If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m a UX/UI designer”, and your brain immediately went, “Cool… but what does that actually mean?” you’re not alone.

In simple terms:

• UX (User Experience) Design: How a website feels (ease of use, navigation, user flow).
• UI (User Interface) Design: How a website looks (colors, typography, buttons, aesthetics).

At Big Beard Web Solutions, our UX/UI specialist, Naomi, ensures every website isn’t just visually appealing, it’s designed for seamless user interaction because a great website isn’t just about looking good, it’s about working well.

The Do’s of Great Web Design

A high-performing website follows a few golden rules:

• Mobile-First Design – Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimised for phones, you’re losing visitors, FAST.

• Fast Load Times – Users expect websites to load in under three seconds. Anything slower, and they’re already gone. Optimise images, clean up code, and use caching to improve speed.

• Clear Navigation – Users shouldn’t have to guess where to go next. A well-structured menu and intuitive layout make browsing effortless.

• Accessibility for Everyone – Websites should work for all users, including people with disabilities. This means:

• • Proper color contrast for readability
  • Alt text for images (helps visually impaired users)
  • Keyboard-friendly navigation

• Strong Visual Hierarchy – Your website should naturally guide users toward important actions.
  • Bold headlines grab attention
  • White space improves readability
  • Clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons encourage clicks

The Don’ts of Web Design (Avoid These!)

Even the best brands slip up. Here’s what not to do:

• Too Many Pop-Ups – One pop-up? Okay. Five pop-ups before I even read the first sentence? Nope, I’m out.

• Asking for Too Much Information – Nobody wants to fill out a 10-field form just to sign up for a newsletter. Keep forms short and simple.

• Overusing Stock Photos – If your website screams “generic corporate stock photos”, it’s time to invest in real, high-quality visuals.

• Tiny Buttons & Hard-to-Read Text – If users have to zoom in just to click a button or read your content, it’s a design failure. Keep things clear, readable, and easy to interact with.

• Ignoring SEO Basics – If your website isn’t optimized for search engines, no one will find it.  At the very least, make sure you:
  • Use relevant keywords
  • Optimize meta descriptions & page titles
  • Improve page speed

The Psychology Behind Good UX

Great web design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how people think and behave online. Naomi applies behavioral psychology to improve user experience:

• Anchoring Bias – The first piece of information people see influences their decisions. Present pricing or product options strategically.

• Bandwagon Effect – Users are more likely to engage if they see others doing it. Leverage testimonials, reviews, and social proof.

• Loss Aversion – People fear missing out. Limited-time offers or “only a few left” messages drive action.

• The Decoy Effect – A strategically placed third option can make another choice seem more appealing.

• Confirmation Bias – People seek information that aligns with their beliefs. Personalized content and recommendations increase engagement.

• Mere Exposure Effect – Familiarity builds trust. A consistent design across platforms makes users feel at home.

• Serial Position Effect – People remember the first and last things they see. Prioritize key content accordingly.

What Does a UX/UI Designer Actually Do?

A UX/UI designer does more than just make things look pretty. Their role includes:

• User Research – Understanding how people interact with websites

• Wireframing & Prototyping – Planning the structure and flow of a site

• Testing & Optimisation – Improving designs based on real user feedback

• Collaboration with Developers – Ensuring smooth design-to-development handoff

At Big Beard Web Solutions, Naomi ensures every site isn’t just visually stunning, it’s built to perform, engage, and convert.

Final Thoughts

A website that looks good is great. A website that works well is even better. Want both? Let’s talk.