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There’s a lot you can learn from being part of this industry for nearly a decade — not just about tools and trends, but about people. Working closely with well-known mentors and leading teams on high-impact projects has taught me how small decisions in UX can have a big influence on how products are received. Over the years, I’ve also had the chance to mentor some of today’s standout designers and speak on panels about the value of thoughtful, user-centered design. What follows is a list of common UX mistakes that continue to show up, and why they matter more than we often think.

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10 UX Mistakes That Keep Showing Up

1. Autoplaying Audio or Video
When a website suddenly starts playing sound, it’s more disruptive than engaging. Visitors might rush to mute their speakers or simply leave. Always let users choose whether they want to listen or watch.

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2. Irrelevant Breaking News Banners
It might seem clever to link your product to trending topics — like COVID-19 — but if your business has no real connection to the news, it feels forced and even insensitive. Context matters.

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3. Poorly Structured Forms
Long or disorganized forms often lead to high drop-off rates. A form should feel easy and friendly, not like a chore. Small improvements here can make a big difference in user satisfaction.

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4. Endless Dropdowns
Long dropdown menus are especially frustrating on mobile. If users need to scroll through dozens of options, they may give up before making a choice.

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5. Breaking the Three-Click Rule
If users need more than three clicks to do something simple, like make a purchase or find key information, the design needs rethinking. Simplicity should always be the goal.

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6. Overloaded Checklists
Checklists are meant to make decisions easier. But when there are too many choices, they become confusing. Limit the number of options to keep the user focused.

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7. Too Many Tooltips
Tooltips should help, not overwhelm. If users rely on tooltips to understand your interface, it might be a sign that the design isn’t clear enough on its own.

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8. Hidden Features
Important features shouldn’t be buried. If users search too hard to find them, the interface works against them. Think about visibility and prioritization.

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9. Harsh or Clashing Colors
Color affects mood and readability. A strong UX isn’t just about layout — it’s also about choosing the right tones that are pleasant and accessible.

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10. Overcomplicated Password Rules
Unless your website handles top-secret data, users shouldn’t need to remember a code longer than a phone number. Balance security with ease of use.

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Why This Still Matters

My work as a design leader has always been about creating systems that serve both users and companies. I’ve seen how ignoring the basics of UX — even with the best intentions — can lead to frustration, lost trust, and poor engagement. Through my roles, from mentoring well-known creatives to leading international panel discussions, I’ve focused on turning complex challenges into simple, intuitive solutions.

I wrote this article to share what I’ve learned — and to remind designers, teams, and business owners that great UX isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less, but doing it better.

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Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

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