User-friendly web design

The first thing a user does is quickly skim the website and distinguish patterns, taking also in consideration his previous experiences. Links should be distinguishable at a glance. If something looks like a button, it better be. The logo must also be a link to the home page. If there is a down arrow next to a menu item, he expects a sub-menu. If he sees a flag at some corner of the screen, he expects a language change. If an icon is unknown to him, it’s best to include text that explains what will happen if he clicks it.

The main menu of the website should be immediately visible, and its buttons should reflect what the user should expect from this site. Instead of displaying complex button names, and multiple level navigation that make the website’s content hard to find, each button must be named appropriately and navigation levels should be kept to a minimum, as far as possible.

If some functionality of the website is added to the detriment of ease of use, you definitely lose more than you gain. Whenever you want to add something to your site, first ask yourself: “Why? What will it offer to the user more?” Every element of a website should have a serious reason to exist. Otherwise, it simply distracts the user, confuses him and eventually irritates him.

Every page of a user-friendly website should have only one main purpose or function, and that should be clear. Otherwise again, it distracts, confuses and irritates the visitor. Having each page perform a single, clear function also helps with SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Colors and fonts have the power to convey messages and evoke emotions. Finding a font and a color palette that matches the website, increases users’ loyalty and makes them feel warmer. The number of colors should be limited to less than five colors (preferably three), and the number of fonts to up to three at most. Also the big color contrast between the background of the website and its text is one of the most basic but also the most important design principles.

Texts should be written in simple, concise language that does not make the visitor feel like they are wasting time. The use of professional terminology should be avoided if the audience is not at a similar level. It is very important that you understand your audience and write first and foremost about them. The text on the website should include headings and other formatting techniques to make it easier for readers to quickly skim the content and decide if they want to read each piece. Also important is the addition of accompanying or explanatory images and videos, where deemed necessary.

The faster the website loads, the better for the user. The more time it takes for it to load, the less user commitment, concentration and satisfaction. For more details, read here.

In a world that is now navigating the internet more through mobile devices than through desktop computers, it is necessary for a website to adapt, perform and operate at 100%, on any device and screen size. For more details, read here.

Contact us! User friendliness is one of the most important things we take into account when designing a website, and we will be happy to build one for you too!