Designing for the Modern User: How Web Design Should Reflect Today’s Digital Habits
The way people consume digital content has evolved dramatically over the years, driven by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms have ingrained a reflexive scrolling habit in users, where they quickly navigate through content, expecting it to be easily accessible and engaging. For businesses, this shift underscores the need for modern website design to adapt to user behaviors, prioritize usability, and reduce friction.
Scrolling: The New Norm for Content Consumption
Scrolling has become second nature to users, and websites need to reflect this. A study by Nielsen Norman Group found that users spend 57% of their page-viewing time above the fold but will scroll if they perceive the content below to be valuable. Importantly, users don’t mind scrolling—what they dislike is unnecessary clicking.
The goal of modern web design should be to present key information in a way that feels seamless and intuitive. For example, important business details like contact information, directions, or reviews should be easily scannable and accessible without forcing users to hunt for them.
Clicks Kill Usability
Reducing the number of clicks required to access content isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Research shows that every additional click reduces usability and increases user frustration. A commonly cited statistic is that each extra click can decrease conversions by as much as 20%. Why? Because users are more likely to abandon a task if the path to completing it feels unnecessarily long or complicated.
For example:
- Linking to your Google Business Profile and expecting users to navigate to the review section is less effective than directly linking to the “Leave a Review” page where they can select stars and type their feedback immediately.
- Providing direct buttons for actions like “Get Directions” or “Call Now” on mobile devices reduces friction, saving users valuable time and effort.
Removing Friction: A Core Pillar of Our Design Philosophy
At Notice, we believe that good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality. A telling sign of great design is that users don’t notice it; everything simply works the way they expect it to. That’s why one of our core principles is to remove friction wherever possible.
Here’s how we apply this philosophy:
- User-Centric Navigation: We design websites to make key functions like leaving reviews, finding contact details, or getting turn-by-turn directions intuitive and effortless.
- Direct Action Links: Instead of generic links to external pages, we create smart links that take users exactly where they need to go. For instance, our “Leave a Review” links bypass intermediate steps, shrinking the distance between intent and action.
- Responsive, Mobile-First Design: With mobile users accounting for the majority of web traffic, we prioritize functionality on smaller screens. Features like tap-to-call buttons, integrated maps, and auto-filled forms ensure users can act with minimal effort.
The Better the Experience, the Better the Results
The easier you make it for users to take important actions, the more likely they are to follow through. This is especially true for small businesses, where every review, click, or call can have a significant impact. By removing unnecessary steps and designing with intent, your website becomes a tool that actively drives engagement and conversions.
Consider this: A seamless user experience doesn’t just keep customers on your site longer—it builds trust. When users find what they need quickly and easily, they’re more likely to view your business as professional, reliable, and worth their time and money.
Conclusion: The Modern Design Imperative
Modern website design must align with how users consume and interact with digital content today. At Notice, we combine user-focused design principles with cutting-edge technology to create websites that not only look stunning but also work effortlessly. By reducing friction and prioritizing usability, we help businesses maximize engagement and achieve their goals.
If you’re ready to upgrade your website to meet the needs of today’s users, contact us today. Let’s build a site that doesn’t just reflect your business—it drives it forward.
