by Mohamed Khamis Ahmed

Created on: October 23, 2010

The top 10 website design mistakes :

1-Using frames

Using frames poses many problems for the user. In most cases, if you put the page in the bookmarks, when you come back, you  will find  the frameset and not on the page. Similarly for printing, you may print the wrong frame. It is therefore better to use tables.

2-Using technology’s last cries

Do not use the latest technologies. You will probably attract some people, but most users will fail to use it. If their systems crash because of the technologies you use, they will never return to your site. It is better to wait until the technology has become a standard.

3-Scrolling text, drawing and animation

The animations on the pages attract attention and do not allow the user to concentrate on the content of the page. Allow the user to read in peace.

4-Complex URLs

The user often tries to decode the structure of the site using the URL. URL must include a readable text that reflects the nature of the information. But to minimize the errors it is advisable to write in lowercase, no special characters.

5- Orphan pages

We must ensure that all pages have links with the homepage. Similarly, the home page should provide easy access to all pages.

6-Too long Pages

This is a major mistake that you must absolutely avoid when creating text content for your website. The pages that are too long can cause problems on small screens. Some users do not bother to scroll the pages.

 Many website owners are trying to put too much content in their sites and in particular on the homepage. You do not have to put everything on the Home page. Use a telegraphic and unadorned style by going straight to the point.   A good initial planning can avoid this kind of problem when there is still time to make adjustments. This   is called "information architecture" which in simplest terms, is to take stock of existing content, categorize that content, create the navigation structure of the site,determine the hierarchy of information that appears on the home page, etc.. This is important work to be done rigorously.

7- No navigation aid

The user does not know your site as you know. It may be difficult for them to find the information they need. It is therefore necessary to explicitly show the site structure to the user.

8- Using non-standard link colors

The links must be blue. These colors are standard and thus aid the user in its navigation.

9- Out-dated Information

We don’t have only to build a site, we have also to maintain it. Most of the people spend more time creating new pages and don’t bother maintaining existing ones.

10- Download is time too long

Download time should not exceed 10 to 15 seconds, so the pages should not be more than 30 kb and 60 kb at most. 

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