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Why is usability important in website design?

Usability in website design refers to how easy and enjoyable it is for users to interact with your website. A usable website will be intuitive so users can figure out how to use it without instruction.

4 August, 2022
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UI/UX design for startups and businesses can make or break a company. This is because 83% of users will leave your website if they don't like its design interface, according to the Online Marketing Institute–even the 17% that stay behind won't convert into buying customers due to poor design.

The end result–the money you invested in creating a website goes down the drain. If you want to prevent that from happening, read on to learn about the importance of usability in website design and which design mistakes to avoid.

What is usability in website design?

Usability in website design refers to how easy and enjoyable it is for users to interact with your website. A usable website will be intuitive so users can figure out how to use it without instruction. The user interface (UI) should be clean and uncluttered, and the user experience (UX) should flow seamlessly from one task to the next.

Bad website usability
Bad website usability

Why is usability important?

There are several reasons why usability is important in website design:

  • Usability makes websites easy to use, so users are more likely to stick around and interact with your site.
  • Intuitive design lowers the barrier to entry for new users, which can help you expand your reach and grow your audience.
  • A usable website will save you time and money in the long run because you won't need to spend as much on customer support or making updates to the site.
  • Good usability can improve conversions by making it easy for users to find what they're looking for and take the desired action, whether that's signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase.

What are some common usability mistakes in website design?

There are three common usability mistakes that designers make when creating websites. These include:

  • Not considering the user's needs–The most important thing to consider when designing a website is how users will interact with it. What are their needs and goals? What tasks do they need to complete? If you don't take the time to answer these questions, your website will likely be confusing and frustrating to use.
  • Making the design too complex–A common mistake is making the design too complicated or busy. This can make it hard for users to find what they're looking for and use the website. Keep the design simple and uncluttered to avoid this problem–you can read more on this in our post on what it means to have a user-friendly interface.
  • Not testing the design–It's important to test the design of your website with real users before launching it. This will help you identify any areas that need improvement and make sure the site is easy to use.

Avoid these common usability mistakes and create a website that is easy and enjoyable for users to interact with. Remember, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for users to accomplish their goals on your site. If you can do that, you'll be well on your way to designing a successful website!

How to Do a Website UX Audit: Step By Step Guide and Checklist

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author

CEO and Founder of Merge

My mission is to help startups build software, experiment with new features, and bring their product vision to life.

My mission is to help startups build software, experiment with new features, and bring their product vision to life.

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