Hopefully, when you create your website, you are already aware of your content’s specific ethical and legal standards. But what about the actual design of the website? Not being aware of the ethical design standards of your website is likely to cost you customers.

What Is Design Ethics?

Design ethics involves producing materials, such as your website and the graphics or visual aspects of your products, that are not misleading, are helpful, and add value for the customer. It is also essential to consider accessibility, inclusion, overall experience, and various pain points your customers might be experiencing. 

Why Is It Important For Your Brand?

Design ethics are just as crucial for your brand as the ethics in your product creation are. The website and graphics are generally the first places people encounter your brand, and if it is off-putting or seems unethical, customers likely will not stick around to see what your brand is all about. Check out our four no-no’s below to see what you should be avoiding when designing.

4 Design No-No’s

Designs shouldn't negatively affect user experience. 

Your website or any other visuals should not give the user a poor first impression. This means having content and a user-centered design that is easy to read, clean formatting, and not having dozens of pop-ups and ads preventing people from viewing your website.

Designs shouldn't be deceiving. 

The visual design of your website should never mislead or deceive your customers. Think of all the ads you see in various apps promising "huge payouts!" and "make thousands of dollars quickly!" These mislead viewers into thinking they can download a game and easily make a bunch of money, and instead forces them to watch countless ads, doesn't allow them to cash out, and is, in general, just a huge scam.

Also, making opt-out and unsubscribe information illegible, almost invisible, or hidden is a major no-no. Using a misleading or deceptive design to trick users into engaging with your product is probably the quickest way to lose customers. And it might also land you in hot water with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Designs shouldn’t be exclusive.

Ensuring that your design work is an accurate representation of your audience is crucial. It should be as inclusive of all genders, races, abilities, and ages as possible. It is also vital that your design does not reflect a stereotype of a specific group.

Designs shouldn’t hide policies and disclaimers.

An excellent example of this is making sure the fine print is not virtually impossible to read or find. Informing people about automatic renewals or any ad affiliates should be straightforward and easy to read. And again, not doing this can attract the attention of the FTC negatively.

Ensuring your designs are ethical can strengthen your brand and show your customers that you care about their experience and do not just view them as clicks. Contact De Novo Digital today to ensure you are using design ethics in your brand and website design!