Even the most beautiful interface can fail if it’s confusing to use. UI design is not just about how things look — it’s about how they work. At Grivista, we often audit digital products and spot recurring issues that damage user experience. Here’s a list of 10 common UI mistakes, along with practical tips on how to fix them.

1. Cluttered Layout

Mistake: Trying to fit too much information on a single screen can overwhelm users.

Fix: Embrace white space, group related elements, and use a visual hierarchy to guide attention.

2. Inconsistent Design Patterns

Mistake: Using different button styles, fonts, or icons across the site confuses users.

Fix: Establish a design system or style guide to maintain consistency throughout the product.

3. Poor Mobile Optimization

Mistake: Designing only for desktop leads to frustrating experiences on phones and tablets.

Fix: Use responsive design techniques and test your UI on multiple devices.

4. Unclear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Mistake: Users don’t know what to do next due to vague or poorly placed buttons.

Fix: Make CTAs clear, visually distinct, and action-oriented — like “Start Your Free Trial” or “Contact Our Team.”

5. Overuse of Animation

Mistake: Excessive or slow animations can annoy users or slow down interactions.

Fix: Use micro-animations purposefully to provide feedback, not as decoration.

6. Lack of Visual Hierarchy

Mistake: All elements look equally important, making it hard for users to focus.

Fix: Use size, color, and spacing to prioritize content and guide the user’s eye.

7. Ignoring Accessibility

Mistake: Poor contrast, missing alt text, and tiny tap targets exclude many users.

Fix: Design for inclusivity by following WCAG standards and testing with accessibility tools.

8. Hidden Navigation

Mistake: Users can’t find what they need because navigation is buried or unclear.

Fix: Keep menus visible, intuitive, and easy to explore — especially on mobile.

9. Not Testing with Real Users

Mistake: Designing in isolation without feedback leads to flawed assumptions.

Fix: Conduct usability testing early and often to catch issues before launch.

10. Ignoring Error States

Mistake: Blank pages or unhelpful error messages frustrate users when something goes wrong.

Fix: Design informative error states with guidance, suggestions, or humor to keep the user experience intact.

Conclusion

Great UI isn’t about perfection — it’s about continuous improvement. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create cleaner, more intuitive, and engaging user interfaces. At Grivista, our design philosophy centers around clarity, consistency, and usability — the keys to building successful digital products.

Need a UI audit or redesign? Get in touch with our design team today.