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These benefits only accrue under one important assumption: that users can tell the dif-
ference between visited and unvisited links because the site shows them in different
colors. When visited links don't change color, users exhibit more navigational disorien-
tation in usability testing and unintentionally revisit the same pages repeatedly.
Forgetting about links
Links are the foundation of the web. If you’re not differentiating links by color and/or
style, you’re causing fundamental problems for your users.
Many usability experts argue that blue underscored text should be used in all situa-
tions. I don’t necessarily agree with that restriction but, whatever you do, never, never,
never use blue underscored text for something which is not a link!
No thoughts for animation or effects
One of the worst aspects about PhotoShop mock-ups is that they can’t show typical
HTML, CSS or JavaScript effects such as rollovers or animation. It’s a good argument
for not using a graphics package when presenting your ideas: a working browser proto-
type will provide more realistic expectations.
Bizarre or inaccessible form controls
Form controls are boring. Why don’t we make that text box carat into a carrot?!!
Form controls may not be interesting, but browsers can render them easily and users
understand them. There are occasions when your application requires a unique control
which isn’t available in standard HTML but, those situations are the exception rather
than the norm.
Page titles that have low visibility in search engines
Start with the company name or other most relevant few words.
Any design that looks like an ad
Users will ignore it.
