Top 10 Web Design Mistakes - An Oldie but Goody
This list came out back in 1999 but was recently given to me by a web developer friend of mine, and still applies today. Of course this list could go on and on, but here are some highlights of basic mistakes to avoid.
1. Using frames. It’s a big no-no. Frames are difficult to index. Some companies may require the use of iFrames for advertising. Note the difference. iFrames (inline frames) is an HTML element that makes it possible to embed another HTML document inside the main document. While regular frames are typically used to logically subdivide the content of one website, iFrames are more commonly used to insert content from another website into the current page.
2. Scrolling Text. Words that move are bad! Period. Avoid it because people won’t use it.
3. Complex URLs. Avoid too many variables in the URL. Not only does a clean, simple URL eliminate the potential problems that you could have with getting a page indexed, but you’re also more likely to acquire more deep links from other sites because the URL looks user-friendly, and easy to copy-and-paste. Further, if you know your customer, you will know certain subpages that they will want to log as a favorite. Be cognizant of keeping the URLs short, especially if you know it will end up being a favorite.
4. Too Cutting Edge. Many people do not have the latest versions of web browsers. A site that is to cutting edge will not be supported by older browsers. Also, users do not like downloading plug-ins and will likely leave your site if they have to do so.
5. Orphan Pages. An orphan page has no links to it. Therefore the only way it can be found is through a search.
6. Long Scrolling Pages. It can be overwhelming to the user. There are ways to work with a lot of text from a design perspective to make the scrolling page usable.
7. Lack of Navigation Support. No matter how big your site, make sure you have a search feature and a site map so that users and search engines alike can navigate through the information you are presenting. Otherwise they will feel lost.
8. Non-standard link colors. Make sure the link changes to a different color for a part of the site they have already visited.
9. Out-dated information. It’s very unprofessional, and search engines favor fresh content.
10. Long download times. Users are impatient.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
AMEN. Amazing how many companies, even those who work in web development, miss the basics. The people who do the coding, the people who understand the marketing needs, and the people who understand usability, tend to be totally different groups and it ends up with a mess of a page for even the best companies. These rules are so simple, and are generally about making pages easier anyway!