The Design Mistakes You Shouldn’t Be Making In 2023

In a world where we’re so reliant on technology, where we know it inside out, and where it’s easier than ever to build a website, it’s quite staggering how many badly designed ones we still see out there.

Even in a world where you can click here and get a professional website built in minutes, people are still taking on the struggle of creating DIY websites and making the simplest of mistakes. And it can be costly. Millions of pounds each year are lost to simple website design mistakes which can easily be solved. But what are they?

Unresponsive Design

These days no website should be unresponsive. The vast majority of us browse online through our mobile devices, certainly when it comes to e-commerce. It’s typically the research stage and if a website isn’t playing ball and adjusting to the right screen size, then you’ll see users head to competitors quite quickly.

Having a site that is mobile-friendly is perhaps the number one priority these days and a mistake many people are still making, with a desktop-first attitude that is costing sales. Of course, it does depend on the industry. B2B businesses are perhaps more suited to being desktop first, whereas B2C you’re much more likely to be encountering a mobile browser.

A responsive site is one that reconfigures depending on the device and screen size a user is browsing with. A good way to develop a responsive site is by ensuring all the key information on a page is easily accessible, whether that be contact details, FAQs, or product information on a key product page.

Bad Navigation

Many websites try to be too clever when it comes to web design. They try to be that little bit too arty, which can cause a lot of confusion. Users are then left to figure out where the menu is or how to open a box that delivers the information they need.

Ultimately, the best website design keeps things simple. This means that users can find the information they need quicker, and in turn make the purchase they need too quick. If a user is confused about where to go, they’ll simply find a website that isn’t confusing and make a transaction there.

Navigation isn’t the only thing that needs simplifying either. Think about simplifying your carts, sign-up process and customer service as it will all contribute to a happier and more efficient browsing experience. Think about how major brands do it. For example, the Adidas website offers all the main categories across the top of the page, meaning you can find exactly what you need in a matter of seconds and have made a purchase in just a few minutes.

Coloring

Again the use of color is something that can be over complicated and can be the difference in engaging customers and them leaving. Of course, brand colors should always be integrated into a site, but if you are launching a new site, you should also consider how those colors will look on a website.

A good balance in color is always required with websites. They will ensure not only is the site visually appealing, but also all information is clear and easy to read. Fonts also hugely play a part in this and work hand in hand with color. Ensure they’re readable, on a background that allows the copy to stand out, while also not being too bland and boring.

The colors used can say an awful lot about your brand. In fact, the psychology behind brand colors is well documented and is certainly worth reading up on before designing and developing a website.