE ONE LESSON
Which design idea is useful, and what would need changing for our audience?
Name the idea and its purpose. A reference is inspiration; it doesn’t automatically give permission to reuse its images, fonts or code.
FINISH WITH ONE SENTENCE
Say it aloud or put it in your notes. You don’t need to review the entire site in one sitting.
PLAIN-LANGUAGE EXPLANATIONS
These are references for learning and problem solving. They aren’t extra tools you need to install, and this cheat sheet isn’t their official assessment.