Wik-a-what?

Sometimes the most obvious ugly sites can be right in front of your face. Sure, ugly is in the eye of the beholder, but how many of you you would agree that Wikipedia is an ugly site? It's functional yes... yet there isn't much to look at.

First off, if you don't frequent any of the website pages that boast the signature white page design with simple black lettering you might have not realized just how plan the layout is. On the other hand, the simplicity is something that may actually appeal to you if you are new to the site.

When you are searching for information and want to get extra details do you appreciate a well designed site that offers both pleasant colors, images, function and information? The idea is to find balance especially if you are one to comment on designs and their appeal.

Now here comes the big question... is it simple or is it too simple? Sounds like a "simple" question, but it really is not. What you expect from a site truly persuades how you view the content and design. If you are looking for a quick answer to your questions without the thrill or fluff of color and well-planned layout, you might have found your favorite site on the planet.

Last, But Not Least

Well, we are now at our last "P" word that will end my mini-series on the letter of the alphabet. Thanks for still following and being patient with my random letter selections. You must have a lot of patient and pages. :)

The final word that we will address is this "p" series is the word photography. Some have an eye for detail when it comes to photography, but almost anyone can spot a bad photo when they see it. The photography helps to tell the story of your website and is just as important as the content. When you are ready to build your site, be prepared to put some focus (and some money) into the photography.

Low resolution images, poorly shot pictures, and bad usage of photos can turn any page into an ugly horrible website. In many cases, a professional photography that specializes in your industry will help you capture some images that can be used in everything from your website to your social media outlets.

Minding your P's can help you hire a better team to create your website and have an impact on your final result. Remember, an ugly website can drive away traffic and leave a poor image of your brand in consumer's eyes. Spend time on the photography and help the integrity of your site!

And, the Second

Pages. Yes, it is that simple. Horrible website design is amplified when the content and images on multiple pages just doesn't make any sense. When you are designing or a client reviewing your new website it's smart to take a step back and see if the flow of the pages communicates your brand's essence.

Pages are important since they help to create the layout and overall vision of your site. If one page is missing or not linked to the other appropriate pages your viewers may not understand what they are reading and why they are reading it. It really is that simple. Starting with a solid plan will help you build a better site.

A page with ugly website design is bad, but 10 pages with ugly website design is just horrible. Before you begin the design faze a solid structure should be determine that includes the flow of your pages. Trust me, this will help you reach a final product that is well, not ugly.

Well, now its time to get ready for the third and final blog on ugly web design and the letter "p". Don't go crazy! It will be over to you in a just a few short minutes!

The Alphabet is Back!

Did you miss it? Oh, you know you did. So, as I continue would you like to guess as to what the next letter will be. Actually, prepare yourself for this. You are about to enter the first of a three-part breakdown on the letter "P".

With so much to say about this amazing letter, you will have to follow us through a few full blogs. It just so happens that the definition of the first word we are reviewing can help you through this process. Have any ideas yet? Well, we are talking about patience. Ahhh... it all makes sense now!

Patience is a trait that can help in a variety of situations from work to home life. In terms of website design, you often have to tap into your patience when it comes to revisions and small issues that arise. Almost every website will face some type of issues that requires you to take a step back. Whether it is content, design, or some thing else you can be prepared.

Patience helps when you are the customer and also when you are the designer. Understanding that this is a process may take some time will help you along the way.

One, Two, Three, Four...

...what do you hate more? And, please don't say my rhyming! It's simple and to the point. :)

Well, I bring this "simple" point up because I want to hear what you think. Yep, I thought it might be best to take a quick break from my small obsession with the alphabet and put the focus back on you. When you stumbled across a website with bad design, what is the on thing that bothers you the most?

Is it the colors? The poor layout? The hard to follow copy? As we continue to explore these ugly websites I want to help you understand why you might be bothered when you land on something that looks out of whack.

Personally, I find poor color chooses one of the hardest things to deal with. Do you remember this one? My eyes hurt and I honestly had no idea what I was looking at. Crazing how flashing colors and random lights can interfere with your brain's ability to process things. Well, have a good afternoon all and don't forget to share what bothers you the most. About website design, that is. Lets stay on topic people. LOL!

The "M" Word

Oh, this is a word we all discuss almost every day. In many cases, without even noticing that is it brought up with chat about the lack of it, an abundance of it, or how we plan to get more. Do you have an idea of where I am going with this? It may not be an "industry term" associated with the world of design, but it impacts the very core of the business every single day.

Alright, only a few more seconds before I tell you... the word I am discussing in this blog is money. That's right, I said it! Money is not printed on a web page or discussed by a consumer when they see your landing page, yet it can dictate the level of work you get and the final result. Are those colors competing with each other and the placement of your text and images seem a little odd? Is the architecture and flow of your website a little off? Sure there may be a variety of other reasons, but in many cases it can also come down to the amount of money you spent.

If you need a few improvements, create a budget and move from there. You should be happy with the results.

The "C" Word

So, you thought I may have forgot about this whole the "letter" word, but NO I did not! I would like to move forward (after I moved back and then forward again) and focus on the "C" word. Any guesses? And, before you say it, no it's not computer.

Since it has been a few days since my last post, so let me recap what we have covered in this letter series so far. Function if key to a website. Once a company understand what function it hopes to accomplish the site can be born. Of course, we also have to take a second to mention design. Without design we wouldn't know what we were looking at. And finally, we talked about balance. A balance in contest and design or a balance in color... regardless of how you look at it you need balance.

And now we are off to the "C" word... what for it... creativity! The more creative energy you can infuse into your website the more likely the end user will enjoy visiting you. Looking for repeat visitors? Well come up with a creative way to keep them coming back. It's all about the interaction, not just the content. Till the next letter!

Skipping to the "B" Word

Well, I figured I could continue with this rant and jump backwards to the "B" word. I am sure you must be wondering what world I could be ready to discuss, but it is a truly relevant word when it comes to bad or good website design.

Ugly website design is missing this key word and good website design has learned how to use this word to perfection. The word I am talking about is balance. Balance is vital to the success (visually and beyond) to a good website design. The website will need to be function and focus on modern and fresh designs, but the balance is what holds the site together.

Balance can refer to both the layout, the color scheme, and the content. All three of these components must work together to build and aesthetically pleasing creation. If one of these are off-balance it could effect the others and essentially the entire site. Planning for all of these elements is normally best completed by a qualified professional. That leads to the question... if a site is ugly is that an indication it was not designed by a professional?

One can only imagine what letter I will choose to focus on next, but I can guarantee you that it will not start with a "z."

"The D Word"

Alright, are you starting to see a pattern here? Actually, guess I should have started at A, but no... I go ahead and start with F and move from there. Chalk it up to bad planning. Now, that I mention bad planning that is really the first and most foremost reason ugly websites are designed. Design is what the end user see first, but it should actually be one of the last steps when it comes to website planning. If you haven't caught on yet, the "D" stands for design.

Before you begin to design a page you have to create a plan. The most effective plans are a made by planning for both design and content. Once you determine the function, you must plan what content should be added, and then create the design based off that. Get it?!

Sound complicated? It really doesn't have to be. If you follow a step by step process you can easily plan for your website and give the designer a good idea of how to communicate your company's information. Well, I guess you might expect I will move onto a "C" word or even a "B" word next. Stay tuned!

The "F" Word

Well, I would like to discuss the "F" word, but it may not be the same word that is coming to mind. The word I would like to discuss today is function. Regardless of the type of design you currently have on your site (or the type of design you wish to have on your site) you have to ask yourself one thing... what is its function?

Function is the number one purpose of any site. Are you there to sell, share information, provide a service? Your key function should help to support what ever sales and marketing efforts you want to accomplish. As a business, it may come down to the function of each page on your website. Each individual page can offer a new service or function that all combined together provides a great environment for the consumer.

Function can dictate your design and how it is perceived by the consumer. Along with the many do's and don'ts we have covered in this blog, there are countless other tools and tricks of the trade that can be explored. A designer (regardless of his or her level of experience) should understand and execute basic design needs based on your company's function.

The K.I.S.S. Philosphy

Signs of a bad site... Now many times in your life have you heard people refer to the "KISS" philosophy. To be honest, I have heard it more times than I care to admit. KISS is an acronym for the once very popular saying "keep it simple stupid" and yes, I understand how weird that statement is.

Back in the "olden days" this expression emerged and although society has gravitated towards "OMG" and "LOL" you will still hear the term KISS from time to time. Why do I bring it up you ask? Good question... KISS is outdated, but is still relevant for some designers that choose to take their site over the top. Excess links, images, colors schemes, and poor layout options can transform a good site to a bad site in a matter of minutes.

Feel free to use other acronyms to explain bad design, but for now I am going to stick to one that has stood the test of time. KISS and build those websites with purpose and thought. The simple route is often the best route to take. That is, if you want to take advice from someone that still uses outdated acronyms. Just saying! :)

Well, Interesting Idea

I have to say I was a little shocked when I first was told about this site. Is this for real? Do people really pay money for this? Well, it looks real so I guess now it is time to discuss the poor website design.

How much time and effort do you think was associated with the design of this site? At first glance the images are really small and hard to view. You get a brief idea of what they are trying to communicate, but there is definitely room for improvement. There are a ton of links, a ton of information, a ton to look at when you land on this page.

The strange banner on the top of the page really stuck out. The colors did not seem to blend together and appear eye friendly. Overall, there are many aspects of this site that are odd regardless how fun the blow up pub many look.

Have a good night ugly design website seekers. Bad design may be addicting, but if you can mange to keep it off your website you are well ahead of the game. We hope you have a good weekend!

One, Two, Three, Four...

What do we need ugly sites for? Well, we need something to laugh at right?! Some of us watch comedies, other read jokes and we review ugly websites. Don't lie, you know you love it.

After my brief rant about QR codes I decided to delve into the marketing side and figure how they effect brands. Even brand with ugly websites. I have to say that my favorite use by far is on a business card. A quick scan of a business card can load the individuals information straight to your phone. Probably more advanced for those that are still dealing with bad website design.

Here's a question.... did you know that you can even scan a QR code on a computer screen. So you could have the ugliest website in the world with a QR code and someone might still visit you to try the scan. Just something to think about. You have to start making improvements somewhere, right?!

It's time to search for some new ugly sites. If you find one you want to share you know how to reach me. Have a good night all and take time to study proper web design.

Did You Want Me To Talk More About QR Codes?

In retrospect, I think I spent enough time on our friend the QR code. If you don't get my point my now, I am not sure if you ever will! :) Seriously, though don't get all modern with codes if your website is not up to today's standards. You have to start with the end result and then move forward.

So, what about those QR codes? Just kidding! Just kidding! I will drop it, at least for now! Let's move back to our main goal of this blog which is to discuss the ugly, the horrible designs found on countless websites today. In all the blogs and all the months we have covered horrible design do you have a favorite topic?

Animated gifs seemed to be a hot topic at the time, but what would you all like to review next? Should we venture back to bad color combinations? Neon? Too much copy? Insane backgrounds? Obscure patterns all over the place? I guess the options are endless. At least I know to take a break from Qr Codes for awhile.

Well, till next time! Have a great weekend everyone and stay away for ugly designs!

More on QR Codes

So, did you know that QR codes are now being used as Facebook profile pictures? I am serious! I just scanned one and was brought to a page featured the brand's latest sweepstakes. For those of you that are new to QR codes take time to download the app and get started.

Before you know it they will be on everything from menu to maps. Some believe that QR are not going mainstream, but that is a tough argument to make. Have you seen a major of the marketing efforts put forth by brands lately? QR codes are everywhere from websites to fliers to well, Facebook profile pictures.

Again, I urge you to have a well built site before you implement any type of QR codes. Stop and really thing about it. QR codes may be cool and the latest social media tool, but how will they help you if you are sending consumers back to an ugly website? I am guessing it won't help at all.

Spend time on your websites before you spend time on QR codes! I am guessing it may not be long before we review ugly website we found view QR codes.

QR Codes

Alright, back to QR codes. First of all I think they are genius. Download an app, scan the code, and be transported to cyberspace. Originally many brands were simply using QR codes to drive you to their websites, but today those handy codes can take you to great deals, coupons, or interactive pages within a site. Comic Con is filled with QR codes. They are on posters, books, wristbands, temporary tattoos, and just about everywhere you can imagine.

QR codes are a great invention, but they are only as great as the site they take you to. Poor website design and other website flaws can ruin any and all benefits of the code. You may be able to get a consumer to scan it, but if the site you are promoting is horrible, why bother? Over the year we have covered a wide range of "bad elements" in the world of website design. Take note!

Before you jump to add QR codes to your promotional products you have to ask yourself if your website is the best it can be. And, answer that truthfully! Why promote a site that give your visitors a bad impression of you and your brand?

Brand Me

Well, after several days of Comic Con adventures I can say that the QR code is king. I applaud all those marketing geniuses out there for everything we see and interact with during the Con. You can't turn a corner without being bombarded by branding of some kind. On a personal note, I thought the branding throughout the entire city was just amazing. Bars and restaurants were bought out and transformed into events and destinations for those that walked by. How does this relate to websites you ask? Well, almost every brand, location, service, and product today is supported by a website.

These websites offer consumers additional information and a place to interact with all the brand or products stands for. Need an example? Well, a few days ago I asked for your feedback on the Comic Con site. Friend or foe? Did the site help you map out where you wanted to go or provide you with the best information to make your Con trip a success? See, the website is like an extension of the brand and it must be complete and user friendly.

I got side tracked a bit because I wanted to share some thoughts on QR codes. Maybe I will wait for my next post.

What Came First... The Comic Con or the Website?

Well, if you look back at history of the Comic Con you can easily answer that question. Now around for about 41 years, we know the Comic Con came first and started back when San Diego was the just beginning to be a hot spot. Originally organized in the banquet hall of a local SD hotel, Comic Con now takes over the entire convention center along with the majority of the Gas Lamp District.

So, with all that being said how do you feel about the official Comic Con website? Love it or hate it? I guess it is a site that the you could be on the fence about. Die hard comic fans may really not care how information is presented to them as long as they can figure out where the vendors, panels, and most important the ticket booth.

You may be wondering why the sudden focus on Comic Con. Go ahead and wonder! :) The truth of the matter is that I am here witnessing some of the magic/dressed up fans/lines and want to share some of the information with you. Now that we have entered the world of QR codes I will give you an update as to what I am seeing and of course, what websites they are promoting.

Have a great day! And, no I am not dressing up as Spiderman.

Alright, Give Me the Number

No, not your cell phone number. Or the number of cups of coffee you had today. I want the number of ugly sites you see on a regular basis. We all have a number and I know mine is high up there. Then again, I tend to search for these things so how do I rationalize that? This is how... you tell me how many sites you encounter by just simply searching the web and going about your day. Are the sites you visit the most bothering you? Did you stumble upon some horrible design as you shopped for a new plasma TV, car, or washing machine? I need to know!

When you spend most of your time looking for ugly sites they tend just to get worse by the moment. Some of the simple poor design features such as animated GIFs almost seem OK when you compare it to paralyzing flashing colors and poor quality images.

In any case, I am ready to jump into July and find new and horribly designed sites to review. Can I help it that ugly websites are just drawn to me? I think not.

They Are Cute!

Before I begin my second part of the design review I do have the say the dogs are cute! Not exactly the type of dogs you see everyday, but I can see how some people might become passionate as these types of dogs. I guess some people like boxers and some people like these. Personally, I think these dogs are cuter when they are puppies. :)

In some design cases, less is more, but I am not sure this applies to this page. The clean white background creates a stark and almost boring background to the many, many images and not so exciting brown text. Again, I can't image that this designer put a great deal of time or energy into these pages. All that is present are links, texts, and images. These three combine in an almost awkward way that forces you to continue to scroll down and down to see the same design mistakes over and over again.

Here is a question... if you were online researching and shopping for any type of dog what would you hope to see? Are the many pictures and lack of information working for you or are you looking for something more?