Beginner web design mistakes and how to fix them

Center aligning long paragraphs of body text

Center alignment can work for headings or short lines of text, but it’s a poor choice for lengthy body text. Books generally left-align texts as an example. Here’s why:

• Disrupts the reading flow: Centered text makes it harder for users to track lines and quickly scan content.

• Follow best practices: Left-align text, as it's more readable. A good rule of thumb is that centering body text can work for a maximum of 3-5 rows.

Placing text on images

Placing text on images can lead to significant readability issues. Consider the following:

• Contrast matters: Background images may not provide sufficient contrast. Even if it looks okay on your computer monitor, that might not be the case on mobile devices.

• Use solid backgrounds: Choose a solid background to ensure readability and a better overall user experience.

Overuse of stock photos

While stock photos can be convenient, heavy reliance on them can make your website feel fake, especially when it comes to images of people. Keep these points in mind:

• Authenticity is key: Users appreciate genuine images that reflect your brand. A badly taken photo of you and your team is better than a fake photo of a group of people.

• Mix it up: Use stock photos sparingly and complement them with original images for a more authentic feel.

Placing social media links in the menu

Including social media links in your main navigation can clutter the menu. On your site, you control what the user sees and interact with. If you purposefully direct users to, let's say Instagram, the users might be distracted by a new like or a new photo of a friend. Here’s what to do:

• Focus on primary goals: Cluttered menus distract users from your website’s main purpose, whether that's to sell a product or tell your story.

• Place social media links strategically: Users expect social media links in the footer so that's where they should be.

Making users have to think

Breaking established conventions without purpose can confuse users. Jakob’s Law states that "Users spend most of their time on other sites. This means that users prefer your site to work the same way as all the other sites they already know."

Think of it like cars, which usually have a consistent layout: four wheels, a steering wheel on the left, and gas plus brake pedals. If you’ve ever driven a car with the steering wheel on the right side, you know how confusing it can be. Remember:

• Stick to conventions: Users prefer familiarity; violating established layouts can lead to frustration and confusion.

• Use a consistent layout: For example, choose a top menu instead of a side menu and logo to the left in the menu to align with user expectations.

Curious why breaking familiar patterns can frustrate users? Read my deep dive into Jakob’s Law and why it matters in UX.

Neglecting mobile experience

Oftentimes, more users are accessing websites on mobile devices than computers. Failing to optimize your site for mobile is a critical error. Keep these tips in mind:

• Adapt to screen sizes: Ensure your design seamlessly adjusts to different devices for optimal user experience.

• Test regularly: Continuously check mobile usability to avoid potential issues.

Using too many colors

A chaotic design with multiple styles and colors can distract users and lead to a cluttered appearance. This can make it difficult for users to focus on important content. Here are some tips:

• Stick to a limited color palette: Choose a few complementary colors that reflect your brand and guide users' attention to key elements, such as calls to action.

• Reduce visual noise: Minimize distractions to enhance usability and create a more enjoyable user experience.

Conclusion

By implementing these guidelines, you’ll create a more user-friendly and effective website. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about understanding your users and making their experience great!