Cognitive walkthroughs are a valuable method for assessing and enhancing the usability of a website, particularly from the perspective of first-time users. This approach involves simulating the experience of a new visitor as they navigate through the site, allowing evaluators to identify potential obstacles and areas for improvement in the user journey. By focusing on how easily a user can understand and interact with the interface, cognitive walkthroughs help pinpoint design flaws that could hinder user experience. The process begins with defining specific tasks that a new user might undertake, such as creating a project on a project management platform. Evaluators then explore the interface, asking critical questions at each step to assess visibility, clarity of sequence, recognition of actions, and understanding of feedback. This structured inquiry helps to uncover issues that may not be immediately apparent, such as confusing navigation or unclear instructions. Cognitive walkthroughs differ from heuristic evaluations, which assess a website against established usability principles rather than simulating a user’s journey. While both methods are useful, cognitive walkthroughs provide a more user-centered perspective, focusing on the actual experience of navigating the site. Conducting cognitive walkthroughs offers several benefits. They are cost-effective, requiring minimal resources and allowing teams to conduct evaluations in-house. This method also leads to improved usability by identifying and addressing issues early in the design process, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction. When first-time users can easily navigate a site, they are more likely to have a positive experience, recommend it to others, and return for future engagement. To effectively conduct a cognitive walkthrough, one should follow three key steps: preparation, execution, and evaluation. Preparation involves defining the tasks to be assessed and creating user personas to guide the testing process. During the walkthrough, evaluators should explore the interface as if they were first-time users, asking specific questions to identify bottlenecks. Finally, after completing the walkthrough, it’s essential to compile and categorize the identified issues based on their severity and frequency, prioritizing them for resolution. Cognitive walkthroughs are particularly beneficial when performed early in the design process, before major updates or releases, and when introducing complex interfaces. By integrating this method into the design workflow, teams can create more user-centric experiences, ultimately leading to more intuitive and engaging websites. Webflow provides tools that facilitate the implementation of cognitive walkthrough findings, enabling designers to create user-friendly websites without relying heavily on developers. With features that enhance design flexibility and performance, Webflow supports the development of sites that prioritize user experience, making it easier for teams to build and manage effective online platforms.