132am Web Design Articles
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Common Design Mistakes
The Do-s and Don't-s of Web Design
1. Bad fonts lead the list in the most common design or website mistakes that alienate viewers. They are either too small or frozen in size, or there is not enough contrast between text and background.
2. Links should be clearly visible by color, and that includes visited link color as well. Links should be underlined because that is what the viewer expects and visited links should be a different color. Your visitors should always know where they are on your site, where they can go next, and what they have already seen. If you have to explain how to use your navigation system, get rid of it - now.
2. Avoid Flash if possible. Most of the Flash that Web users encounter each day is bad Flash with no purpose beyond annoying them. In the same vein, do not use those fancy java fades from one page to another. They are annoying, take longer, and are a complete waste of javascript. In the same vein, please don't use moving graphics like falling snowflakes, flying birds and such. Flashing graphics can actually cause seizures, so don't ever use those either.
3. Do not use splash pages or Flash intro pages. They make the user wait and waste time. They are so bad that even the most clueless Web designers won't recommend them, even though a few (even more clueless) clients continue to request them.
4. Include content that is written for the Web, meaning that it is short, scannable, to the point, addresses viewer concerns, and uses a conversational tone (no huge dictionary words).
5. Check and double check for misspellings, typos and grammatical errors. Nothing says "unprofessional" as a page with errors.
6. Ensure browser cross-platform compatibility by testing your pages in at least the top three (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape) and if possible, include Opera and Safari.
7. Make any forms user-friendly. This means using one form field for the first and last name (instead of two separate ones), which is far easier to type than having to tab or mouse over to the next field. Same goes for the telephone number; use one field instead of three.
8. Do include something about the company history or site owner. Emphasize what your site offers that is of value to users and how your services differ from those of key competitors. To develop credibility, buy a domain name and get your own host. I personally use GoDaddy for my domain purchases and manager and Bluehost for all hosting services. Read Buy A Domain and Select Hosting.
9. Pop-ups are a mistake in their own right. If you must use them, don't force users to read in a tiny peephole. At the very least, let users resize any new windows. Never force the viewer to scroll horizontally.
10. Avoid free hit counters, email addresses, and/or free hosting services. They do not say "professional" and they do not give credibility to your site.
11. Do not subject your visitors to instant music. If you feel that music enhances your site (for example, a site on classical composers would benefit from classical selections), let the visitor choose if and what they want to listen to.
12. Keep load times to a minimum. Up to 45% of surfers are still on dial-up. Do any of you remember that? I do and it was painfully slow. This is why I advise staying away from splash pages and flash - stay away from anything that adds loading time and makes your viewer wait. For that reason as well, optimize all images for the Web and keep the number per page to a minimum.---- Get A Designer !
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