Top Ten Mistakes in Web Design

Source Article: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9605.html

1. Bad Search

Searches are very powerful tools in searching the web and individual websites. Overliteral search engines with no room for word embellishment make a search overly narrow and don't give adequate results. Searches that prioritize by number of query words on the webpage are often not in any order of importance. Conventions call for a small search box as a very recognizable tool.

2. PDF Files for Online Reading

PDF files are not conventional. They are not what users expect to see when they click a link. They require extra thinking, scrolling, printing, etc. They are difficult to navigate through and should be reserved for documents that are intended for print only.

3. Not Changing the Color of Visited Links

Changing the color of a visited link helps the user know that he has already been there. This is handy if you aren't sure where you've checked or if you want to revisit a page that had what you needed. Not supplying this can leave a user running in circles or simply disoriented.

4. Non-Scannable Text

Books tend to print straight text. Pictures are for kids. However, pictures are friendly even for adults. A wall of text is intimidating. Use tricks to break up the page and give it a lighter, more scannable feel:

5. Fixed Font Size

Fixed font sizes make it very difficult for visually impaired users of any degree. By using relative sizes, the user can resize the text to their needs.

6. Page Titles With Low Search Engine Visibility

Page titles are the main tool for a website's recognition. It will appear as the clickable headline in search engines. It will be the default bookmark and taskbar label. Pick a title that will make your website easy to classify and recognize.

7. Anything That Looks Like an Advertisement

People are getting really good at ignoring that even looks like an add. If its animation is too vigorous, if it looks like a banner, or if it pops up, it will be quickly shot down or ignored. Avoid any graphics that look like ads.

8. Violating Design Conventions

Consistancy is a very powerful tool. Jakob's Law of the Web User Experience states that "users spend most of their time on other websites." Therefore, if you want people to find their way on your website, it must act like most of the other websites.

9. Opening New Browser Windows

This is a disgusting, confusing, and uninvited pollution of the user's screen. It confuses navigation and breaks page conventional rules for the page.

10. Not Answering Users' Questions

Users are very goal driven. If the website doesn't clearly meet their needs, they will decide to look elsewhere. It is also very frustrating for any e-commerce website to avoid listing a price for their merchandise or service.