/Insights

Basic UX principles for a user-friendly website

knowledge

A website’s success isn’t just about looks—it also needs to meet the needs of your website visitors.

Principle 1: Keep it Simple

People navigate through an overwhelming amount of information daily, so keeping your website clean and uncluttered is key to keeping your visitors interested and engaged. 

This doesn't mean sacrificing functionality; rather, it's about presenting information in an easy to read, digestible way. For example, the strategic use of whitespace between sections helps visitors process information more effectively and creates a more pleasant browsing experience.


When designing each page, ask yourself: "Can I say less while still conveying the right message?" This mindset helps focus on the essential information that your visitors are looking for. 

 

Principle 2: Organise information logically

Visual hierarchy plays an important role in guiding visitors through your website. By carefully structuring information, you ensure that visitors can easily find what they're looking for and understand the relative importance of different elements.

The most critical information should naturally draw attention first, creating a clear path through the content.

 

Principle 3: Use clear and descriptive labels

Labels and calls-to-action should be super clear and action-oriented. Instead of generic phrases like "Click Here," opt for specific, descriptive text that tells users exactly what to expect.

For example, "Download Brochure" or "Talk to Us" are much more effective. A good way to test your call-to-action text is to complete the sentence "I want to..." – the answer should be your button text.

 

Principle 4: Use consistent design elements

A cohesive design improves the user experience by making interactions predictable and maintaining brand identity.

For example, using the same header font, color palette, and button style on every page, ensures that the experience feels cohesive and professional. It also maintains brand consistency.

 

Principle 5: Provide visual or interactive feedback

Users should always know when an action has been registered. Small interactive cues improve the experience and reduce frustration.

For example, using interactive elements like a “Submit” button that changes color when clicked or a loading spinner appears while the action is being processed.

 

Principle 6: Use readable fonts and sizes

Your website should be accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or viewing devices. This means paying careful attention to,

  • Font sizes that are easily readable
  • Color contrast that meets accessibility standards
  • Text that's clear and legible across all devices

 

By following these principles, you’ll create a website that is intuitive, engaging, and easy to navigate. A clean, structured design benefits both users and businesses, ensuring visitors can access the information they need without frustration.