Why These Mistakes Actually Matter
A pretty interface is useless if users can't figure out how to use it. These small mistakes add up to big problems—frustrated users, abandoned shopping carts, and people choosing your competitors instead. The good news? Most of these are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Mistake #1: Terrible Loading Screens
What's wrong: Users see a blank screen or spinning wheel with no idea what's happening. Is the app broken? Is it loading? How long do they wait?
❌ Bad Example:
✅ Better Approach:
How to fix it: Use skeleton screens that show the shape of what's coming. This keeps users engaged and sets expectations. Spectrum UI has skeleton components ready to go.
Mistake #2: Buttons That Don't Talk Back
What's wrong: Users click a button and... nothing. Did it work? Should they click again? This confusion leads to people clicking multiple times and getting frustrated.
❌ Bad Example:
✅ Better Approach:
How to fix it: Always show users what's happening. Use loading spinners, disable buttons while processing, and show success or error messages. Every click should have a visible response.
Mistake #3: Useless Error Messages
What's wrong: Error messages like "Something went wrong" are useless. Users have no idea what happened or how to fix it. This leads to support tickets and people giving up.
❌ Bad Example:
✅ Better Approach:
Mistake #4: Forms That Suck
Forms are where you win or lose users. These mistakes will kill your conversion rates:
- Labels that don't work: Screen readers can't tell what fields are for, and clicking labels doesn't work
- Required fields are unclear: Users don't know what they have to fill out
- Bad validation timing: Showing errors too early or too late
- Asking for too much: Every extra field loses you users
✅ Good Form Example:
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Phones
What's wrong: Over 60% of people use phones to browse the web, but many apps are built for desktop first. This creates terrible mobile experiences:
- Buttons too small to tap easily
- Text so small you need to zoom in
- Pages that scroll sideways
- Popups that don't fit on screen
- Form inputs you can barely see
✅ Mobile-Friendly Approach:
Mistake #6: Ignoring Accessibility
Accessibility isn't optional—it's required by law and makes your app better for everyone. Here are the common mistakes:
- Images without descriptions
- Text that's hard to read (bad color contrast)
- Can't navigate with keyboard
- Icon buttons with no labels
- No visual focus indicators
How to fix it: Use Spectrum UI components—they're built with accessibility in mind. But always test with keyboard navigation and screen readers to make sure everything works.
Mistake #7: Everything Looks Different
What's wrong: Buttons are blue on one page, green on another. Spacing is different everywhere. Users have to figure out your interface all over again on every page.
How to fix it: Use a design system like Spectrum UI. Pick your colors, spacing, and fonts once, then use them everywhere. Give your whole team the same components to work with.
Easy Fixes You Can Do Today
- Add skeleton screens: Show loading states everywhere
- Make buttons talk back: Every click needs visible feedback
- Write helpful error messages: Tell users exactly what went wrong
- Test on real phones: Not just browser DevTools
- Use a design system: Consistency makes everything look professional
- Test with keyboard only: Can you use your app without a mouse?
- Simplify forms: Only ask for what you really need
Bottom Line
- Show loading states with skeleton screens
- Give feedback for every user action
- Write helpful, specific error messages
- Build for mobile first, then desktop
- Accessibility helps everyone, not just disabled users
- Consistent design builds trust
- Use proven component libraries to avoid these mistakes
Most UI mistakes happen because developers don't think like users. Test your app with real people, on real devices, doing real tasks. The problems you find (and fix) will directly improve your conversion rates and make users happier.