UI/UX Design Crimes: What Not to Do (Unless You Want Angry Users)

We recently sat Jeffers, our Head of UX, down for a Q&A for an upcoming application development project. Jeffers has been at FuseBox for 4 years and has over 12 years experience as a User Interface expert.

He shed some valuable insights in to his world and specifically, the UI/UX design mistakes to avoid…

Here is what he had to say:

UI/UX Design Crimes: What Not to Do (Unless You Want Angry Users) 

Over the past four years at FuseBox Online, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deep into the world of UI/UX design. Working with clients like Legacy Lifestyle and Teljoy, I’ve learned that great design is about understanding people. Let’s explore some common pitfalls and how to avoid them, with a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

1. 1. The “Are You Sure?” Guilt Trip

Early in my career, I worked on projects with aggressive unsubscribe tactics. I quickly realized these erode trust. Instead, prioritize user autonomy. Make opting out simple. Trust is the foundation of long-term engagement.

Advice: Always respect the user’s choice. Design with empathy to build lasting relationships.

1. 1. The Never-Ending Captcha Challenge

I’ve seen how frustrating Captchas can be. At Teljoy, we implemented invisible Captchas, leading to smoother user experiences and fewer drop-offs.

Advice: Use technology to enhance, not hinder. Explore AI solutions that streamline user tasks.

1. 1. The Mystery Meat Navigation

Navigating a site shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. During a project for an unnamed client, we added clear labels to icons, which improved usability significantly.

Advice: Clarity is key. Always test your navigation with real users to ensure it’s intuitive.

1. 1. The “Surprise!” Auto-Playing Video

Auto-playing videos can catch users off guard. We shifted to user-activated media controls, which increased user satisfaction and engagement.

Advice: Give users control over their experience. Respect their environment and context.

1. 1. The Endless Form From the Depths of Bureaucracy

I’ve learned that less is more when it comes to forms. At Legacy Lifestyle, minimizing form fields led to higher completion rates.

Advice: Simplify. Ask for only what you absolutely need. Your users will thank you.

1. 1. The “Mobile? What’s That?” Desktop-Only Design

Responsive design has been a game-changer. At FuseBox, ensuring mobile compatibility has been crucial, especially as mobile traffic continues to grow.

Advice: Design for mobile first. Test your designs on various devices to ensure accessibility.

1. 1. The “Oops! Page Not Found” Dead End

A creative 404 page can turn a misstep into an opportunity. Adding helpful links and humour can keep users engaged even when they hit a snag.

Advice: Turn errors into experiences. Use them to guide users back to where they want to be.

1. 1. The “One More Click… or Ten” Checkout Process

Streamlining the checkout process is vital. Enabling guest checkouts and using progress indicators can greatly reduce cart abandonment.

Advice: Reduce friction. Make every click count and keep the process as seamless as possible.

In conclusion, UX design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about crafting effortless and enjoyable experiences. My journey has taught me that the best designs honour user preferences and remove barriers. For those just starting, always put users first and keep learning and strive to keep these UI/UX design mistakes to avoid. Together, we can make digital spaces more welcoming and efficient.