What are the most common user interface design mistakes in product design?

1 Lack of consistency

One of the most common user interface design mistakes is lack of consistency across the product. Consistency means using the same design elements, such as colors, fonts, icons, buttons, and navigation, throughout the product. This helps users to recognize and learn your product, as well as to feel comfortable and confident using it. Lack of consistency can confuse and frustrate users, as they have to relearn different patterns and styles for each screen or feature. To avoid this mistake, use a design system that defines and documents your design choices and standards.

2 Overloading the user

Another common user interface design mistake is overloading the user with too much information, functionality, or choices. Overloading the user can overwhelm and distract them, as they have to process and decide among multiple options or actions. This can lead to cognitive fatigue, decision paralysis, and reduced satisfaction. To avoid this mistake, follow the principle of progressive disclosure, which means revealing only the necessary or relevant information or functionality at each step of the user journey. Also, use clear and concise labels, headings, and instructions to guide the user.

3 Ignoring feedback

A third common user interface design mistake is ignoring feedback from users and stakeholders. Feedback is essential for validating and improving your design decisions, as it helps you to understand the needs, expectations, and preferences of your target audience. Ignoring feedback can result in a product that does not meet the user's goals, solve their problems, or delight them. To avoid this mistake, conduct user research and testing throughout the design process, and collect and analyze feedback from various sources, such as surveys, interviews, analytics, and reviews.

4 Breaking conventions

A fourth common user interface design mistake is breaking conventions or best practices that users are familiar with. Conventions are established patterns or rules that users expect to see and use in a certain context or domain. For example, users expect to see a logo on the top left corner of a website, a search bar on the top right corner, and a hamburger menu on the mobile version. Breaking conventions can confuse and frustrate users, as they have to learn new or unfamiliar ways of interacting with your product. To avoid this mistake, follow the common conventions or best practices for your industry or platform, and only break them if you have a valid reason and test it with users.

5 Neglecting accessibility

A fifth common user interface design mistake is neglecting accessibility, which means designing for all users, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or preferences. Accessibility is not only a moral and legal obligation, but also a business opportunity, as it can increase your reach, reputation, and retention. Neglecting accessibility can exclude and alienate a large portion of your potential users, as well as create legal and ethical issues. To avoid this mistake, follow the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG), which provide standards and techniques for making your product accessible to everyone.

6 Forgetting the context

A sixth common user interface design mistake is forgetting the context of use, which means designing for the real-world situations and scenarios that your users face. Context of use includes factors such as the device, the environment, the time, the task, and the emotion that affect how users interact with and perceive your product. Forgetting the context of use can result in a product that does not fit the user's needs, expectations, or preferences, or that creates friction or frustration. To avoid this mistake, conduct user research and testing in the actual or simulated context of use, and design for the most common or critical scenarios.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?