Website Myths and Realities (from UX Myths)

People have many misunderstandings and false assumptions about websites. I’ve encountered several while talking to businesses about their websites. I’ve found UX Myths to be a helpful resource, since it responds to myths with research. The site’s tagline is “Build your website based on evidence, not false beliefs.” Here’s a summary of my favorite myths and realities.

People read on the web

Reality: People skim when reading on the web. Make text scannable and relevant.

All pages should be accessible in 3 clicks

Reality: What really counts is making navigation easy, not the number of clicks.

People don’t scroll

Reality: People are used to scrolling. You don’t have to squeeze everything above the fold. However, you should encourage people to scroll with your design and interesting content. Content above the fold still gets the most attention, and helps people decide whether to keep reading.

Design is about making a website look good

Reality: Design is more about how something works than how it looks. The goal of design is to efficiently solve problems.

Stock images improve the users’ experience

Reality: Users usually overlook stock images. Use images related to the topic, and that add information.

Design has to be original

Reality: Design conventions and standard patterns are more usable, because people know how to use them.

Radical website redesigns are necessary

Reality: Minor website improvements over time are better, because people prefer familiar designs and hate change.

Icons enhance usability

Reality: Text labels are more efficient than icons alone, because the label removes the ambiguity an icon can have.

People use a website’s search to find what they want

Reality: Navigation links work better than a website’s search feature. People scan the page looking for what they want, and only search if they can’t find it.

You don’t need content to design a website

Reality: A website’s design is based on its content. People come to websites for content, not design.

Aesthetics aren’t important if you have good usability

Reality: Aesthetics influence emotion. A pleasing design can make a website seem more credible, and make it easier to use.

White space is wasted space

Reality: White space is important for readability, layout, and branding.

Success happens overnight

Reality: Success usually takes years of hard work and failure.

Mobile users are distracted

Reality: All users are distracted, and sites must be designed to deal with that. Here are useful facts about mobile web use.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to separate web design fact from fiction, especially if you’re not a web professional. Did any of these open your eyes? Contact us if you want to talk about applying these realities to your website.