Skip to main content

What do you focus on the most while creating a web application for your business? Do you find yourself drawn to aesthetics in some way?

This logo on the right side of the screen is unappealing.

I’m not sure if my web app’s grey color scheme is attractive.

The font selection is adequate, but not exceptional. Perhaps I should try a different typeface.

Remember that the primary goal of your web application is to improve client accessibility while also improving your internal business procedures and efficiency.

That implies you must pay attention to more than just the appearance of your online application.

Why?

It’s straightforward. If your online app is difficult to use, the user will rapidly go on to another website. Even if you’re building a web app to automate internal operations, you’ll want to make sure it’s easy for your staff to use.

Let’s take a look at 10 crucial enterprise web design principles for 2022 that can lead to better usability.

1. Accessibility

A web app that is easy to use is one that is usable.

Have you ever tried to browse an inaccessible website URL and found that it didn’t work? Remember how aggravating it was to wait indefinitely, unsure of what to do next?

As a business, this is the very last thing you want for your website or online app.

A non-accessible website or web app is not only inconvenient for its users but also it puts your business at risk. Poor accessibility will result in a negative user experience, which will have a direct impact on your company’s bottom line.

So, how can you make sure your website or web app is always available?

To guarantee that your web app is up and running and accessible, follow these steps:

  • Responsive  Design

Creating a flexible online experience has become a primary concern, with over 83 % of Internet users visiting websites via mobile devices.

You should make sure that your web application is responsive, meaning that it can be accessed on a variety of screen sizes. Responsive design allows the web to adapt to multiple screen sizes while still presenting the information comfortably.

  • Broken Links

Double-check your web application for any broken links. You may use tools like Ahrefs or Screaming Frog to extensively scan your website for broken links.

  • Server uptime

Using reliable web hosting services is a solid design and development strategy. It will assist you in ensuring that your website visitors do not encounter any problems while trying to access your site.

  • Keyboard friendly layout and navigation

A website that relies on the mouse for navigating is not universally accessible. Users with certain impairments may require the use of assistive technology to access the internet. Speech recognition software, screen readers, and other similar tools are examples.

  • Use Alt Text on Images

Images cannot be “read” by search engine robots; instead, they rely on the alt text to inform them what they contain.

Example

Facebook.com is a great example of a user-friendly online application.

It is suited for a variety of screen sizes, for starters. The layout on Facebook is adaptable and changes automatically as the screen size changes.

The mobile version of the site features a simple layout with minimal clutter and a clear content structure. Even with a sluggish mobile internet connection, it performs wonderfully.

The Facebook website never goes down, making it a reliable service platform. It offers a user-friendly keyboard layout and simple navigation.

2. Do Not Reinvent Design Patterns

You don’t want to build a web app that makes it difficult for users to understand.

In the realm of online apps, most users are familiar with a number of design patterns. They can prevent designers from having to reinvent the wheel when it comes to their design job. These patterns can also assist designers in concentrating their efforts on fixing issue areas.

It’s pointless to recreate design patterns for each page. Users will be confused since they will have to learn a new pattern.

A design pattern is any previously used reusable idea or design, similar to a collection of best practices for solving a user-centered problem.

Have you ever noticed how new mobile operating systems make use of icons to allow users to access apps?

What if they’re replaced with a list or another UI element?

It is conceivable. However, this would require users to memorize a new pattern each time they switched their mobile device.

Users would become frustrated as a result of this.

As a result, don’t re-invent the wheel. Instead:

  • Opt for traditional design solutions with responsive layouts
  • The shadow on buttons
  • Sufficient white space, and clutter-free corners

Use popular app patterns to help users rapidly understand your UI. Use of specified colors (red for mistakes, blue for hyperlinks) and icons, for example (envelopes for messages)

Example

Examine how certain programs always locate the “advance” button on the right-hand side.

When you try to take a chosen post to the trash on Facebook, for example, the pop-up shows a hierarchy of alternatives organized by color and location.

The Move button is blue in color and is located on the right side, while the Cancel button is white in color and is located on the left side.

This informs users that the purpose of the pop-up is to help them take this post to the trash.

3. Strive for Clarity

The most important aspect of a good web interface is clarity.

Visitors come to your website with certain objectives in mind. If the design confuses or distracts them, it may take them longer to locate what they came for, or they may forget their original aim and leave.

So, how can you make your web app’s design more clear and usable?

To create a clean site design, concentrate on the following.

Simplicity

A minimal design keeps the emphasis on what matters. It does not detract from your guests’ experience.

Familiarity

There’s nothing wrong with getting ideas from other websites. However, it is important to stick to what people are already familiar with.

Drag and drop for file uploads and pull and refresh for the most recent alerts are both basic functionality in mobile apps. Visitors will not be confused by them, but visitors will be confused by a new feature that performs a similar task.

Consistency

To put your visitors at rest, provide a consistent UX throughout your whole website. Please, no unpleasant surprises!

Immediate feedback

Any online contact requires feedback. When users engage with your website, make sure to specify whether their activities were successful or unsuccessful.

Example

Apple’s website is the greatest example of a simple web app.

The online application offers a straightforward user interface that focuses on the essentials.

The website’s overall design is sleek and simple. There’s a lot of empty space here. Only relevant information is displayed.

The logo, country selection, Apple product categories, a link to the help website, a search feature, and a shopping bag are all included on the top navigation menu. The Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Site Map are all included in the site’s footer.

A visitor to the site will not be distracted, making it very easy for them to achieve their objectives.

When a user picks a certain product category, such as “iPad,” they will get a visual representation of the several iPads available in the top menu.

They also receive navigation that lists all of the goods that are relevant to this category.

The website’s UX for all Apple items is simple thanks to the design’s clarity.

4. Provide Visual Cues

Visual cues are effective ways to bring users’ attention to important portions of your online application in a subtle way.

On your website, you may employ pictures, symbols, colors, and layouts to deliver much more than simply aesthetics. They may be able to convey visual signals. They distinguish a smart design from one that is stagnant and unintuitive.

Giving your users a clear direction is always a smart idea. Please don’t leave them to fend for themselves.

There should always be visible signals regarding what’s going on, especially while taking action or conducting a transaction.

When attempting to capture the attention of your website visitors, keep in mind not to be too blatant.

You may accomplish it gently with visual cues, which will improve the overall appearance of your website while still achieving the desired impact.

Example

Look at the Paypal loading screen shown below.

PayPal Loading Screen | Image Source

Have you seen a circular animated icon that shows on many other websites when the website is taking a long time to load?

Based on the action you’ve performed, this circular motion provides you with a hint that a procedure is in progress. The hint instructs you to be patient and wait.

The color of the call to action button on your website may also be used to grab the user’s attention. You may also change the font, make the text bold, or use a different style for the text on the call to action button.

5. Establish Credibility

Do you understand why your website’s credibility is so important?

Because it demonstrates that your company is secure and reliable.

Can a website, on the other hand, establish a company’s trustworthiness? How?

Yes, your website can affect your business’s credibility. It is frequently the initial point of contact for a potential consumer.

When a consumer finds your website through search engines or social media, the first thought that comes to mind is, “Can I trust this business?”

Visitors to your website may be skeptical about your business for a variety of reasons, including whether or not your company exists, your reputation, or the quality of your content.

Your website should demonstrate that you are a legitimate business with real people. Follow these steps to get started:

  • Design a clear “About Us” page.
  • List a physical address with a contact number.
  • Make sure you are precise about your content. There should be no mistakes – incorrect grammar or misspellings. Keep the content updated.
  • Show third-party testimonials or the number of your social media followers.
  • Publish your website’s privacy policy.
  • Improve your website’s load time.
  • Your website must be secure.

Example

The brand MAC has done a great job in building web credibility.

They provide high-quality content to illustrate their products in addition to professional design.

For example, a whole content section discusses the brand’s commitment to a world free of animal cruelty. It also identifies the major ingredients in their products and certifies that they are skin-safe.

Getting in contact with MAC is not difficult. The company has a social media presence, and the physical address and phone number for multiple retail locations are readily available.

6. Group Related Elements

The principle of proximity is heavily used in UI design, which pushes us to group relevant components together and separate unrelated elements.

Why?

Because you want your users to be able to figure out where they can find control or information, and grouping relevant pieces together makes that easier.

What happens if you don’t put them in a group?

The aspects may appear to be unconnected, and users may easily ignore them.

When working on a responsive design, pay great attention to the closeness of elements. Because groupings may alter as they adjust to different screen sizes.

Example

Have you ever noticed how functions like logging out, profile, settings, switch account, and so on all seem to belong together and are grouped together?

Return Policies, Privacy Policies, and About Us are all grouped together.

We commonly categorize them by color, style, or simply by putting them in the same box.

For example, the Account tab on Facebook will show you a number of relevant features grouped together, as shown in the picture below.

7. Provide Unobtrusive Help

Your web application’s user interface (UI) should be as intuitive as possible. However, when necessary, your website should gently guide users in the proper direction.

For your users, you may build walkthroughs or product tours.

The objective is to let users learn on their own and only provide assistance when necessary.

Example

The microblogging site Tumblr gives an option to take a tour or skip it.

8. Provide Easy Navigation

Users should be able to navigate your website easily.

It’ll make it easier for them to find what they’re looking for.

Do you have any notion of what an ideal scenario might be?

When users arrive on your site, they don’t have to look for a link or a button to begin browsing information. It must be painless to go from one component to the next.

Here are some pointers on how to make your site’s navigation more user-friendly:

  • The structure of your primary navigation should be simple.
  • Include navigation in the footer of your site.
  • Use breadcrumbs on every page so that users can remember their navigation trail.
  • Add a search bar near the top of your site so that visitors can easily search by keywords.
  • Avoid offering too many navigation options per page.

Make sure your users don’t have to dig too far to find what they’re looking for. It’s preferable if your map doesn’t have more than three tiers.

Example

When a user navigates across a website, they look for ways to search for information. The fundamental navigation layout of Hubspot’s website appears straightforward and directs people in the appropriate direction.

Because the primary navigation of a website generally contains the most important information, Hubspot’s primary navigation includes all of the important options for Search, Login, Customer Support, Pricing, and so on.

It helps the user find their way easily, even if they get lost on the website.

It also has breadcrumb navigation, which shows users where they are on the website and how to get back to the homepage if necessary.

The search bar near the top of the site makes it easy for the visitors to search by keywords.

9. Consistency in Design

You must keep your website’s overall design and feel consistent.

Why?

If your website is inconsistent, visitors will have a difficult time navigating it, losing interest in it, and eventually abandoning it.

A uniform design also has the advantage of saving time and money.

Your web developer will need to design a modest number of reusable templates for your pages if your web app takes a consistent approach. It will reduce your website’s overall development time and so save you money.

So, what does it mean to have a consistent design?

  • Use of the same colors throughout the website.
  • Consistent spacing between elements.
  • Use of the same colors in-text links.
  • Consistent headings across the website.
  • Navigation menus are placed at the same place throughout the website.

Example

All of Airbnb’s “Help Centre” pages have the same design. If you look closely, you’ll see that the corporation has utilized the same color scheme throughout the sites. The usage of typefaces, horizontal and vertical space between website items, and their placement are all consistent.

Consider how different a user’s experience would be if each “Help Centre” page had its own distinct design. I’m sure it won’t be a nice experience.

10. Load Quickly

A typical website should load in two seconds or fewer, according to most users. Slow is defined as anything that takes longer than 2 seconds.

Do you feel that web developers are completely responsible for the speed with which a website loads?

The load time may be greatly influenced by web designers.

Let’s have a look at how to do it:

  • Avoid using rare fonts.
  • Make judicious use of social media buttons. – Too many social media plugins cause latency.
  • Optimize your image size.
  • Manage user wait time by providing engaging animations.

Example

Walmart is one of the greatest instances of businesses that have increased the speed of their websites. After boosting the performance of its website, the company saw an increase in conversions and income.

On its website, the company has made sure to employ plain typefaces rather than sophisticated and unusual fonts. The quantity of social network buttons presented is judiciously used.

Walmart has only employed the social media plugins that are required for an e-commerce site: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.

Accordions are used to split and organize content on a website when there is too much of it. They’re made to look like ‘Read more’ buttons. Accordions are also an excellent way to speed up the loading of your website.

As we can see, there are several design and development guidelines for online apps that prioritize user experience.

Create A Modern & Powerful Web Application with WDX Technologies

Get in contact with us if you want to construct a web application for your company or business that has a great user experience or if you want to remodel an existing app.

We’ll assist you in developing a web application that follows design best practices.

We are a multi-award-winning web and mobile app development agency with vast experience creating spectacular digital success stories for a wide range of businesses. Let’s talk.

Got A New Project?

Book a meeting with one of our team members or get a ball park estimation on your project.

Book A MeetingGet A Rough Estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the 10 crucial enterprise web design principles for 2022?

  1. Accessibility
  2. Do Not Reinvent Design Patterns
  3. Strive for Clarity
  4. Provide Visual Cues
  5. Establish Credibility
  6. Group Related Elements
  7. Provide Unobtrusive Help
  8. Provide Easy Navigation
  9. Consistency in Design
  10. Load Quickly

Translating innovation to sustainable business growth.

Let’s Work Together to Create the Future We Want

WDX Technologies helps businesses turn their ideas into successful digital realities. We excel in creating digital solutions that solve critical pain points while making you and your customers the HERO.

Leave a Reply

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.