Main errors of web design

Briefly: In the list still our old acquaintances it is errors which continue to supply troubles to users and in 2005.

For the given list of the worst errors of web design I have decided to try something new: I have accessed to readers of my mailing list with the request to name those problems of usability which in their opinion are the most irritating.

I have assumed that, accessing with such request to readers, I will manage to reveal set of such details which escaped me during my tests with users. But it has appeared that it is not so. Instead I have received the list from all same items which occupy the upper 30 lines in for a long time already existing list of guidelines on usability. Therefore, if you, viewing given web design errors, will catch yourself on a thought “Yes, I know for a long time already it”, it is normal.

And still there is a reason in reminding to you of known errors and to put their correction on the first place in the list of current affairs. These errors are still so widespread that is clear, why people continue to complain of them.

1. A problem with readership:

The error has come out on top in a choice of a font with overwhelming advantage. It has received twice more voices, than an error ?2. Approximately two thirds of voting complained of too small print or on the fixed font size; approximately one third – on small contrast between color of a font and a background.

How the flexible font size improves readership of the text, the Font size let see article “users”, written in 2002 select.

2. Non-standard links

Here are five main rules for links:

* Clearly specify on page that is the link: if it is the text, let it will be colored and underlined (do not use underline for the usual text)

* do not hide distinction between the visited and not visited links

* Explain to users that they will detect, having followed the link, add though a little key information in the text of the link that the content could be scanned easily to the person and the retrieval robot. Do not use in the link the text “to click here” or other speaking phrases similar anything.

* Avoid usage JavaScript in links, and also other refined receptions which break standard interaction with the link.

* In particular do not open page in new windows (except for PDF-files and so forth)

Links is the first unit of interaction in Web. Breaking habitual operation of the link, you confuse users, and it complicates it operation with your site.

Today the web technologies have become very popular. The Internet network is not only a place to entertain but also a spot to make money. In spite of the reason, to be presented in the Internet one needs a site. And it is the time when the question how to make a website arises. Those who are searching for info on how to build a website, should refer to the Web itself. It is full of docs on how to make a website and related topics.

In any way, it wouldn’t be wise not to take advantage of this chance given to us by digital technologies. Google and other search engines, social networks and forums, blogs – all of them could help to find info on “where to make a website” and similar topics.