CSAT
Definition
Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is a key performance indicator that quantifies customer satisfaction regarding a product, service, or interaction. Typically measured using short surveys, CSAT scores help organizations understand how well they are meeting customer needs and expectations. The scores are usually derived from a single question survey asking customers to rate their satisfaction on a scale (e.g., 1-5 or 1-10).
In the context of UX, CSAT is vital as it directly reflects the user experience. A high CSAT score indicates that users find the product or service satisfactory, while a low score may highlight areas needing improvement. Monitoring CSAT allows UX professionals to make informed design decisions aimed at enhancing user satisfaction.
Organizations often track CSAT over time, comparing results across different demographics or user segments. This trend analysis can reveal insights into user preferences and behaviors, enabling targeted improvements. Furthermore, CSAT can correlate with customer loyalty and retention, making it a crucial metric for businesses aiming to foster long-term relationships with their users.
Expanded Definition
The concept of Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) has its roots in the broader field of customer experience management. Historically, businesses have sought ways to gauge customer sentiment, leading to more structured approaches like CSAT. The score is typically obtained through surveys conducted immediately after a customer interaction, making it a real-time measure of satisfaction.
CSAT is not only a standalone metric but also part of a larger framework that can include other measures such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Effort Score (CES). Together, these metrics provide a comprehensive view of customer experience, helping organizations refine their offerings and enhance overall user satisfaction.
Key Activities
Designing customer satisfaction surveys to gather feedback.
Analyzing CSAT data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Implementing changes based on customer feedback to enhance user experience.
Comparing CSAT scores across different user segments or time periods.
Communicating findings with stakeholders to drive strategic decisions.
Benefits
Provides a quick and straightforward measure of customer satisfaction.
Helps identify strengths and weaknesses in products or services.
Facilitates data-driven decisions to improve user experience.
Enhances customer loyalty and retention through responsive design changes.
Allows for benchmarking against industry standards or competitors.
Example
A software company launches a new feature and follows it up with a CSAT survey asking users to rate their satisfaction with the new functionality. The responses reveal a high satisfaction score, indicating that users appreciate the addition. This positive feedback encourages the team to continue refining the feature and consider similar enhancements in the future.
Use Cases
Evaluating customer reactions to new product launches.
Assessing user satisfaction after customer support interactions.
Understanding user experiences following major updates or changes.
Measuring satisfaction across different demographic segments.
Gathering feedback on usability and overall experience in web or mobile applications.
Challenges & Limitations
CSAT may not capture the full picture of customer experience.
Survey bias can skew results if not designed properly.
Low response rates can limit the reliability of the data.
Short surveys may not delve into deeper issues affecting satisfaction.
Tools & Methods
Survey platforms like SurveyMonkey or Typeform for gathering CSAT data.
Analytics tools such as Google Analytics to track user behavior alongside CSAT scores.
Customer feedback management systems for organizing and analyzing feedback.
Data visualization tools like Tableau to present CSAT trends over time.
CRM systems that integrate CSAT data for a more holistic view of customer interactions.
How to Cite "CSAT" - APA, MLA, and Chicago Citation Formats
UX Glossary. (2025, February 11, 2026). CSAT. UX Glossary. https://www.uxglossary.com/glossary/csat
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