Web and Graphic Design Tips and Tricks.

Everyone makes Web design and or Graphic design mistakes. Even those who’ve been web designers for many years still fall victim to the many traps set out for us along the way. Whether its a tempting special Graphic design effect or a way to boost some (short term) revenue that either way probably isn’t good for all of our visitors right? Right.

I can tell you from my experience that there are many Web sites out there with great Web content that I will skip simply because of some of its slighty annoying tendencies. I’m not the only one either… I’m the majority. It can be something small like a top frame added to every outgoing link or intruding ads… maybe it’s the We Design navigation. Either way these things should be avoided at all costs. Remember, this is not a lengthy list as it only points out only the most important of these things…

1. Flash

Don’t start writing the hate mail just yet. I am not saying that your flash site is obsolete or un-useful, but there are many times when flash just shouldn’t be used as a Graphic design hi light. While flash Websites can be both beautiful and innovative they can just as easily be both bulky and intrusive.

Flash intros

Flash intros should be, in my opinion, a thing of the past. Studies show (yes, someone actually did a study) that 80% of visitors will simply “skip intro” or just as well navigate away from your website. It is a waste of our time… we want to get the information as quickly a possible and move on.

Full Flash Sites

Please, if you have a portfolio of web sites thats fine. If it’s used as a showcase for work, I understand… but you wouldn’t make a company website using powerpoint would you? So, if it is at all possible avoid creating full fledged flash sites. Why? Where do I begin?!

• Many users do not have flash installed
• Many browsers controls (back button, bookmark) are useless with flash sites
• Screen resolution: You are going to alienate at least 40% of your viewers somehow
• Search Engines cannot read flash. You want to be found don’t you?
• Loading times: is it really worth the wait?

Even well designed graphic Flash sites are like bad movies- you see them once and never want to see them again. Think about it… how many flash sites do you visit daily? Most likely the pages you visit are constructed in only CSS and HTML. Sorry flash designers!

This is frustrating for web developers because most of their clients are blind to all this and will require full fledged flash websites because they still think its “the way to go.”

2. Requirements

No one should have to meet certain requirements to enter your website. They simply need a web browser and an internet connection. Don’t assume your visitor has everything enabled or installed to display your site.

JavaScript

I understand some javascript but do not make your site’s function rely on it. For security as well as speed issues, many people do not have javascript enabled on their browser at all. Keep that in mind.

Screen Resolution

Your Web site should be viewable on 800×600 and up (smaller if possible). You also must understand that half of your visitors browser windows aren’t maximized no matter what resolution they’re on. Horizontal scrollbars are never attractive.

3. Intrusive Ads

If you have ads that keep stealing my focus then I won’t be coming back… and i certainly wont click on them. Notice the ads above, they aren’t keeping you from the content of this article.

Pop-ups

If your website has even one pop-up, I will simply navigate away from your page and won’t return no matter what the content is. I’m not the only one on this. Most users will do the same! I use firefox as my default browser, and even the warning bar showing it blocked a pop-up is reason enough to keep this site off my bookmarks.

Floating Banners

These are the most annoying things ever… period. Don’t expect me to be a regular visitor with these on your site.

4. Sound

Like flash, there are some times when it may possibly be appropriate but don’t count on it.
Sound in ads, background music, whatever… it’s annoying. Unless you have a real reason for doing this (and I bet you don’t) then just simply avoid it.

Runner-ups:
• Frames
• Colored Scroll Bars (IE)
• Animations
• Broken Grammar

Have I missed something? Let me know.