Five Problems with Web Design
In general, mistakes made by website designers can be attributed to a narrowness of focus. The designers specialize in one or more areas, but don’t have the breadth of specialty needed to really create an excellent website.
Here, then, are five problems of web design:
1. The designer understands users, but does not understand search engines
A website must be designed not just for the human users who find the site, but, almost invariably, for those users who are looking for the site. This means that SEO (search engine optimization) must be a part of the design from the very beginning. Search considerations should be the overriding concern when it comes to URL structure, interlinking decisions, and title tags: Things users don’t pay attention to anyway.
Obviously, this is unimportant if you are creating an intranet or a branded site.
2. The designer understands users, but not code
Sloppy, cumbersome code sucks up bandwidth. An inexperienced web designer can use complex solutions where simple ones would do.
3. The designer understands code but not users
This is the opposite of the previous two. A well-written website from a developer’s point of view doesn’t necessarily appeal to human beings. Too many websites created by developers look like 1995 has come back to your monitor.
4. Designers are more patient than users
Web designers become very excited about graphical elements that are there just for show, about animation, about movement, about all the “woo” that is hard to create and looks beautiful once completed. Designers need to understand that a website isn’t just something to add to your design portfolio! Don’t underestimate the impatience of your site visitor, who is accustomed to speed and ease of use through time spent on the Internet (which increases every year). Fancy doodads that consume bandwidth and increase load time irritate users, even if they do win design awards.
5. The designer understands code AND search AND users, but not marketing
Where’s the call to action? Where’s the impetus to buy? Where’s the ability to convert? If you’re going to create a website for other than reference or entertainment purposes, reading a basic how-to on marketing should be one of your first steps!
