It is not uncommon for newbie web designers to make mistakes in the initial stage of their career. These mistakes are easily avoidable if they take care of some fine points related to website design. Let us take a look at some of the mistakes made by newbie web designers, which are easily avoidable.
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Using a Non-Readable Typeface
The typeface of any website is as important as any other design element. When it comes to the typeface of their websites, many newbie designers tend to make two common mistakes which are:
- Using fancy fonts
There is no harm in using fancy fonts on your website; in fact, they lend a rather stylish look to all your web pages. But these fonts are often unreadable, especially in situations when the users are in a hurry and want to quickly scan through the site. Hence, judiciously select your fonts while designing your websites and avoid using fancy fonts on your web pages. However, you can use a fancy font (Monotype Corsiva) in the header area or for headlines and select a commonly used font (Times New Roman) in the body text. This will solve your problem.
- Using too large or too small fonts
Make sure that you strike a balance while selecting the font size. Don't use too small fonts, so that your visitors have to squint their eyes and have difficulty in reading the text. Also, don't use too large a font, which can cause them equal discomfort (if they want to view the page in a bigger font size, they can zoom the page).
Avoid Scrolling
Another web design mistake made by designers is they use vertical or horizontal scrolling on their web pages. They forget the fact that most of the users these days use their mobile devices with touch-based displays to access the websites. Obviously, the screens of these devices are smaller than that of desktops and laptops, which make it difficult for the users to scroll and don't allow them to browse the web pages seamlessly.
Not Including Functional Links on Footer
Many a times, users have no time to look for specific information, when they visit a particular website. For instance, they might want to know the contact information of the company or want to check the privacy policy or need to go to a certain page.
It is due to this very reason, you must have observed that most of the websites, place functional links such as – Sitemap, Contact Us, FAQs, Privacy Policy, Request a Quote, About Us, Home etc. in their footer area. Hence, while designing your site, make it a point to place such important links of the website in the footer area, where visitors can easily find and use them.
Using Pop-Ups to Display Important Information
There is no harm in using pop-ups on your website. But then, what some beginner level web designers do, is display important information of the website using pop-ups. They forget the fact that there are numerous pop-up blockers on different web browsers, which can block their pop-ups. This means there is a chance that the information they want to convey, never reaches the end-users. This can be totally avoided; if you want to highlight some important information on your site, you can take the help of design elements like banners, sidebars, textboxes or even use the header area to draw the attention of your users.
Spraying the Site With Animated GIFs
Animated GIFs are a major distraction for all users out there. For instance, imagine a situation where visitors are reading something important on your website, when they suddenly come across an unnecessary animated GIF between the body texts. This will break their flow and divert their attention, which may lead them to abandon your site. Surely, you don't want this to happen. Do you? Hence, do not use animated GIFs on your website until and unless they are absolutely required to support your site's content.
To Conclude
These are some of the common mistakes that are made by a number of newbie designers who are eager to get a head-start into the world of website design. They must pay attention to these mistakes and avoid them while designing their websites.
About the Author
Mark Spenser is working with PLAVEB – leading custom website design service provider company in Los Angeles, CA . He has worked on a number of web design projects on various platforms like HTML5, flash website design for a number of clients. Apart from designing, He also likes to write on various topics related to technology
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