The best way I can define a poor user interface is by giving the example of Yale School of Art’s website. Any device, website, etc. that is difficult to use or navigate through is considered a bad user interface. During my senior year of high school, I remember being in a media class and first being introduced to Yale School of Art’s website design. Users are greeted on the home page by flashy designs, small and large font words, and colors that clash. It is difficult to know what to click or read first. Just by judging the home page, it already can be deemed confusing.

The first approach I would take to fix their design would be a simple header. A menu header with drop down arrows would allow the user to pick from a broad selection of items that can lead them to a more specific portion of the website. Instead of having their small menu to the left of the home screen, stretch it across the top. Put the previously existing address that is located at the top and place it at the very bottom of the home screen. This way, if users want to find it, they can view it with social media platforms that can provide them with even more information. Above the drop down menu should be their school name so visitors of the website know exactly where they are.

Secondly, I would suggest a less flashy background. A design like they have currently takes user’s eyes off the important information that should be the center of attention. A more neutral background would also allow the words and menus to “pop” off the screen more so that viewers have an easier time navigating to their final destination. Included in the flashy background, color blocks are thrown in no immediate order which is also confusing. Words are half on and half off the blocks which makes them difficult to read. Either deleting or making these block wider would provide more accessibility.

My final suggestion would be to place the quick links on the furthest left or right side of the website. If individuals are looking for the quick links, they are more likely to take a left to right approach. These links are likely to get lost in the middle of the website and therefore, they may lose the viewers. The quick links are very important, so a more vibrant color or boldness would be appropriate to use around them. Bold isn’t bad but in the setting that Yale put it, it is distracting and confusing.

Overall, I am sure that Yale set up their website in this way to take an artistic approach. Although, when it comes to website designs and ease of navigation, a simplistic approach is best. When a viewer is able to get around easier, they are more likely to frequently visit the website. More website activity will generate more viewers.

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