5 Common UI Design Mistakes to Avoid

The power of UI design is such that it can mean the difference between a very successful application and one that fails to make an impact—or worse still, leaves a memorably bad impression on the user. When it comes to creating high-quality apps, all of the small details are crucially important!

Every app is different and there is no universal formula for creating the perfect interface but this list will definitely help you to deliver better designs and also serve as a “checklist” of things you want to avoid when designing an interface.

Poor Navigation

Navigation is one of the most critical elements of a website or application, and it can greatly impact the user experience. A poor navigation structure can make it difficult for users to find what they are looking for, leading to frustration and a decrease in user engagement. To avoid this, it is essential to ensure that navigation is clear, intuitive, and easy to use.

Labels that are not obvious are common navigation design errors. Users should be able to grasp where they’ll land when they click on a link quickly thanks to the usage of straightforward, meaningful navigation labels. Labels such as “Products” or “Services” are clear and simple to comprehend, whereas labels such as “Solutions” or “Capabilities” can be ambiguous and confusing.

Icons can also be a practical method to conserve space and make navigation more visually appealing, but if they’re not clear or well-designed, they can also be confusing. It’s crucial to test your symbols with actual users to make sure they can navigate with ease and comprehend what they imply.

It’s critical to realise that navigation involves more than just getting from point A to point B — it also involves giving users a seamless and straightforward experience.

Inconsistent UI Elements

To ensure a smooth and concise app, avoid using too many different styles. This will send mixed signals to your users! The key is repeating patterns and elements any time you can. A consistent-looking design goes a long way in establishing trust with your visitors and in creating an enjoyable experience. Plus, it will help your users learn their way around your app much faster.

To avoid inconsistency, keep an eye on the following elements:

• Consistent use of colour palette for elements like buttons, text, links, header, footer,  hover states, etc.
• Consistent font styles for titles, paragraphs, links, etc.
• Use either rounded or squared corners for the shapes in your app: Icons, cards, buttons, etc.
• Consistent line thickness: for icons, dividers and any other lines you use.
• Every element that deviates in any way must have a reason to do so.

Remember, establishing a clear design system and style guide that describes your design concepts and criteria is crucial to preventing inconsistent design.

Lack of Element Hierarchy

Elements such as text blocks and buttons, which are a source of information and drive the user navigation in the app or system, should be positioned correctly to enhance the experience. 

To make the hierarchy between texts clear and visible, use different sizes for headings and paragraphs, make good use of colour and bold in the texts, give spacing between blocks, use colours and bold to differentiate buttons – for example, choose bolder and showy colours for the primary button, do the opposite for secondary buttons, and use less flashy colours to make it easier for the user to understand what he should do.

Poor Iconography

Sometimes icons seem to be the “easiest” part of the design. Some designers even see them as an “extra” decorative element, when in fact they are also a fundamental part of modern interfaces. Especially on mobile where icons are the equivalent of buttons (just take a look at Snapchat) you will find an interface that is mostly made of icons.

That’s why it is so important to choose the right “symbol” that clearly communicates the element’s meaning, and to keep a consistent style for the icons throughout your app.

When it comes to iconography, you should:

• Use vectors / SVG for your icons. It’s the easiest way to ensure your icon will look sharp in any device or resolution.
• Use a consistent style: First of all, all of your icons should either be outlined or filled. In addition, ensure a consistent line thickness and corner radius.
• Ensure the message of your icon is clear.

Trends Above Usability

Though it’s fun to get inspired by design trends, when you look at some of the most successful platforms and products on the market, you’ll notice that “trendy” designs are rarely used.

Beautiful designs do not necessarily translate to functional ones. Keep this in mind and always ask, “Is this design functional?”.” Functional designs aren’t necessarily ugly, but focusing on function over beauty is important.

Fads change quickly, so fonts and patterns that are popular one month may not be the same as the next. A fad can draw attention to your product and maybe attract a few new users, but constant changes to the interface are going to frustrate and confuse your loyal followers.

In Conclusion

It is imperative to avoid the five common UI design mistakes discussed in this article in order to optimise the user experience and maximise the effectiveness of digital products and websites. By avoiding these common UI design mistakes, designers can create interfaces that are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and delightful to use. Embracing user-centred design principles and striving for excellence in UI design will not only increase engagement and satisfaction but also foster a positive brand image and drive business success.

At Xcidic, we focus on delivering top-notch UI/UX design solutions to address the evolving needs and challenges of the digital landscape. We understand the critical importance of creating intuitive and engaging user experiences that prioritise usability and accessibility. Our team of skilled designers remains committed to staying on top of the latest industry trends and best practices, guaranteeing that our solutions are always at the forefront of innovation.

Visit our website to explore our comprehensive range of services and discover how we can help you strike the perfect balance between user satisfaction and achieving your business objectives.