The 8 Most Common UX Design myths

Ever thought about UX design myths? What are they? Why do we need to identify them? Herein we are going to highlight some key misconceptions about UX design.

User experience design (UX) is a field that has evolved, expanded and changed shape tremendously since its inception.

UX’s basic principles involve the process of conducting research, analysis and user testing to provide information that guides design decisions in order to satisfy users’ needs.

While the user experience is more popular and in demand, it still suffers from a number of misconceptions, several aspects that we consider to be true or the principles that we believe; are nothing more than myths that are based on common misunderstandings and assumptions.

Let’s take a look at some of the eight most common myths out there:

• UX can be used by everyone
• UX is all about new technology
• UX design is about usability
• UX testing should be done at the end
• White space is an empty canvas
• Give many choices as possible to users
• Users read on the Web
• Users don’t really scroll website pages

In UX design, the aim isn’t to try to satisfy everyone or go for ease of use for all your user types or personas. Instead, focus on cultivating a better experience for those who will actually end up using your product.

There are many web designers out there who think they are UX experts, but it’s important to look for someone who has a core background in UX design when you are actually serious about optimizing UX potential.

Only someone who has been in the field for quite some time can deliver the user experience expectation of your target audience, irrespective of the system/product.

In our modern era, many companies have been obscured by the trendy prospects of new digital technologies. But that doesn’t mean it’s not the right choice, particularly when it comes to UX design.

Contrary to popular belief, UX isn’t driven by technology. In fact, it focuses on people, their experiences and device interactions instead. As it not only enhances the current experiences, but also the development of better experiences.

It is good to adopt new technologies as long as it integrates smoothly with an existing business in order to avoid alienating current customers.

This is not true. UX is how users feel when using a product, while usability relates to the functionality and performance of the product or services you are offering.

Usability is a broader concept than UX since it works on achieving the goal only if a product is used.

Although usability is a critical component of both UX and web designs, natural market values and priorities cannot be overlooked. It is a critical part of the equation for a project’s success.

It doesn’t make sense to leave UX testing until the end. The best approach is often to validate the functionality and efficiency – as well as how enjoyable the product or service is to use and review any possible mistakes ideally at each stage of the development process. 

This helps them to search for future mistakes, to correct them before production and to avoid last-minute delays due to issues that hadn’t been thought about or tested.

White space refers to the empty space between or around elements of a design or layout of a website. However, it is also regarded as ‘waste.’ 

Web designers and user analysts know why this to be untrue. White space is an integral element of web design that must not be used as a static backdrop but as an active element. 

Space around graphics and objects, the spacing of lines and letters within texts, borders, lining and gutters, spaces between columns, are just a few of the main elements.

White space not only looks more pleasing to the eye, but it also provides easy readability and scannable functionality, prioritizes user interface elements and creates an attractive feel. 

Having choices is good. It gives us the feeling that we are in charge. However, we couldn’t be more wrong – especially with regard to UX design.

With multiple options, users will appear to be overwhelmed which would lead them to be less likely to not interact with your site. This results in people abandoning your website or app and seek to find others who do not oversaturate their choices.

Sometimes less is more. Take a look at Google, a perfect example of a website not pushing the user to make too many decisions.

You can see that the search bar with two options allows quick access to additional features and does not overwhelm them with excessive buttons.

The dilemma here is that we intuitively know that this is not true. 

Basically, if people are interested in the content, people read on the web word-by-word. But they normally scan pages with certain keywords and skim the pages looking for meaningful headings, brief paragraphs and scannable lists.

Avoid lengthy blocks of messages, unnecessary instructions, commercial writing and brief discussions. Get right to the point and offer relevant information as quickly as you can.

A serious misleading thing about the designers; is that they think users don’t scroll and information at the bottom of a website or mobile app doesn’t have to appear.

They may be right that all of the key content is above the fold. But with the various screen sizes and mobile devices, we’ve long outgrown a fear of scrolling.

However, if some people decide not to scroll, it’s not about them, it’s about your product or content. People don’t want to scroll unless they are interested in the product.

But some design rules must be followed and interesting contents should also be provided, in order to ensure that people scroll.

It’s time to adopt more streamlined, progressive and effective practices. You would also benefit from ignoring the prevalent misconceptions that this article highlights. Ensuring that your UX provides the returns you expect. 

For more info and insights on web designing, at Morphosis, we are a full-stack digital consultancy, able to provide comprehensive and flexible services from UX/UI design and development to strategic consultation. 

Contact us to get a free consultation or visit our main services page to learn more about how we can help you grow your business today.