10 Mistakes to Avoid in Web Design
Here are 10 mistakes that need to be avoided in web design compiled by Jakob Nielsen, a User Advocate and key player at Nielsen Norman Group.
1. Poor Search Functionality
With great design, user functionality and effectiveness remain key to the success of a website. Ease of navigation is essential, even a simple search box can be the best friend for users. Failing to navigate, this is a problem often encountered by users. A poor search can be caused by search engines being too literal, such as spelling errors, plural words, hyphens, and other variations of the terms requested.
2. Reading PDF Files Online
A PDF file will have a negative impact when used for online reading. The file can disrupt user flow when browsing if what they find is a PDF file. In addition to disrupting web design, the layout of PDFs also does not comply with the display standards of browser users.
3. Not Changing the Color of Visited Links
Users usually want to avoid opening the same page unintentionally. A good web design will prevent this by changing the color of visited links. This way, it will be clear which pages they have seen or avoid reopening them.
4. Text Not Easily Absorbed
Reading information from a website is not like sitting down and reading an entire book. The text presented does not have to be heavy, full, and boring. You need to know that online text is different from printed text. Users need the ability to absorb what they see on their monitor screen and understand the information they need quickly. Therefore, good design requires neat and engaging text and images.
5. Font Size
Adjusting the font size as needed can avoid problems in reading text because everyone has different preferences in reading text. Users should not have difficulty reading the content of your website about what you want to show to the audience.
6. Page Titles Difficult for Search Engines to Find
The front page of a website usually always starts with the company name page title, followed by a brief explanation of the site. As for the rest of the last page, remember to continue using keywords that indicate the content of that page. If the page title is not done correctly and accurately, then the search rate and usability of the website can significantly decrease.
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7. Appears Like an Ad
In today's modern era, users are no longer unfamiliar with the concept of ads in common forms such as banners, flashing or animated flash forms, and Pop-ups. Users consciously ignore, avoid, or even immediately close them when they see these ads. Therefore, avoid designs that look like an ad because users will ignore them.
8. Violating Design Guidelines
There are general guidelines and rules that every user is expected to understand when visiting a website. Everyone will feel comfortable with an arrangement that they know and understand what is expected. If a web design deviates from its standard function, then generally the online user population will understand and most likely leave the site on their own.
9. Opening New Browser Windows
Having pop-ups or multiple pop-up windows is not a guarantee and can be confusing and have a negative impact on user experience. A link should be a simple hypertext reference that replaces a specific page with new content.
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10. Not Meeting User Needs
Try to be more informative and user-friendly. When users visit your site, they usually have a goal to achieve and they certainly do not have much time to explore the entire site just to find what they need. If a website cannot provide the information and needs that users are looking for, then the website is a failure even with such great design.
Web Architect is an experienced web design company that keeps up with the ins and outs of today's trade. We can help you build a successful website and solve problems related to your website. If you need more information about our services, please contact Web Architect - Web Design Jakarta, Indonesia.
