Your website’s user interface (UI) elements are important in determining how engaged your visitors are. While UI design might not be the most important factor when it comes to generating traffic and leads, it can certainly become an issue if there are particular elements on your site that you need to cut back on or get rid of completely because they’re actually hurting your business—not helping it. Here are the top seven potentially bad UI elements that are killing your website and should be removed ASAP.
1) Dropdown menus
Dropdown menus are one of the most commonly used UI elements on the web. They’re also one of the most potentially problematic. When used incorrectly, dropdown menus can be confusing, frustrating, and even inaccessible. Here are five ways to make sure your dropdown menus don’t become a liability
- Use meaningful labels for sub-items: Users shouldn’t have to guess what an item in a dropdown menu is; it should be clear from the label or title. If you have sub-items with less descriptive names, like Best, then use parent labels that provide more context: Best Service Provider.
- You’ll notice that Best has been replaced by Best Service Provider. Now there’s no confusion about which option will actually bring up the best service providers for you.
- Place items in order of importance: The order of items in a dropdown menu should correspond to their relative importance. Consider moving high priority items closer to the top, and low priority items closer to the bottom. Doing so will make it easier for users who want those higher priority options to find them quickly and easily.
- Put actionable items at the beginning: Items that are actionable – actions people can take on your website – should be placed at the beginning of the list for easy access.
2) Provide clear feedback when hovering over an item: To avoid accidental clicks, give user’s visual feedback when they hover over an item in a dropdown menu. For example, if you want to emphasize certain options, highlight them using color or making them bolder than other choices.
3) Give ample space around sub-items: Providing enough space between each sub-item in a dropdown menu helps eliminate clutter and makes it easier for users to identify the appropriate choice.
4) Charts and graphs
One of the most common ways that people try to make their website more user-friendly is by adding charts and graphs. However, this can often have the opposite effect. Charts and graphs can be confusing and difficult to understand, especially if they’re not properly labeled. If you want to use them on your website, make sure they’re clear and easy to understand.
5) Passive CTA Buttons
A CTA button should be action-oriented and make it clear to the user what they need to do. A button that says Download Now is much better than one that says Click Here. If your CTA buttons are too passive, users may not know what they’re supposed to do, and they’ll leave your site.
6) Popup boxes (especially on mobile)
Popup boxes are one of the most annoying things that can happen when you’re trying to view a website. They’re intrusive, they block the content you’re trying to see, and they’re just plain frustrating. Even worse, on mobile devices they can be even more difficult to close because you have to fumble with your finger to try and hit the tiny X in the corner. If you’re using popup boxes on your website, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
7) Bulleted lists
-An overuse of bulleted lists can make your website look like a laundry list of items.
-They can be difficult to scan, and often times, people will only read the first few items on the list.
-If you must use bulleted lists, try to keep them short, sweet, and to the point.
-Another alternative is to use numbered lists, which can help add a sense of importance or hierarchy to the items on your list.
8) Full-width image banners
Image banners that span the full width of the page are one of the most common offenders when it comes to bad web design. Not only do they take up valuable real estate, but they also tend to be visually overwhelming and can be a major turn-off for users.
9) Super long paragraphs of text
No one wants to read a wall of text, no matter how interesting the topic. Breaking up your text into shorter paragraphs makes it more digestible for your readers and helps to keep them engaged. Long paragraphs also decrease the likelihood that someone will actually make it all the way through your content which means less people will be exposed to what you have to say. You want everyone who comes across your site to see as much as possible.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about taking your website to the next level, then you need to hire a UI/UX design company in India. These professionals will be able to identify the weak points in your website’s design and help you fix them. In doing so, they’ll improve your website’s overall user experience, making it more likely to convert visitors into customers.
Also Read: 5 Ways to Create a Healthcare UX that Wins Patients’ Trust
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