Creating a good user experience is one easy but tricky task. Most designers struggle to make the user interface simple and easy for the audience. However, there still occur one or two simple things that make it terrible for people intending to use the site.
When the little bits are repeated and spread all over the interface, it becomes very annoying. As the designer, always assume the position of the user and imagine what will be good or bad for you.
It is vital to add some creativity, but if it kills down the ease of use then simply do away with that aspect. You may have done everything right, but be keen to avoid the following usability mistakes.
Ignoring the look on blank slates
How does your screen appear when there is no user data on it? Neglecting the design of blank slates is one common mistake you might have been making. For most first timers, ill designed blank slates can be frustrating to look at. One is not able to identify what the screen is all about or even where and how to get help. It is very important to include:
. Complete description – this should be placed at the top of the screen and it should spell out what it is all about.
. Action igniting components – they provide three channels to kick start the user by allowing them to take some action.
. An indicator – It’s a simple statement that aims to inform a first time user of data unavailability.
This alone is average, if you want to show potential users on how navigate on your business site, then provide something extra that will help them to start.
Not labeling buttons clearly
The Buttons act to direct the user of a particular function. For instance, one should include a button like “sign up now” or even “create an account.” You should then tie them respectively to what they can do for the user. Leaving them unclear and doubtable is suicidal to your site. Not being clear doesn’t mean it is not visible. A person can be able to see the button, but what are the results when one click on it? Does it bring what the user expected? For instance, if a button says “save,” one will ask save what? But if you use a button like “save post,” this is clearer because it instructs the user on doing a specific thing. Creating good buttons should be easy and thus you may have been neglecting it for so long. Of the top 3 usability mistakes, this one shows unreliability.
Delaying feedback
Finally, there is one trait that most website shoppers or subscribers possess; impatience. People want things quickly. You can imagine walking into a restaurant, you ask for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. The attendant brings you the cake without the cup of coffee, then disappears for a very long time without saying anything. What would you do? It is doubtable if you will even take a bite of the cake. Most people can simply walk away. A delay in feedback should be clearly communicated to the client. Making users wait is bad, but it is even worse if you make them wait with no communication. When loading data, requests or anything from your customer, it is very important to inform them. A simple way to do this is by displaying a spinning animation “loading” if so you are. If you are planning to create the best user experience on your business site, then it will be beneficial if you avoided this 3 usability mistakes.
