Modules, a nifty little feature that lets you display different messages at the top of your website, have been said to be incredibly useful. Some even claim to be helpful enough to completely replace the banner ads we all hate. But are web design methods a UX disaster?
If you’re not familiar with the term, a mode is a dialog window that appears when a visitor clicks on a hyperlink or hover image.
Suppose you want to collect subscribers on the spot or you want your visitors to sign up for a freebie. In that case, you can use modal.
However, many web designers – and some website visitors – are against using modals in web design. The main argument is that it affects the user experience. But are web design methods a UX disaster? Read on to find out.
What Do Mods Do?
Modules are often seen as pop-ups on a web page, asking a visitor to take an action. They often appear after clicking on a page element.
Also known as lightboxes, modals isolate the main content of the page. The user will have to complete the action requested by the module or close it before the page is reevaluated.
Web designers use modals to attract the visitor’s attention. Since the content of other pages is inaccessible, a visitor must interact with the module.
Disadvantages of Module I UX
While modals in UX have various disadvantages, they all amount to one distraction. When modals appear, they interfere with whatever the user is doing.
Unlike regular pop-ups, users cannot ignore the method and continue browsing. As a result, modals require immediate attention.
A user might be interested and decide to interact with the module. However, if the content of the method is different from the content of the page, the user may forget what they were doing after interacting with the module.
In addition, modals sometimes require an action related to information on the page. For example, suppose the user wants to review the information before taking action. In that case, they will have to close the module because the main page is inaccessible.
Statistics show that up to 82% of users dislike pop-ups. Most website visitors are not familiar with the technical aspects of web design. As a result, they will not be able to distinguish between regular and modal pop-ups.
After all, modules are a type of pop-up. Some users may view modules as worse since they obscure the primary content of the page, making it inaccessible.
Furthermore, people want to visit a website and get what they want immediately. So time is significant. Therefore, adding a mod that requires time-consuming actions to a website can lose visitors.
With all these disadvantages, you can understand why many web designers say that they are a UX disaster in web design.
Can Modals Be Useful in UX?
In some cases, modals are helpful, and can improve UX. Many web designers swear by the usefulness of module methods, and it’s not hard to understand why.
First, modals can help simplify website content. For example, a user may leave the page immediately if your website is quite complex, with a lot of content and elements.
You can use methods to explain the content on the page so that the user is not confused. Maybe the module can show when the user clicks the back button. The module can highlight the most important content on the page and tell the user what to do next.
Second, modals are invaluable if you need to capture the attention of your users. For example, you may want to display a warning or convey any critical information that users need to know before they continue browsing.
As mentioned before, a user can easily ignore a pop-up, especially if it opens in a new window. However, with modals, the user must at least see the content before proceeding.
Third, methods can make a web page easier to navigate. It sounds ironic considering the disadvantages, but it is true if applied correctly. Rather than packing different elements onto a web page, you can set some to display as modules.
For example, you can have a page with just text to improve readability. Then, users can click to view visual elements such as images and videos as modules.
How to Use Methods the Right Way
Using the right methods is critical to ensure they don’t negatively impact UX. Here are some ideal situations where you can use modals:
1. Display Warnings
Modals are best used to provide critical alerts to users, especially if their subsequent actions have serious consequences.
For example, most websites show a modal when users click the delete button. Erasure is always critical because, in most cases, it is irreversible.
A practical example would be an e-commerce website where a user chooses to delete items from their cart. You can use methods to ask the user to confirm before deleting.
2. Input or Collect Information
There are effective ways to encourage users to input information. Sometimes, users need to enter specific details before continuing to browse.
A practical example would be a review site where a user wants to submit a review. Before submitting the review, you can use methods to request the username and other necessary information.
3. Simplifying Navigation
As mentioned before, modules can simplify a complex website. In addition, it will help a user navigate better, which is a UX boost.
A practical example would be a news site with lots of stories and updates. You can use methods to highlight the trending news stories of the day so that users can visit the web pages with one click.
Conclusion: Are Modals a Disaster in UX?
Finally, modals affect the user experience of the site because visitors have to interact with them. However, it does not always have to have a negative impact.
Mods in web design are a UX disaster when used incorrectly. However, if you follow best practices, modals can improve the user experience of your website.
In general, use modals only when necessary and in a way that won’t disturb the users.
Image featured at Freepik.
