7 Common Web Design Habits Clients Think Are Crucial (But Aren’t)
While clients often come with a vision, our design team listens, guides, and sometimes gently steers the project in a direction that leads to real success — even if it means challenging a few preconceived ideas along the way.
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to websites—what works, what doesn’t, and what absolutely must be included. So, obviously, it’s common for clients to have strong opinions about what makes a website successful. Whether they’ve seen something they like elsewhere or heard advice from a friend, many clients bring preconceived notions about web design principles to the table. These ideas often stem from traditional beliefs or outdated habits that might not actually contribute to a great user experience. At Aufait UX our UI/UX designers sift through these ideas and guide our clients toward decisions that will cater to their audiences.
Take a quick look at our e-commerce website design and UI development done for Wire & Switch: Ecommerce platform
In this article, we’ll explore seven common web design habits that clients frequently think are crucial but are, in fact, not as essential as they believe. Through thorough explanations and examples, we’ll help both designers and clients have a more informed, productive discussion about what makes a website effective. Let's dive into the habits that often get in the way of building a website that not only looks good but performs well.
Also read: Key UI/UX design principles for effective dashboard design
Debunking the Myths: Why Some "Essential" Web Design Habits Aren't Always the Best Choice
Heavy Use of Stock Photos
The Myth:
"Stock photos make my website look professional and polished. I want my site to have that clean, commercial look, and using high-quality images will help with that."
The Truth:
It’s no secret that stock images are a go-to for many businesses looking to quickly populate their websites with visuals. They’re easy to access and often look polished, which can lead clients to believe they’re an essential part of a professional website. However, using stock photos excessively can lead to a website that feels lifeless, generic, and disconnected from the actual identity of the business.
When stock photos dominate your site, it risks creating a sense of inauthenticity. Visitors may subconsciously recognize these overused images and wonder whether the company behind the site is just another faceless entity rather than one that cares about its brand. Stock photos, while looking professional, often fail to communicate the unique aspects of a business or its people. Below is a real estate platform website design that uses stock images. By replacing stock images with authentic, real photos, users are more likely to feel a deeper connection to the brand and its offerings.
Why it’s not crucial:
The real value in a website’s imagery comes from content that is personalized and authentic. Custom photography that showcases your team, office, or real customers will bring a genuine human touch to your site. Even user-generated content (like social media posts from your audience) can provide an authentic representation of your brand’s community. This type of imagery fosters trust and relatability — qualities that resonate deeply with users.
Custom images don’t just enhance authenticity; they also improve brand recognition. You’re not just selling a product; you're telling a story that involves real people and experiences as shown in the website design below.
Cluttered Homepages with Too Many Features
The Myth:
"A homepage needs to show everything we offer — services, products, social links, testimonials, blogs, etc. The more information, the better!"
The Truth:
Clients often believe that a homepage should serve as a comprehensive introduction to everything their business has to offer. The logic is simple: the more options a user has, the more likely they are to engage. However, research has shown that users typically don’t want to be overwhelmed by an overload of choices when they land on a website. In fact, the more options you present, the more likely they are to experience decision fatigue and exit the site altogether.
When everything is placed on the homepage, from product listings to contact forms to blog posts, it can overwhelm visitors as we can see from the website design of Yahoo.
Rather than creating a positive first impression, it can confuse users and prevent them from finding the information they were seeking. This can be particularly damaging in the fast-paced digital world, where attention spans are short.
Why it’s not crucial:
Instead of showcasing everything at once, the homepage should be viewed as a strategic entry point into the rest of your website. It should provide just enough information to spark interest and guide visitors to the most important areas of the site. Clean design, a limited color palette, and well-defined CTAs will ensure users know exactly where to go next like we designed the web app of IUDX. Simplicity is key — and minimalism doesn't mean a lack of sophistication.
Too Much Text and Complex Language
The Myth:
"To convey professionalism and expertise, we need to include as much detailed text as possible about our services and solutions. The more information, the more knowledgeable we appear."
The Truth:
Long-winded, text-heavy pages filled with industry jargon are often seen as a way to show expertise. However, research on web usability consistently shows that users don’t read long paragraphs on the web. In fact, most visitors will skim content, only paying attention to the headings and key points that stand out.
The website design of New York Times has always been on the #1 list of complicated websites.
Complex, technical language can also be a barrier, especially if your audience isn’t familiar with your industry’s terminology. While it’s tempting to highlight every feature and benefit of your product or service, users are more likely to leave the page if they’re faced with an information overload or don’t understand what you’re trying to say.
Why it’s not crucial
The most effective websites are those that communicate clearly and succinctly.We kept this in mind while designing a web app for Roca. Web users prefer information that’s easy to digest, so presenting key ideas in short, scannable text with bulleted lists and concise sentences is far more effective than drowning them in paragraphs of dense copy. Aim for clarity and brevity, and always consider your audience’s level of expertise.
Outdated and Overly Complex Navigation Menus
The Myth:
"Having a large, multi-level navigation menu with a lot of options gives users more choices, which leads to a better experience."
The Truth:
While having a variety of options can sound appealing, offering too many choices in your navigation menu can confuse users and hinder their ability to find what they’re looking for. Complex navigation often increases cognitive load and can frustrate users, leading them to abandon the site altogether. Sony’s multi-toggle navigation is complex and is jarring to the user. If visitors have to search through multiple layers of submenus just to find basic information, they may simply leave.
Why it’s not crucial:
Simple, intuitive navigation is the foundation of a great user experience. Instead of overwhelming users with options, it’s better to focus on a few essential categories that highlight the most important actions or pages. Use clear, descriptive labels for your menu items, and ensure that every link serves a specific purpose. The goal is to guide visitors toward their desired destination quickly and easily, without distraction.
Using a Pop-Up on Every Page
The Myth:
"Pop-ups are a great way to grab the user’s attention, collect leads, or promote offers. If we use them on every page, we’ll maximize engagement."
The Truth:
Pop-ups, when used in moderation, can be a useful tool for generating leads or promoting offers. However, using them on every page can be detrimental to the user experience. If users are constantly interrupted by pop-ups, it can lead to frustration and a poor perception of your brand. In fact, research shows that excessive pop-ups are one of the most common reasons people leave a site.
Why it’s not crucial:
Instead of overusing pop-ups, it’s better to use them sparingly and strategically. Pop-ups that appear at the right time — for instance, after a visitor has spent some time on the page or is about to leave — are far more effective. It’s also important to allow users to dismiss pop-ups easily. A balance of engagement without interruption is essential to maintaining a good user experience.
Using Auto-Play Videos or Music
The Myth:
"An auto-play video or background music gives the website a more engaging and dynamic feel. It helps convey our brand’s personality immediately."
The Truth:
Auto-play elements, such as background videos or music, are often used in an attempt to make a website feel more interactive or dynamic. While these elements can be effective in some cases, they can also disrupt the user experience. Most visitors don’t expect to be greeted by unexpected sounds or videos, especially if they are browsing in a quiet or professional setting.
Auto-play videos can also slow down your website, impacting its loading speed and overall performance. In the age of mobile browsing, these auto-play elements can be especially problematic, as they can lead to slow loading times and higher data usage.
Why it’s not crucial:
Rather than forcing content on the user, offer them the option to engage with it when they’re ready. Let users decide when to start a video, or allow them to control the volume if it’s something they want to hear. This approach makes the experience more respectful of the user's preferences and environment.
Excessive Use of Bright, Flashy Colors
The Myth:
"Bright and bold colors make my website stand out and grab attention. They’re essential for creating a fun, energetic, and engaging site."
The Truth:
While color is a powerful tool for branding, excessive or poorly thought-out use of bright, bold colors can create a jarring experience. Too many contrasting hues or neon tones can be overwhelming and reduce the legibility of your content as shown in the website design below.
Why it’s not crucial:
Instead of using a rainbow of colors, focus on a cohesive color palette that reflects your brand identity and supports usability. A well-thought-out color scheme ensures clarity, enhances readability, and guides the user through the site in an intuitive way.
Your Vision, Our Expertise: Bringing Your Website to Life
At our UI/UX design agency, we don't just build websites — we bring your vision to life. We take the time to listen, understand, and work closely with you to create a website that truly reflects your brand and connects with your audience. Here’s how we do it:
- We Start with You: The first step is understanding your goals, your brand, and your audience. We want to hear what’s important to you, so we can create a design that aligns with your business and resonates with your users.
- We Dig into User Needs: It's not just about what you want; it’s about what your users need. We take the time to research your target audience, ensuring every design decision is made with them in mind.
- Designing Together: We don’t believe in working in a vacuum. We collaborate with you throughout the UI/UX design process, presenting ideas, wireframes, and prototypes, and refining them based on your feedback. Every step is a partnership.
- Testing and Refining: Once we have a design, we test it. We make sure it’s easy to use, performs well, and gives users the best experience possible. Your feedback is key — we iterate until it’s right.
- We’re with You After Launch: The work doesn’t stop once your site goes live. We continue to monitor its performance and tweak things to keep it fresh, fast, and effective.
Check out our UI/UX design services to know more.
We don’t just design websites; we build relationships. If you're ready to see what a thoughtful, user-centered design can do for your business, reach out today — let’s start building something great together.
Disclaimer: All images belong to respective owners
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