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browsing the web could be a great deal of fun. Interesting. Fascinating. Surprising. Exciting. Thrilling. Addictive. Nowadays, every three year old already knows how to browse the web, but only a few of us adults knows how this amazing tool can be really used properly.
It could be that it is the multitude of options, the great variety of new and renewed websites, which brings people to flip between websites, with no actual reason to stay at a specific website or leave it. Therefore, when we construct a website, the first thing we must consider is how to invite users to enter it, convince them to stay, and interest them in visiting it again in the future.
The most important part of the website is the user interface, which contains all the information, the menus, the buttons to be clicked, and, in short, all the elements which turn the visit to the website into a nice experience. The user interface will determine whether users only peek, or continue to browse the website and try it out. In order to ensure they stay, we must make sure that they feel nice and comfortable in our website, that the menus are clear, the design inviting, and the fonts nice and readable.
How can we achieve this? By following some simple rules:
- Information: the user interface needs to present users with the information they need, without adding unnecessary information, which might burden the users and create difficulties.
- The design of the user interface: the design of the entire website and of the user interface more specifically, must be pleasing to the eye and rich with relevant information.
- The language used in the user interface needs to be clear, and to include only terms and expressions the users are familiar with.
- Accessibility: the navigation from page to page must be comfortable.
- Help and support are a vital part of a good user interface. The help should provide clear and detailed guidance regarding the use of all the information provided on the website.
- And finally, the user interface must provide an exit option, in case the user encounters difficulties and wishes to go one or two steps back.
- Speed: a slow loading website drives users "crazy". A website which forces the user entering it to watch a long and tiring commercial clip - which slows down browsing - will chase the user away. Pay attention - when deciding on each element for the website its loading time must be considered.
- Simplicity: a good user interface will be comprehendible, clear and logical. Don't try to be too original in this field, and don't surprise the user with items that suddenly pop up or with dazzling colors. These make browsing more difficult and do not contribute to the reliability of the information.
- Consistency: the different elements of the user interface should always appear on the screen in the same place and in the same order. Shortcuts, icons, and command buttons should also appear in the same place on all the screens linked to the main screen.
- Homogeneity: When choosing colors and graphic elements, it would be a good idea to make sure the overall design is homogenous. A homogenous design allows the user to perceive a clear template of the website, and helps create a sense of confidence during browsing.
- Language: speak with your users in their language. Try to understand your using public, know what they require, and how you can fulfill their wishes. Make sure you provide them with an option to submit feedback and do not ignore their comments.
A few additional simple rules for success:
Remember, the competition is great. Your website not only advertises your business but also reflects on it - and on you. Therefore, when constructing a website you shouldn't only be diligent and laborious, but must also be creative and original, in order to provide your users with a real web browsing experience.
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