There are a number of UX Design myths we should all know before planning a website. Let’s see what they are.
UX Design Myths
Myth # 1: People Read on the Internet
In fact, people only read text on the web when they are really interested in the content. Believe me, this is infrequent. Usually, people want to find the information as quickly as possible, so if the content doesn’t matter, users will ignore it.
So avoid long text blocks, unnecessary instructions and promotional writing.
Myth # 2: All pages should be accessible in up to three clicks.
The three-click rule is not always applicable, meaning people don’t leave the website or app if they simply can’t find the information in 3 clicks or taps. It is true that the number of clicks required affects user satisfaction, but not the success rate.
More important then is the ease of navigation and constant information along the user’s path.
Myth # 3: People Don’t Scroll
When content is long, such as articles or tutorials, it is normal for people to scroll to read. It is more effective than cutting text on separate pages.
Make sure the content is engaging early on to encourage people to read the entire page.
Myth # 4: Design means creating a beautiful website.
This is one of the most recurring UX Design myths. Web design is much more than just creating a beautiful website. The functional part is more important than the visual, so design is about form and function. Good design easily solves problems, as well as being based on understanding how users behave when surfing the Web.
Myth # 5: Accessibility is hard and expensive
To make the site accessible, you don’t need to add extra functionality or duplicate content. It is best to assess the requirements of people with different skills when designing the user interface. The cost to build an affordable website is the same as developing one that is not.
Myth # 6: Affordable sites are ugly
Accessibility is about making content available to users with different skills and devices. Ideally, you should separate content (HTML) from visual appearance (CSS) to allow users to choose how to access content.
Myth # 7: Design Must Be Original
Originality is another of the myths of UX Design. Many designers aim to reinvent conventional design patterns. However, such standards work because they have already been tested for usability.
Myth # 8: Details are irrelevant when design is good
The smallest details, even the smallest, are important, or rather, they make the design. We refer to details as error messages or a micro communication piece.
Myth # 9: You need to redesign your site periodically
Some think it’s a good idea to reshape a website to increase conversions and attract new customers. However, users do not always like changes, even if the new design is better. If you want to redesign your site, evaluate what works and what doesn’t. So just make small changes.
Myth # 10: Icons Improve Usability
One of the UX Design myths is that icons will do a good job. However, icons are difficult to memorize and understand, unlike text labels.
Myth # 11: Users Are Like Us
This is a mistake and makes the design inefficient. Clearly, the designer knows the products / services and their website well. However, users do not know the product / service so well, and have different attitudes and goals. Therefore, the ideal is to know the users, to involve them in the design process and to interact with them.
Myth # 12: A Search Field Solves Browsing Problems
People only use the search field when they can’t find what they’re looking for. Typically, search fields work well on book, DVD, CD, and computer game sites, which are products they know well.
Myth # 13: Homepage is the most important
Over the years, both browsing and user search behaviors have changed. Therefore, the homepage receives fewer shares.
Myth # 14: Content is not necessary to create a website
Users visit websites because of their content, not their design. Therefore, content is the most important element in UI design.
Myth # 15: People can say what they want
Many companies ask people what they would like to see on the site. There is a big difference between imagining using something and then actually using it. Moreover, people’s preferences are not all the same. This is not to say that you stop listening to customers, but you should know what and how to ask questions as well as interpret the answers.
Myth # 16: Usability tests are expensive
Usability tests can be quick and cheap. Up to 5 users may be sufficient to test specific tasks, just as recruitment can be done simply.
Myth # 17: People use the product the way we thought they would.
Customers do not always use the product as we intended it, nor for its initial purpose. Often users do not care or do not understand how a product works. For example, many people many people type URLs in the Google search bar instead of the address bar.
Myth # 18: Aesthetics are not important if usability is good
Obviously, usability is a very important factor, as mentioned in myth 4. However, emotions play an important role in the user experience. If the website design is visually appealing, it gives a positive impression as users will find the site more credible and easy to use.
Myth # 19: White Spaces Are Waste
White space is an essential element in web design as it is responsible for the readability and priority of content, as well as visual layout and brand positioning.
Myth # 20: People are rational
Our decisions are driven by our emotions rather than logic. Irrationality is predictable. Therefore, good designers can learn about human decision making and create products that really influence our behavior.
Myth # 21: Simplicity is the same as Minimalism
Simplicity is key to excellent and innovative design. However, it is often confused with minimalism. This is the case of the use of icons without text labels, which are not understood by everyone. We should choose simplicity, but not oversimplify.
Pay attention to these UX Design myths in order to create a website that is as true to good usability as possible. However, be sure to always do research and watch for trends.
Want to know more about the UX Design myths? Visit the UXMyths website and read in more detail.