Common UX mistakes beginners make (and how to fix them) — tips for branding and web development projects

Whether you’re just starting out in web development or branding projects, user experience (UX) can make or break your product. Beginners often overlook key UX principles, which can frustrate users and reduce engagement. Here’s a rundown of common mistakes and practical tips to fix them.

1. Cluttered Interfaces

The Problem: Beginners often cram too much information or too many features onto a single page. This overwhelms users and makes it hard to focus on the main action.

How to Fix It:

• Prioritize content: Only show what users need right now.
• Use whitespace effectively to separate sections.
• Apply a clear visual hierarchy with headings, font sizes, and colors.

2. Poor Navigation

The Problem: Users get lost if navigation isn’t intuitive. Confusing menus, hidden links, or inconsistent labels frustrate people.

How to Fix It:

• Keep menus simple and consistent across pages.
• Use descriptive labels like “Contact” instead of “Get in Touch.”
• Make important actions easily accessible (think sticky headers or footer links).

3. Ignoring Mobile Users

The Problem: Many beginners focus only on desktop layouts. Mobile users then get a broken or hard-to-use experience.

How to Fix It:

• Use responsive design: grids, flexible images, and media queries.
• Test on multiple devices before launch.
• Keep buttons big enough to tap and avoid tiny text.

4. Inconsistent Branding

The Problem: Fonts, colors, and styles that constantly change can confuse users and weaken your brand identity.

How to Fix It:

• Create a style guide: define fonts, colors, and button styles.
• Stick to consistent branding across all pages.
• Use tools like Figma, Sketch, or Canva to maintain consistency.

5. Poor Feedback and Error Handling

The Problem: Users don’t know what’s happening when a form fails or a page is loading.

How to Fix It:

• Show clear error messages like “Email is required” instead of generic “Error.”
• Provide visual feedback for actions (button click animations, loading spinners).
• Avoid sudden redirects or broken links.

6. Ignoring Accessibility

The Problem: UX that doesn’t consider accessibility excludes users with disabilities.

How to Fix It:

• Ensure sufficient color contrast.
• Add alt text for images.
• Make the site navigable via keyboard and screen readers.

7. Slow Loading Times

The Problem: Users leave if your site is slow. Beginners often use large images or heavy scripts without optimization.

How to Fix It:

• Compress images and use modern formats (WebP, AVIF).
• Minify CSS and JavaScript.
• Consider lazy loading for off-screen content.

Quick Tips for Beginners:

1. Think Mobile-First: Start designing for the smallest screen.
2. Test Early: Use real users to identify pain points.
3. Keep it Simple: Less is more in UX.
4. Be Consistent: Maintain visual and functional consistency.
5. Prioritize Feedback: Show users what’s happening and guide them clearly.

Good UX is a combination of clarity, simplicity, and empathy. Avoid these common mistakes, and your users will thank you.

Did you find these tips helpful? Drop a comment with your biggest UX challenge as a beginner!