Expert review checklist: before, execution, and after phases

Expert review checklist

Use this checklist to track your expert review from scope definition through final report delivery.

Define the scope: full product audit or specific flows?
Gather context: personas, analytics, prior research, business goals
Select evaluation frameworks (2-3 recommended)
Define the severity rating scale and document it
List the key user tasks to walk through
Set up screen recording and screenshot tools
Run automated tools (Heurilens, axe DevTools, Lighthouse) for baseline findings
Create the issue log template (location, description, principle, severity, screenshot)

Walk through each defined task as each target persona
Check edge cases: empty states, error messages, loading states, permission screens
Document each finding immediately using the structured template
Annotate screenshots for every finding
Note strengths alongside problems
Cross-reference automated findings — validate, adjust severity, remove false positives
Check content: clarity, tone, terminology consistency, reading level

Consolidate findings from all evaluators (if multiple)
Rate severity for every finding
Build the severity-effort matrix to identify quick wins
Group findings by theme and identify root causes
Write the executive summary (top 3-5 findings + recommended actions)
Write the full report with findings, strengths, and next steps
Present to stakeholders with business-impact framing
Recommend follow-up: usability testing on specific flows, or fix-and-retest cycle
Archive the review in a shared location