7 Web Design Tips to Improve Usability and UX

These tips will help you design websites that are not only beautiful but also intuitive, accessible, and high-converting.

✅ 1. Start With Function, Then Add Form

Focusing on appearance over function is one of the most common website issues.

A good-looking website with usability problems—like slow page loading or confusing navigation—won’t perform well.

Example: A client in the cosmetic surgery space had a sleek homepage with high-res images—but it took over 8 seconds to load. After applying mobile web design best practices and optimizing performance, bounce rates dropped by 30%, and conversion rates significantly improved.

✅ 2. Apply the "Don’t Make Me Think" Rule

As outlined in the five golden rules of web designing, usability should always come first. Don’t make users think too hard about what to click next.

Best practices:

• Use clear, descriptive navigation labels
• Break long processes into smaller steps
• Conduct usability testing to find pain points

💡 What is poor usability?

When users struggle to find information, click the wrong button, or abandon a task—your site has usability issues.

✅ 3. Improve Website Speed and Fix Technical Issues

Website technical issues, such as broken links, bloated code, and uncompressed images, affect both SEO and user experience.

Use tools like Website Planet or GTmetrix to identify problems.

Here are a few quick wins:

• Optimize images for web
• Minify JavaScript and CSS
• Enable browser caching

💡 How do I fix a website problem?

Start with a website issues checker, fix broken elements, then test performance on multiple devices.

✅ 4. Think Mobile-First

Mobile usability issues are a major factor in poor conversions. With over 60% of users browsing on mobile, mobile web design best practices must be followed.

Key guidelines:

• Use responsive layouts
• Ensure buttons are thumb-friendly
• Avoid intrusive pop-ups or full-screen modals

✅ 5. Prioritize Accessibility to Avoid Practical Issues on the Web

Ignoring accessibility can alienate users and lower rankings. Create an inclusive and customer-effective web design by following WCAG guidelines.

Checklist:

• Use proper color contrast
• Add alt text for graphics (avoid usability issues caused by unclear visuals)
• Ensure screen reader compatibility

💡 What is one usability issue when using graphics on a website?

Using images without descriptive alt text or that overload page speed can create accessibility and usability issues.

✅ 6. Use Clear and Consistent Calls To Action

Don’t let users guess what to do next. Your homepage and landing pages should feature bold, visible CTAs that lead users down the funnel.

CTA Tips:

• Use action-oriented phrases: “Start Now,” “Book Your Demo”
• Place buttons where users naturally look (e.g., end of content blocks)
• Ensure consistency in design and placement across pages

✅ 7. Maintain Visual and Functional Consistency

As one of the golden rules for web designing, consistency helps users build familiarity with your site’s layout.

Avoid:

• Inconsistent font sizes and colors
• Random button placements
• Varying layouts on similar pages

Stay aligned with your website style while maintaining usability.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Addressing website problems today means looking beyond surface-level design to deeper usability challenges.
• Apply best practices in website development to improve speed, accessibility, and mobile experience.
• Avoid common usability issues, especially after website usability testing, by maintaining simplicity and structure.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Many businesses overlook the practical issues on the web that drive users away. A flashy homepage won't convert if it’s slow, confusing, or inaccessible. By combining beautiful design with usability best practices, you can create digital experiences that delight users and deliver real results.

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