Web design is always adapting and changing, with new ideas emerging, and old trends being replaced. But sometimes, either design or technological advances move user expectations along. And this means that some web design trends become obsolete. But what are the web design trends that are no longer relevant? And how can you be sure to update your website, and improve the user experience at the same time? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester, we are Manchester’s leading web design experts. We work with companies and businesses across Manchester, and the surrounding area, including Wigan and Southport, to provide web design solutions that can help businesses grow. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about the outdated web design trends.
What are the biggest web design trends that are no longer relevant?
There are several web design trends that once ruled the web, and the development of website practices, that are no longer relevant. These include:
- Auto play- when video was new feature for website, every browser struggled to load the larger video file size on practically every website. And what made this infinitely worse was the inclusion of auto play with sound, as while the web page was still loading, the sound would begin. Sometimes without even the accompanying image. Background audio thankfully is now a thing of the past, for most websites. So if you are using video content, with the sound auto-playing, this could cause an increase to your bounce rate, and drive your users away. Instead be sure to always have your audio set to silent, with a user option to toggle sound on if required.
- External links in the same tab- if your website includes external links, make sure these open in a second tab. It used to be that every link would open in the same tab, replacing what you were looking at. But user behaviour has changed. We are often browsing two or three websites at the same time, whether that’s for shopping, or simply fact finding. Instead of transporting your customer instantly away from your page, to follow the external link, keep make sure the external link opens in a second tab.
- The F design layout- in the F design layout for web design, it is expected that by positioning the important content at the top of the page, the website visitors will pay more attention. This is because the users eyes will travel in an F shape down your page. However, while this is usually true, you should be trying to attract and direct this attention in your own way, instead of letting your website user take charge. Visual content can help keep users engaged on your website for longer, and can help create key pockets of visual interest at other places on the screen. This means that while your above the fold content will still receive the most attention, you should be directing users to content further down the screen too.
For more information or advice, or for high quality, professional web design solutions, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester.