Steve Krug Trunk Test Audit

A 15-minute web usability review using the Steve Krug trunk test audit to evaluate site identity, navigation, search, and page clarity.

6 time blocks, 15 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Site Identity Check: 3 min
Verify logo and tagline at top left
Page Name Verification: 2 min
Confirm main headline states page purpose clearly
Primary Navigation Review: 3 min
Check main navigation options and category grouping
You Are Here Indicators: 2 min
Verify active link highlights or breadcrumb trails
Search Box Location: 2 min
Locate search input and confirm standard position
Key Action Audit: 3 min
Identify primary call to action and local options

About this routine

In his web usability classic Don't Make Me Think, Steve Krug introduced the trunk test. Imagine being blindfolded, locked in a car trunk, and dropped onto a random page of a website. Within seconds, you should know where you are and how to navigate. Performing a Steve Krug trunk test audit helps teams identify immediate visual gaps on homepages and landing pages.

The audit walks through six core questions covering site identity, page framing, navigation hierarchy, local options, current location cues, and search availability. Running this review before launching a design or during a conversion audit reveals whether a visitor can understand the page without reading detailed text.

Keep the evaluation fast and objective. Print the page or open it on a fresh screen, set a timer, and evaluate each element strictly from the perspective of a first-time visitor.

Why this routine works

Uncovers navigation flaws without expensive user testing
Ensures first-time visitors understand site structure in seconds
Provides clear criteria for design reviews and homepage audits

FAQ

What is the Steve Krug trunk test?

The trunk test is a web usability exercise from Steve Krug's book Don't Make Me Think. It tests whether a visitor dropped onto any webpage can immediately identify the site, page title, navigation, location, and search options.

How long does a trunk test audit take?

A trunk test audit takes about 15 minutes to evaluate a single webpage against six core visual clarity questions.

What six questions does the trunk test answer?

The test checks site identity, page name, main navigation, sub-navigation, location indicators, and search availability.

Sources

Don't Make Me Think, Revisited by Steve Krug