Standard Web Design Boo-Boos To Be Aware Of

Long Paragraphs As web surfers lack long attention spans, they tend to dislike sitting on a computer reading long texts. The reading experience on websites will be more enjoyable if short paragraphs, headlines, and bullet points are utilized. Music on Websites A popular gimmick in the mid-90′s, these days it is considered amateurish for a site to load with music that cannot be turned off. Since people often surf the web while at their job, watching television, or listening to music of their own, sites that have music that automatically loads may be less appealing.

Flashing Text and Graphics Flashing text and graphics are also remnants of the 1990s. Inexperienced web designers might be proud of their animation abilities; however, this actually gives the site a very amateurish appearance. In addition, ads featuring animation often distract viewers and compel them to navigate away from your website.

Little Letters and Colored Fonts Little letters sometimes look pretty on the screen; however, a disadvantage is that people may not be able to see it. If a visitor can’t see the website, they will log off and look in another place. It can be hard to read when colored fonts are employed, and additionally, if the designer of the page uses a font that is dark set on a background that is dark, or a font that is light on a background that is light. Window Browsers That Are New It is very bothersome for the user when new browser windows open up for each page on the website. As visitors browse a website, it is not necessary to keep multiple windows open. Rather, the use of additional windows should be limited to links leading to external websites.

Hidden PDF Files PDF files can improve a website by helping to market it, but there should be text alerting the user to their location. Tell the user if there is a PDF file, prior to them learning about it by clicking on it, as they often can freeze computer screens. Unclear CAPTCHA’s It is necessary to have CAPTCHA’s at this time to stop spam, but sometimes it does not look clear enough for the average person to see. Don’t use CAPTCHA’s that will confuse the typical user.

You can create an attractive website if you avoid these design mistakes and ask professionals for their feedback.

Stephen Grisham, Sr. is a professional writer for InfoServe Media, LLC. If you are looking for web design in Houston, or if you just need a few changes to an existing site, InfoServe Media also offers website maintenance.