Humans have interacted with technology for a long time, but their relationship has evolved dramatically since then. The introduction of the first personal computer in the 1970s ushered in a revolution and established the groundwork for the question, "How should humans interface with computers, and how can that interaction be made intuitive?"
This paved the way for the creation of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in the 1980s, which proceeded into Interaction design in the 1990s. The goal of UX design is to improve user experience on a website, mobile app, or anywhere there is a human-technology interface. UX design is a continuation of HCI and interactive design, but it works with an entirely new set of goods and technology. And, no matter how much has changed, the goal is to give users an intuitive, smooth, and pleasurable experience.
A company’s website or application has the power to make a lasting impression on a client, and whether that impression is positive or negative depends on a variety of elements.
Because of the potential influence of online and mobile, entrepreneurs have begun to invest time and money in enhancing User Experience (UX). So, what can you do to improve the User Experience (UX) of your website or mobile app?
User Experience (UX) In a Nutshell
According to Don Norman, the originator of the term User Experience, UX comprises anything that has to do with a user’s contact with a product. What does he mean by this? It suggests that UX is about a user’s experience not just when using a product, but also before and after they use it.
So it’s not simply about creating an easy-to-use and appealing interface. It is also about the experience that the product portrays through its marketing, packing, delivery, post-delivery assistance, and so on. Throughout this process, a UX designer must consider the demands of users. Otherwise, no matter how good a design is, it will go unnoticed. To improve the user experience on a website, UX design services must incorporate the proper balance of usability, utility, and attractiveness.
Significance of improving your User Experience
One thing to remember about UX is that it does not only relate to digital products. It applies to everything in our environment, whether it's a website, a coffee cup, or a pair of shoes. And the necessity to improve user experience is to increase business sales by delighting customers and providing them with a worthwhile engagement with your product.
Now, let's explicitly discuss website user experience. What is the need to improve the website's user experience? How much influence does UX design have on business?
1. Cost Reduction
A solid UX design will considerably assist to cut total development costs. When a design is created after considerable user research and multiple iterations, the chances of needing to make design modifications after launch are quite low. So, while it may appear to be a large upfront purchase, it will save you a lot of money in the long term.
2. Conversion Boosting
Have you ever had the sensation of falling in love with a product after visiting its website while browsing for it online? What causes this to happen? This is because the website offers an optimum UI vs. UX experience and conveys a sense of simplicity and quality. It's simple, straightforward, and tells you precisely what you need to know. That is the ability of UX design to increase conversions.
3. Enhances SEO
The user experience of websites is heavily weighted in Google's search algorithm. A bad UX might lead to a low SEO ranking. This is also true for marketing methods like paid media or pay-per-click. As a result, a fantastic user experience will result in healthy SEO rankings and profitable marketing campaigns.
4. Create a loyal Fanbase
When you provide your consumers with a straightforward and engaging UX, you are genuinely appreciating their time and work. Users will reciprocate by providing your brand awareness and being loyal to your services.
5. Referrals enhancement
No matter how sophisticated marketing methods evolve, word of mouth will always be relevant and trustworthy. When people are pleased with your service, they will automatically recommend you to their peers. And, because people buy people, you will get new consumers.
In essence, when you increase user experience on a website, you generate a drive that will benefit both your clients and your services.
How to Create a User-Friendly Website
A good website is not one that talks about who you are and what you provide. A good website is one that transforms a browser into a buyer. The only way to make a website user-friendly is to build with the user in mind. This is the most important thing that any UX design firm should keep in mind.
So, how do you go about it? By understanding the user's requirements, habits, and pain spots. When you get to know the individuals for whom you are creating, you work until you have effectively met their demands. You create a user-friendly website and deliver value by utilizing digital tools and research methodologies, as well as creating with the user.
How to Improve User Experience
According to Forbes research, a well-designed user interface boosted the conversion rate by 200%, and with further advancement, it might increase the conversion rate by up to 400%. When the prominent sports channel ESPN enhanced its UX by incorporating user recommendations into its brand website, its income increased by 35%!
Every business needs a website to function properly. A person who is on a website is on a quest to achieve some aim. Let's look at 10 recommendations for improving user experience on the website and guiding them to their objective in an enjoyable manner.
1. Page loading time
When it comes to webpage load time, every second counts! The sweet spot for loading time is approximately 1-2 seconds. That is when the biggest conversion rates occur. When a website takes more than 3 seconds to load, the bounce rate rises. It increases from 9% after 2 seconds to 38% after 5 seconds. Most users arrive with a purpose and are impatient. As a result, optimizing website loading speed is critical to satisfying them.
2. Conventions should be treated like your friends
Conventions are like old friends who provide us with a sense of comfort. And familiarity with website design is a decisive element in maintaining user interest. This is not to say that your design should not support novel UX design trends, but rather that the innovation should not come at the expense of the benefits provided by conventions. Standard norms such as logo placement on the top left, the contact information on the bottom, the primary navigation menu on top, and so on entice consumers to visit a website even on their first visit.
3. Selecting Images wisely
Images are wonderful because they draw the user's attention, provide a break from writing, and help to express messages more logically. However, not every image is capable of doing this. Generic photographs, such as stock photos, fail to connect with and woo visitors but creating images assists to deliver a better message and enhances conversion rates by around 45%. Authentic photos convey a particular message to consumers and aid in the formation of bonds.
4. Make links appear to be linked
Every website aims to persuade users to take some sort of action. Links are a tried-and-true way to accomplish this. However, links will only be clicked if they are obvious. Here, following the rules is the wisest course of action. Links are often distinguished in web pages by highlighted and blue text. Additionally, connections longer than one or two words are preferable. Links must be distinct and evident.
5. Take use of white space
Your design may breathe with white space, often known as empty space. It contributes to your material appearing readable, legible, and simple to scan. The usage of whitespace in design has been shown to improve user attention by 20%! It provides beauty to a website while also making it appear tidy and clutter-free. Using whitespace to enhance content significantly improves user experience on a website. However, you must remember to strike a balance between whitespace and content. Otherwise, users will get dissatisfied.
6. Use bullet points to divide important information
Nothing makes users happier than readily accessible information. Bullets are an excellent technique to divide large text into manageable chunks and highlight important information. Which would you read if you had a lengthy, text-filled paragraph on one side and a few bullet points on the other? Do you mean bullet points? That is what we are discussing. Bullet points appeal to consumers, assist them in swiftly finding information, and make it easier to remember.
7. Be Consistent, Not Perplexing
Consistency is essential for maintaining effective website navigation. It implies that components such as typefaces, colors, button styles, and so on match across the website. It is a critical UX design guideline to follow. An inconsistent website will confuse users and cause them to abandon their search. A consistent website, on the other hand, will deliver an improved user experience and present the picture of a high-quality product/service. It increases conversion rates and user retention.
8. Make use of enticing Calls To Action(CTAs)
CTAs prompt users to take action. It facilitates user navigation and increases conversion rates. CTAs should be visible on every page of your website and at every stage of the user experience. Buttons may be upgraded to make CTAs stand out by utilizing proper colors and textures. The position of the CTA as well as the content on them are equally significant. The content should include an action verb that prompts the user to take action.
9. Make specific headlines
Headlines are teasers that tell users about the information behind them. Well-designed headlines serve as guides for consumers, taking them where they want to go in a quick and uncomplicated manner. Your headlines should be focused, clear, and appealing to the viewer. It's essential to utilize keywords in your headlines since it helps potential clients locate you and improves your SEO rankings.
10. Keep an eye out for 404s
Assume you click expecting to be sent to a page where you can take action, only to be met with a "Page Not Found" error. What a pain! 404 errors irritate users and ruin their online experience. It significantly degrades the user experience. So, if you want to improve the user experience on your website, pay attention to your 404 errors. You can do this with tools like Google Webmaster and spare your users from getting lost.
Final Thoughts
The key to great UX design is to make it work for both your users and your platform. In essence, a well-designed user experience is about guiding a user to the data or resources they require while removing everything that can get in their way. While the aim appears to be widely recognized, achieving it can be a bit difficult.
If the user cannot find anything, it does not exist for them. Discoverability may help them find it. As company owners, we should strive to build intuitive interfaces and interactions. By making our interfaces more discoverable, we increase the possibility that people will encounter and utilize our material and features.
These UX design guidelines will assist you in identifying the main features that will make your design resonate with your intended audience and be beneficial for both you and the users to engage with. To know more updates about the Web Design and Development services, stay tuned with Clarisco.
