In the ever-evolving world of web design, it’s easy to overlook seemingly basic UX principles. Here are 21 additional UX tips to keep in mind when crafting a website that prioritizes user experience and satisfaction.
1. Blue is Not Exclusive to Links
While blue is often associated with links, using it exclusively for links can create an accessibility issue for color-blind users. Consider using a combination of color, underlining, and font weight to distinguish links.
2. Banner Blindness: Design with Purpose
Users often subconsciously ignore elements that resemble advertisements. Ensure that important information is not presented in a way that triggers banner blindness. Use clear calls to action and visually distinct elements to draw attention to crucial information.
3. Megamenus: Balance Breadth with Usability
Megamenus offer extensive navigation options but can become overwhelming. Prioritize the most important options and use submenus or dropdown menus to organize less frequent items.
4. Provide Instant Feedback on Interactions
Provide visual and/or auditory feedback within 0.1 seconds of a user interaction (e.g., button clicks, form submissions). This confirms the action and improves the user experience.
5. Optimize for Scanning and Reading
Most users scan web pages initially. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up text and improve readability. Highlight key information with bold text or color.
6. Make Navigation Intuitive and Unobtrusive
Website navigation should be easily accessible and predictable. Avoid overly complex navigation structures and ensure that navigation elements do not interfere with the main content.
7. Consider Thumb Reach on Mobile Interfaces
Design mobile interfaces with consideration for thumb reach. Place frequently used elements within easy reach of the user’s thumb to minimize finger strain.
8. Consistency Builds Trust
Consistent design elements, terminology, and interactions across your website build trust and improve user confidence.
9. Enhance Mobile Font Readability with x-height
Increasing the x-height of fonts on mobile devices can improve readability. X-height refers to the height of lowercase letters without ascenders or descenders.
10. Position Field Labels Clearly
Place field labels directly above or to the left of input fields for better clarity and accessibility.
11. Leverage Color and Size Contrast Effectively
Use color and size contrast to visually differentiate between headings, subheadings, body text, calls to action, and other important elements.
12. Design for One-Handed and Two-Handed Use
Consider how users might interact with your website on mobile devices, whether it’s with one hand or two. Design the interface to accommodate both scenarios.
13. Design Clickable Buttons with Intention
Buttons should have clear visual cues, such as contrasting colors, borders, and hover effects, to indicate their clickability. Ensure sufficient tap targets for easy interaction.
14. Reserve Blue and Underlining for Links (Mostly)
While blue and underlining are common link styles, you can use other visual cues such as color, font weight, or styling to create visually distinct links.
15. Prioritize Text Loading for a Faster Perceived Experience
Displaying text before images creates a perception of faster loading speed, enhancing the user experience.
16. Streamline User Goals with a Clear Path
Guide users towards their desired outcomes with a clear and concise user journey. Minimize distractions and unnecessary steps.
17. Prioritize Mobile Navigation Usability
Mobile navigation should display frequently used options prominently, with less-used options tucked away under a hamburger menu or dropdown menus to organize less frequently used options.
18. Use Icons Strategically and Meaningfully
Icons can enhance the visual appeal and usability of a website. However, use them sparingly and ensure they are easily understood and relevant to the content.
19. Consolidate Mobile Error Messages
On mobile devices, display all error messages simultaneously next to the respective fields to prevent users from having to scroll back and forth.
20. Provide Clear Scrolling Indicators
Use visual cues such as progress bars, infinite scroll indicators, or visual cues at the bottom of the page to indicate the presence of more content and the direction of scrolling.
21. Focus on User Needs and Expectations
Ultimately, all UX decisions should be driven by an understanding of user needs, expectations, and behaviors. Conduct user research and gather feedback to continuously improve your website’s user experience.
In the ever-evolving world of web design, it’s easy to overlook seemingly basic UX principles. Here are 21 additional UX tips to keep in mind when crafting a website that prioritizes user experience and satisfaction.
