<p>As a software project manager, one of my jobs is ensuring that a software product passes certain quality tests. Today, I give away 5 of these checks related to <strong>mistakes in front-end development</strong>. In any <a href="https://flamincode.com.au/services/web-development">web development</a> project, I make sure to test or ask testers to check for these five mistakes:</p>
<h2>Not using SSR while showing links&nbsp;</h2>
<p><img title="Not using SSR while showing links&nbsp;in frontend" src="https://bucket.flamincode.com.au/public-flamincode-bucket/uploads/medias/ca373d92-b618-42de-8d73-b0769c57a921.png" alt="Not using SSR while showing links&nbsp;in frontend" width="805" height="295"></p>
<p>SSR or server-side render is a feature in front-end development that allows certain pages to be created on the server and sent to the browser as a whole. That's very important SEO-wise. Because Google cannot (will not) see the elements being loaded after the initial load. If you want your content to be visible to Google, use SSR. The problem that sometimes happens is we want to show a list of some blog posts or page links, and they are supposed to work as internal links, but Google can only see them if they are rendered using SSR. But, the developer loads them as a lazy load component, and your SEO manager will be furious when he finds out that his internal link buildings for the last months were not accessible by Google.</p>
<h2>Not minifying resources after updates in front-end development</h2>
<p><img title="Not minifying resources after updates in front-end development" src="https://bucket.flamincode.com.au/public-flamincode-bucket/uploads/medias/876cfda7-d866-487f-94b3-45812c0fc478.jpg" alt="Not minifying resources after updates in front-end development" width="1000" height="571"></p>
<p>Today, we don't find many websites that have unified static files on initial release. Everybody is talking about performance and how important initial load time is. But after some time, developers release updates and add a feature or something. Sometimes, developers unminify scripts or style files while releasing and debugging new features and forget to minify them again. This is a mistake that needs to be checked after releases.</p>
<h2>Overusing JavaScript in front-end</h2>
<p><img title="Overusing JavaScript in front-end" src="https://bucket.flamincode.com.au/public-flamincode-bucket/uploads/medias/4550fe8f-bca6-45dc-98e2-09c88d8c123e.jpg" alt="Overusing JavaScript in front-end" width="1000" height="571"></p>
<p>Don't put all of the styles and features on JavaScript. Use new CSS features. Putting too much JavaScript and compute on the front end has many downsides, from low performance and high resource load time to putting pressure on old devices. Sometimes, it's because of front-end developers' mistakes, but sometimes, it's because the design is wrong, and front-end developers are forced to implement some functionalities that should've been implemented in the backend and API. &nbsp;</p>
<h2>Too many third-party libraries</h2>
<p>Have you ever seen a website where when you fix something, something else goes wrong? Sometimes, it's just an implementation issue, but most of the time, in the front end, it's because we are using too many libraries to do simple things, and those libraries are not compatible!</p>
<p>There's nothing wrong with using third-party libraries, but remember that third-party means liability, exploits, and running someone else's code on your application. You should make an effort not to use unnecessary third-party libraries on your website.</p>
<h2>Not handling errors properly</h2>
<p>Another mistake is not showing user-friendly messages. Do not show any error code that the backend throws at you. Do not tell users technical errors. DO NOT show users a black page saying " a server-side error happened." We should handle two things in error management: showing a user-friendly message to users and reporting the error to some kind of logging system (to API).</p>
<h2>BONUS: Not using modern preprocessors in front-end</h2>
<p>Not using CSS preprocessors in front-end development can lead to scalability, maintainability, and efficiency limitations when styling websites. Preprocessors like Sass, Less, or Stylus extend the capabilities of standard CSS by introducing features such as variables, nesting, mixins, and functions. These features help developers write cleaner and more organized code, which is especially important for large-scale projects.</p>
<p>CSS code becomes repetitive without a preprocessor, especially when managing global styles like colors, fonts, or spacing. Preprocessor variables allow you to store these values once and reuse them throughout your stylesheets, making updates simple. Without this, developers must manually search for and update every instance, increasing the risk of inconsistency.</p>
<p>Preprocessors also introduce nesting, which aligns CSS's structure with HTML's, making styles easier to read and maintain. CSS can quickly become cluttered without nesting, especially in complex UIs with deep hierarchies. Preprocessors offer useful functions, conditionals, and loops to automate repetitive tasks, such as generating themes or handling responsive breakpoints. Without them, developers must resort to manual code duplication, which is both time-consuming and prone to errors.</p>
<p>By not utilizing CSS preprocessors, developers miss out on valuable tools that enhance productivity, improve maintainability, and reduce redundancy in code, ultimately hindering the overall development workflow.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I hope this article helps you check the health of your front-end application. Have a good day.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Mistakes in front-end web development

Today, I give away 5 of these checks related to front-end development. For every project that goes on, I make sure to test or ask testers to check for these five mistakes:

Strategies to Have a User-Friendly Website

<p>Nowadays with millions of sites competing for attention, the ones that provide a seamless, enjoyable experience stand out and succeed. But what exactly makes a website user-friendly? Let's dive into the principles and strategies that can transform your site from good to great.</p>
<h2>Understanding User-Friendly Design</h2>
<h3>Importance of Responsiveness</h3>
<p>A user-friendly website adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes and devices. This adaptability ensures that your content is accessible and legible, whether viewed on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.</p>
<h3>Visual Hierarchy and Readability</h3>
<p>&nbsp;A well-thought-out visual hierarchy guides visitors through your content effortlessly. Readability isn't just about font choice; it's about how text interacts with other elements on the page to create a cohesive and engaging experience.</p>
<h3>Why does it matter?</h3>
<p>We talked about <a title=" how custom software can change your company " href="https://flamincode.com.au/blog/1224/7-ways-custom-software-can-change-your-company">how custom software can change your company </a>before. the key to your success is the satisfaction of your users. any web-based application you are creating has it's own category of users. and the first and last thing that a user is interacting with is user interface! so by improving your UI you take a huge step toward your user's satisfaction.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Strategies are fun but...</h2>
<p>I'd like to talk about one of the most important prerequisites of these strategies, having a user persona!</p>
<p>When we are talking about making a website user-friendly, it is very important to know who that user is! So keep in mind that is very important.</p>
<p>Let me give you an example: When you are designing a website for a public food delivery system, well, you should use general best practices and the strategies that we will talk about. But imagine designing a software that needs to replace a very old system that your users in a private company have been using for 20 years. Then, it is a different story, and you should analyze the previous system. Of course, I'm not saying that you need to implement a UI that is similar to the old software, because that software may not be implemented in a standard way, but keeping it similar in logic, as long as it does not defy the strategies, would be a good idea.</p>
<p>Now, I think we are set to see what these strategies are! Let's go:</p>
<h3>Strategy 1: Simplified Navigation</h3>
<p><img title="Simplified navigation" src="https://bucket.flamincode.com.au/public-flamincode-bucket/uploads/medias/b062d27d-51fe-46b7-8e2a-44f800d3bf92.jpg" alt="Simplified navigation" width="800" height="458"></p>
<p>Implementing a Logical Structure: Your website should be as intuitive as a well-organized book. Categories, subcategories, and pages should flow logically, making it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for without getting lost.</p>
<p>Utilizing Breadcrumbs and Search Bars: Breadcrumbs provide a trail for users to follow back to their starting point, while search bars allow for quick navigation to specific content. Both are essential tools in creating a user-friendly experience.</p>
<h3>Strategy 2: Responsive Design</h3>
<p>Adapting to Various Devices: A responsive design ensures that your website looks and functions perfectly on all devices. This strategy is about more than just aesthetics; it's about providing a consistent experience no matter how your site is accessed.</p>
<p>Testing Across Platforms: Regular testing on different devices and browsers is crucial. What works on one platform might not work on another, so consistent testing helps identify and fix issues before they affect the user experience.</p>
<h3>Strategy 3: Fast Loading Times</h3>
<p><img title="fast loading time" src="https://bucket.flamincode.com.au/public-flamincode-bucket/uploads/medias/f87cdb62-5419-4886-bf99-1bdfebe31ad2.jpg" alt="fast loading time" width="800" height="457"></p>
<p>Optimizing Images and Videos: Large files slow down your site. Optimizing media ensures that your pages load quickly, keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates.</p>
<p>Leveraging Browser Caching: Caching stores parts of your site on the user's device after the first visit, leading to faster load times on subsequent visits. It's a simple but effective way to improve performance.</p>
<p>For example checkout the <a href="https://flamincode.com.au/blog/1275/top-10-real-estate-websites-in-australia">top real estate websites in australia</a> you can see that all of them have good performances, that tells you something!</p>
<h3>Strategy 4: Interactive Elements</h3>
<p>Enhancing User Engagement: Interactive elements like polls, quizzes, and animations can keep users engaged and encourage them to spend more time on your site. However, they must be used judiciously to avoid overwhelming or annoying visitors.</p>
<p>Feedback and Contact Forms: Open lines of communication make your website more user-friendly. Feedback forms, contact pages, and live chat options allow visitors to easily get in touch, report issues, or provide valuable insights.</p>
<h3>Strategy 5: Accessibility and Inclusivity</h3>
<p>Aiming for Universal Design: Your website should be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This means considering color contrasts, text sizes, and navigation methods to accommodate a wide range of users.</p>
<p>Tools and Techniques for Accessibility: Various tools and techniques can help you achieve an accessible website. From screen reader compatibility to keyboard navigation, every element should be designed with inclusivity in mind.</p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Strategy 6:&nbsp;Personalization options</span></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img title="Personalization options UI" src="https://bucket.flamincode.com.au/public-flamincode-bucket/uploads/medias/b3bd58f0-17da-4465-b518-fbf5bbb0e5d2.jpg" alt="Personalization options UI" width="800" height="450"></span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">A good user interface enables some personalization features. Give the user the choice between themes. Two of the most demanded ones are light themes and dark themes. So you can enable this option and, most importantly, remember the user's choice. </span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Another popular and useful personalization option that you can implement is changing the font size. Of course, you should be careful because it may cause some responsive problems, and you should not do that all across your design, just in the places where the user is reading long texts.</span></p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Strategy 7: Use of Clear and Concise Language</span></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The language on your website should be straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless it's necessary for your audience. The goal is to make your website easy to understand, enhancing the user's experience. Clarity helps users quickly grasp the message or instructions, reducing frustration.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This part is related to UX&nbsp; (user experience), but many times, knowing these things as a manager or front-end developer helps to upgrade the website's quality to a whole new level. </span></p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Strategy 8: </span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Simplified Conversion Process</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Suppose your website involves transactions (e.g., e-commerce) or requires user action. In that case, the process should be as simple and streamlined as possible.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Reduce the steps required for users to complete a purchase or conversion, and avoid asking for unnecessary information. Offering features like guest checkout or autofill options improves the user experience by making the process quick and easy. A smooth and efficient conversion process minimizes friction and increases conversions.</span></p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Strategy 9: </span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Accessible and Easy-to-Find Contact Information</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Your user must be able to contact you without frustration. A user-friendly website makes it easy for visitors to contact the company. Whether it's a phone number, email address, or contact form, </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">this information should be prominently displayed</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> and easy to find on every page.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&nbsp;A common practice is to have contact information in the header, footer, or a dedicated "Contact Us" page. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> ensures that users can reach out when they need help. Ensure you are using the correct HTML tags so that if a user clicks on your phone number, it can </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">be redirected</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> to its app without any problem. Test these features across all browsers and make sure your test includes testing from different devices, like mobile phones. </span></p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Strategy 10: Having </span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Intuitive Error Handling and Messaging</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Users will inevitably encounter errors while interacting with a website, whether due to incorrect form submissions or a broken link. A user-friendly site provides clear and helpful error messages that guide users on what to do next. Instead of showing a generic error message like "404 page not found," offering suggestions or redirecting users to relevant content helps keep them engaged.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">I like using this </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">kind of</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> message in case of a server-side error (500): "Our developers </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">are already</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> notified of this error and are working on it."</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This gives the vibe that the user is not alone and that the technical team is working on it. This should be the mindset behind managing errors. We should not indicate that users did anything wrong when they didn't, and if they did, we should give them directions on how to avoid receiving these kinds of errors again. </span></p>
<h3>Conclusion and Further Thoughts</h3>
<p>Crafting a user-friendly website is an ongoing process. It requires attention to detail, a deep understanding of your audience, and a willingness to adapt and change. By implementing these five strategies, you'll be well on your way to creating a site that not only meets but exceeds user expectations. if you need further help about that just let us know frrom the contact option!</p>

Explore 10 essential strategies to create a user-friendly website, enhancing navigation, design, and accessibility. Elevate your online presence with practical tips on responsive design, fast loading times, and more. Perfect for web developers and digital marketers aiming to improve user experience and engagement

Do you want to have a user-friendly website? read this article

<p>When embarking on a new user interface (UI) design project, the choice between a classy or colorful design can be a pivotal decision that influences the overall user experience (UX), brand perception, and engagement. Both approaches have their merits and appeal, but understanding the nuances of each is essential to make an informed choice. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the distinctive qualities of classy and colorful UI designs to help you determine the best fit for your project.</p>
<h2>Classy UI Design: Timeless Elegance</h2>
<p>A classy UI design exudes elegance, sophistication, and often adopts a minimalist approach. Here's why you might opt for a classy UI:</p>
<h3>1. Elegance and Timelessness</h3>
<p>Classy UI designs embrace a restrained color palette, relying on neutral tones, grayscale, or monochromatic schemes. This approach lends a sense of sophistication and timelessness to your design, making it a suitable choice for brands that value a refined, upscale image.</p>
<h3>2. Focused Attention</h3>
<p>A classy UI design often places emphasis on content and functionality rather than relying on vibrant colors. This can help direct users' attention to the most critical elements, creating a seamless and intuitive navigation experience.</p>
<h3>3. Enhanced Readability</h3>
<p>The subdued color palette in a classy UI design promotes text legibility and readability. This can be especially beneficial if your project involves a lot of textual content, such as blogs, articles, or educational platforms.</p>
<h3>4. Versatility</h3>
<p>Classy designs tend to be more versatile across various contexts and platforms. They can seamlessly adapt to different devices and screen sizes while maintaining a consistent and polished appearance.</p>
<h2>Colorful UI Design: Vibrancy and Engagement</h2>
<p>A colorful UI design is characterized by vibrant hues, playful combinations, and a more visually stimulating approach. Here's why you might opt for a colorful UI:</p>
<h3>1. Expressing Brand Personality</h3>
<p>Colorful UI designs are ideal for brands seeking to communicate a vibrant and dynamic personality. Colors can evoke specific emotions and associations, allowing you to create a memorable and impactful visual identity.</p>
<h3>2. Visual Hierarchy</h3>
<p>By strategically using colors, you can establish a clear visual hierarchy that guides users through your interface. Bold and contrasting colors can draw attention to important elements, encouraging interaction and engagement.</p>
<h3>3. Creativity and Playfulness</h3>
<p>Colorful designs provide more room for creative expression. They can inject a sense of playfulness and energy into your UI, making it particularly suitable for projects targeting younger audiences or those in creative industries.</p>
<h3>4. Differentiation and Recognition</h3>
<p>A distinctive and well-executed colorful UI design can set your project apart from the competition. It helps your brand stand out in a crowded digital landscape and aids in recognition and recall.</p>
<h2>Choosing Between Classy and Colorful UI Designs</h2>
<p>The decision between a classy and colorful UI design ultimately depends on your project's goals, target audience, and brand identity:</p>
<h3>Consider Your Brand Identity:</h3>
<p>&nbsp;If your brand values elegance, sophistication, and a timeless aesthetic, a classy UI design might align well with your identity.</p>
<h3>Understand Your Audience:</h3>
<p>Consider your target audience's preferences and expectations. Younger audiences might respond positively to a colorful and dynamic UI, while more mature audiences might appreciate the subtlety of a classy design.</p>
<h3>Project Goals:</h3>
<p>&nbsp;If your project focuses on conveying complex information or maintaining a professional tone, a classy design could enhance readability and professionalism. Conversely, a colorful design can foster engagement and create a memorable experience.</p>
<h3>Balancing Act:</h3>
<p>Remember that balance is key. Even a colorful UI design can incorporate elements of restraint, and a classy design can use strategic pops of color for emphasis.</p>
<p>In conclusion, the choice between a classy and colorful UI design is not binary; it's a spectrum that you can tailor to suit your project's unique needs. By understanding your brand, audience, and project goals, you can strike the perfect balance between elegance and vibrancy to create a UI that captivates and resonates with your users.</p>

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Mistakes in front-end web development

Strategies to Have a User-Friendly Website

Classy or Colorful UI Design Deciding the Best Fit for Your Project