16 Common UX Fails You Must Avoid

When it comes to designing websites and apps, the user experience (UX) is the boss of all bosses. A killer UX can make or break a product, and let’s face it, no one wants to be the reason for a user’s frustration and disappointment. In this article, we’re going to talk about the top 16 UX fails that can happen and how to avoid them like a pro."

“The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know." - Plato

Let’s go!

16 UX fails and their examples

1. Navigation that is confusing or difficult to use. Navigation is one of the most important elements of a website or app. If users can’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll quickly become frustrated and leave. An example of a UX failure in navigation would be a website that has a complex and confusing menu structure, making it difficult for users to find the information they need.
2. Slow loading times: Users expect websites and apps to load quickly. Slow loading times can lead to increased bounce rates, lost conversions, and a poor user experience. An example would be a website that takes too long to load, causing users to leave before the page has finished loading.
3. Limited accessibility options: Making a website or app accessible to users with disabilities is not only a legal requirement, but it’s also a best practice. Limited accessibility options can exclude users who may have difficulty using a mouse, seeing, hearing, or reading. An example of a UX failure in limited accessibility options would be a website that doesn’t offer options for users with visual impairments, such as high contrast mode or larger fonts.
4. Unclear error messages: Error messages can be frustrating for users, but they can be helpful tools for troubleshooting. Clear and helpful error messages can prevent confusion and improve the user experience. A very classic example of a UX failure in unclear error messages would be a website that displays generic error messages, such as “Error 404” without any additional information or suggestions for resolving the issue. The woman who sells vegetables in the market can’t understand 404
5. A cluttered or overwhelming layout: A cluttered or overwhelming layout can make it difficult for users to find what they’re looking for. A clean and simple layout with a clear hierarchy of information can improve the user experience. An example would be a website that has too much content, making it difficult for users to find what they’re looking for.
6. Inadequate mobile optimization: With the increasing use of mobile devices, it’s essential that websites and apps are optimized for mobile. Inadequate mobile optimization can lead to a poor user experience and lost conversions. An example would be a website that is not optimized for smaller screens, causing elements to overlap or be cut off on mobile devices. Too bad!
7. Lack of consistency in design elements: Consistency in design elements such as typography, colour, and layout can help create a sense of familiarity for users, making it easier for them to navigate and use a website or app. That’s the brand’s identity you’re messing with. An example of a UX fail in lack of consistency in design elements would be a website that uses different typography, color, and layout on different pages, making it difficult for users to navigate and understand where they are on the site as I earlier mentioned.
8. Not providing enough feedback to users: Feedback can help users understand what’s happening and what they need to do next. Not providing enough feedback can lead to confusion and frustration. An example of this UX fail would be a website that doesn’t provide any confirmation or indication when a user submits a form or clicks a button.
9. Insufficient user testing before launch: It’s important to know that user testing is crucial for understanding how users interact with a website or app. Insufficient user testing can lead to issues that could have been easily identified and fixed during the development process. An example would be a website that was launched without going through AB testing or being tested by a representative group of users, resulting in usability issues and poor user experience.
10. Not providing an obvious call to action: A clear call to action can guide users to take the next step, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting customer support. : An example of a UX fail in not providing an obvious call to action would be a website that doesn’t have a clear and prominent button or link for users to take the next step, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. You should learn more about UX Writing.
11. Not providing an easy way to contact customer support: Providing easy access to customer support can help users get the assistance they need, improving the overall user experience. such an example would be a website that doesn’t have a customer support email or phone number readily available.
12. Using tiny fonts that are hard to read: small fonts can be difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments. Using larger fonts can improve readability and accessibility. An example of a UX fail in using tiny fonts would be a website that uses small font sizes, making it difficult for users to read the content.
13. Not providing clear instructions for completing tasks: Clear instructions can make it easier for users to complete tasks and understand how to use a website or app. An example would be a website that doesn’t provide clear step-by-step instructions for users to follow to complete a task, such as creating an account or making a purchase.
14. Not providing a search function: A search function can help users find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. An obvious example would be a website that doesn’t have a search bar, making it difficult for users to find the information they need quickly.
15. Not providing a clear and easy way to create an account or log in: A clear and easy way to create an account or login can make it more likely that users will complete registration or sign in. A website that has a confusing or difficult registration process is an example of this UX fail making it less likely that users will complete their account creation or login process.
16. Not understanding or caring about the user’s needs and goals: This remains and always will be the ultimate fail if ignored. A website or app should be designed with the user’s needs and goals in mind. Not understanding or caring about the user’s needs and goals can lead to a poor user experience and lost conversions. An example of this UX Fail would be a website that doesn’t take into account the user’s goals, such as providing a difficult checkout process for an e-commerce website, making it less likely that users will complete a purchase. Another example could be a website that is not optimized for users with disabilities, not providing necessary accessibility options or alternative ways to access the information and the list is endless.

There are more UX fails in the digital world and sadly in the world around us as but as UX Designers, it’s essential to understand the common UX pitfalls and how to avoid them. By understanding these top 16 UX mistakes, you can create a user experience that is intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for your users. Remember, the key to a great UX is to always put the user’s needs and goals first, and to test and iterate until you achieve the optimal experience. Happy designing, fellow designers!”