In this second part of our blog, we’ll look beyond user browsing behaviours and into crucial best practices. In other words, how to apply user behaviour to create an optimal website experience. First though, what is ‘user experience’? Simply put, it’s an emotion, intuition or sense of connection that visitors experience when navigating a website. The purpose behind creating a great user experience is to make users feel optimistic about the product. In addition, the experience must be accessible, intuitive and straightforward. Ultimately, this makes the complete process beneficial to your business.
1. Don’t Make Users Think
According to web design and User Experience (UX) guru Steve Krug, his first law of usability states that web pages should be clear and self-explanatory. Krug says, ‘don’t make users think’. In other words, thinking should not be required to understand how the page works instantly. So, while your site is being created, focus on reducing the question marks. Questions create thinking, and the more that happens, the harder it becomes to navigate and move towards what the user wants intuitively.
2. Users Have Finite Patience
If you want to offer visitors a service or tool, keep user requirements to a minimum. After all, most visitors don’t have time or patience to fill in long registration forms or questionnaires. So, let users wander the site first before suggesting registration or asking for further engagement.
3. Attract Users Attention
The human eye quickly recognises stand-out features such as bold text, movement and video. That’s why video ads are so effective (and sometimes annoying!). Therefore, using subtle visual cues can help users move seamlessly around your website without too much thought. Remember, the smoother the navigation, the better visitors will feel about your business.
4. Create Effective Writing
Writing for the web is different from print. One should adjust the style of writing for your user’s preferences. Also, obvious promo jargon won’t be read. Nor will long blocks of text without pictures. Try to talk business. Moreover, avoid marketing-speak and in-house terms. Ultimately, keep things concise.
5. Simplicity is Key
Keep It Simple is the primary principle for optimal website design. Most users land on your site for information, not to admire the design. Furthermore, users sometimes have to fight the design to find the information! So, avoid complexity and strive for simplicity.
