No one likes being in a group of people and hearing a joke that they just don’t get, despite everyone else laughing. No one likes sitting in a class or seminar — heck, even at the dinner table — and listening to someone talk about a topic that just seems too intellectual to make sense. And no one likes to click on a business’s website and feel dumb because they can’t find a page that lists hours of operation or the address.
This last part is what the UX design process tries to eradicate — the feeling of being on the outside and not being smart enough to get in. It’s something that will turn visitors away from your website so quickly, they don’t even have a chance to look at your products or services.
UX design wasn’t originally a concept that applied to website design, but it’s something that has allowed web designers to figure out the details that factor into a great website which is both easy to use and is a solid foundation for a digital marketing plan.
However, there are some really simple UX web design mistakes that you might be making on your website — UX design mistakes that are making your visitors, and potential customers, feel a bit dumb. This mistakes really aren’t good — and you should avoid them at all costs:
- Not putting the navigation bar at the top. People are inclined to look at the top of the page, so this is considered the most “visible” spot on the screen. If visitors can’t figure out how to navigate your site quickly, they’ll just leave.
- Writing long, long paragraphs. Internet users scan pages — they don’t read pages. Those long paragraphs of informative content aren’t easy to scan, so they just get skipped.
- Using confusing jargon. Unless you’re offering a product or service specifically designed for professionals who are experts in the industry already, put down the thesaurus and keep the syllable count at three, max.
- Placing a big ad on your mobile site telling visitors to try out your mobile app instead. Your mobile app might be the best thing since sliced bread, but people on mobile devices have an overwhelming preference to browse the web on mobile sites, rather than on mobile apps. It’s fine to inform your visitors that an app is available, but don’t try to pressure them into using the app instead.
