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Developing a User Centred Website

Xugar Blog
Sagar Sethi Entrepreneur
Sagar Sethi
13/08/2024
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In today's online world, making a website that focuses on the user is not just a good idea—it's essential. Did you know that 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience? This shows how important it is for businesses to create websites that are easy to use and enjoyable.

Users expect smooth and straightforward online experiences, so companies must prioritise user-centred design to stay ahead. Let’s look into the key ideas and methods for building a user-centred website that boosts engagement and makes it easier for people to use.

The Importance of a User-Centred Approach

A user-centred approach means putting the user at the centre of the design process. This focus helps ensure the final product is easy to use, efficient, and enjoyable. When websites are designed with users in mind, it leads to higher satisfaction and engagement.

Many online businesses fail because they focus too much on their goals rather than what users want. For website designers, developers, and marketing professionals, understanding and applying user-centred design is needed for creating successful websites.

What is User-Centred Design?

User-centred design (UCD) is all about understanding users' needs, goals, and preferences. Instead of just guessing what users might like, designers use research methods like surveys and interviews to gather real feedback. This helps them create websites that truly meet their audience's needs.

Why is User-Centred Design Important?

User-centred design (UCD) is essential in creating websites that attract visitors and keep them engaged and satisfied. By focusing on users' needs and preferences, businesses can build websites that are easy to navigate, enjoyable to use, and accessible to everyone. Here’s a closer look at why user-centred design is so important, along with some compelling facts and examples.

Better User Experience

When designed with users in mind, websites become much easier to navigate and more enjoyable to use. A good user experience can significantly impact a website's success.

For example, if visitors struggle to find information or encounter broken links, they are likely to leave and never return. On the other hand, a well-designed website that provides a smooth experience can encourage users to come back and explore more.

Increased Engagement

User-friendly websites encourage visitors to interact more. When users find the site easy to navigate, they are more likely to spend time on it, explore different pages, and complete actions like signing up for newsletters or making purchases.

For instance, a study found that websites with a clear and intuitive layout can increase user engagement by up to 200%. A user-centred design can directly lead to higher conversion rates and more successful online interactions.

Higher Satisfaction

Users feel satisfied When they can quickly and easily find what they need. This satisfaction can lead to positive reviews and recommendations, which are crucial for a business's success. 

According to a survey by American Express, 70% of consumers say they have spent more money to do business with a company that delivers great service. If a website meets user needs effectively, it can foster loyalty and encourage users to share their positive experiences with friends and family.

Accessibility

User-centred design also considers the needs of people with disabilities. By making websites accessible, businesses can reach a wider audience and ensure everyone can use their services. For example, implementing text-to-speech, keyboard navigation, and alternative text for images can significantly improve accessibility. 

According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability. By prioritising accessibility, businesses comply with legal standards and tap into a larger market.

Key Strategies for User Engagement

Creating a website that people love to use is all about understanding them and making their experience enjoyable. To achieve this, you need to focus on a few key strategies that help you connect with your audience. Here are some important steps you can take to ensure your website meets the needs of its users.

Researching User Needs

Understanding your audience is the first step in creating a user-centred website. This means finding out what your users want, how they behave, and what challenges they face.

For example, research shows that 88% of users are less likely to return to a website after having a bad experience. This highlights how crucial it is to know what users need to create a positive experience.

Creating Personas

Personas are fictional characters that represent your target users. They help you visualise and understand the needs, goals, and behaviours of different groups of people. When creating detailed personas, consider the following:

  • Demographic Information: This includes details like age, gender, and occupation. For example, if you’re designing a website for teenagers, your persona might be a 15-year-old girl who loves fashion.
  • Goals and Motivations: What are users trying to achieve on your website? For instance, a study by Salesforce found that 84% of customers say the experience a company provides is as important as its products. If your website is for a school, students might want to find homework resources quickly.
  • Challenges and Pain Points: What obstacles do they face in achieving their goals? For example, a survey by Forrester Research found that 60% of users are unlikely to return to a website if they had a poor experience. If users struggle to find information, they might get frustrated and leave.

Conducting Usability Testing

Usability testing means watching real users as they interact with your website. This helps you see where they might have trouble and gives you ideas for improving the design. Here are two key methods:

  • Task-Based Testing: In this method, users are asked to complete specific tasks while you observe them. For example, you might ask users to find a specific product on an online store. A study by the Nielsen Norman Group found that users complete tasks 22% faster on websites with a clear layout.
  • A/B Testing: This involves comparing two different versions of a webpage to see which one works better. For instance, if you change the colour of a “Buy Now” button, you can see which version gets more clicks. A case study by Optimizely showed that a simple A/B test increased conversions by 19.2% for a major retailer.

By using these strategies, you can build a website that is enjoyable and easy to use. This not only helps keep visitors engaged but also encourages them to return. Remember, the more you understand your users, the better your website will be.

Optimising for User Experience

Creating a website that provides a great user experience means making it easy for everyone to use, including those with disabilities. Here are some important strategies to optimise your website for all users.

Accessibility Features

Ensuring your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is crucial. Here are some key accessibility features to consider:

  • Alternative Text for Images: This is descriptive text that explains what an image shows. It helps screen readers convey information to visually impaired users. For example, instead of just saying "dog," you could say "a golden retriever playing fetch in a park."
  • Keyboard Navigation: Make sure your website can be fully navigated using a keyboard. This is important for users who cannot use a mouse. For example, all interactive elements should be reachable using the Tab key.
  • Colour Contrast: Use high-contrast colours to enhance readability for visually impaired users. For instance, dark text on a light background is generally easier to read than light text on a light background.

Navigational Structures

A clear and logical navigation structure is essential for a positive user experience. Effective navigation helps users find the information they need quickly and easily. Here are some strategies:

  • Intuitive Menus: Organise content in a way that aligns with user expectations. For example, group related pages together under clear headings like "Products," "Services," or "Contact Us."
  • Breadcrumbs: These are navigation aids that show users their current location within the website. For instance, if a user is viewing a product, the breadcrumb might read: Home > Products > Electronics > Laptops. This helps users understand where they are and allows them to navigate back easily.
  • Search Functionality: Include a search bar to allow users to find specific content quickly. This is especially helpful for larger websites where users may not want to browse through multiple pages.

Measuring User Satisfaction

Collecting feedback from users is essential for understanding how well your website meets their needs. Here are some effective methods for gathering feedback:

  • Surveys: Use short surveys to ask users about their experience and suggestions for improvement. For example, you could ask, "How easy was it to find what you were looking for?" and provide options from "Very Easy" to "Very Difficult."
  • Feedback Forms: Provide a simple way for users to share their thoughts and report issues. This could be a form at the bottom of each page where users can leave comments or suggestions.

Analysing Website Analytics

Utilise analytics tools to gather data on user behaviour, such as page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates. This data helps identify areas for improvement and track the impact of changes. For instance, if you notice a high bounce rate on a particular page, it may indicate that users are not finding what they expect.

Iterative Design Process

Developing a user-centred website is an ongoing process. Regularly update and refine your website based on user feedback and analytics data. Here are key steps in the iterative design process:

  • Prototyping: Create prototypes of new design elements and test them with users before implementation. This allows you to gather feedback and make adjustments early in the design process.
  • Testing: Continuously test different aspects of your website to identify areas for further improvement. For example, you might test different button colours to see which ones attract more clicks.
  • Refinement: Use insights from testing and user feedback to make informed changes that enhance the user experience. This could involve simplifying a complex navigation menu or adjusting content layout based on user preferences.

Final Thoughts

Building a website that puts users first is all about understanding what they want and need. By focusing on making it easy to use, accessible, and constantly improving, you can create a site that helps users and also makes your business successful. When you prioritise the user experience, you'll see more people engaged, happier, and better results for your website. Want to make your website design better? Xugar is an award-winning digital marketing agency in Australia that can create web development strategies that work for your business. Start changing your online presence today by contact us!

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