
10 Bad UX vs Good UX Design Examples for Websites
Key takeaways
- People form opinions about websites in just a few seconds, so first impressions and smooth user experience (UX) are crucial for keeping visitors engaged.
- Bad UX examples like Craigslist, Arngren, Ling’s Cars, Yale School of Art, and ZARA show how cluttered layouts, poor navigation, and confusing visuals drive users away.
- Good UX examples such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Airbnb, and Re:Coded prove that clean design, simple navigation, and helpful content make sites easy and enjoyable to use.
- Fast loading times, clear menus, and consistent design help users find what they need quickly and encourage them to stay longer.
- A seamless UX directly affects business performance by boosting engagement, conversions, and trust.
- Using tools like Webflow with expert designers helps create modern, user-friendly websites that look great and perform well on any device.
Most sources across the web will tell you that users form an opinion about your website in about 0.05 seconds. That’s 50 milliseconds. Let’s say it’s 3 seconds even. A couple of blinks or a scroll of the page, and if they don’t see something valuable — they’re out of here. What prevents them from doing so? A stellar user experience, aka UX.
A seamless UX keeps users engaged, encourages them to explore more pages, and increases session duration. All of these metrics tell a tale. A tale of a good or a bad website. A tale of bad UX vs good UX.
We are here to tell it our way. Join us as we bring you prime examples of good and bad design and discuss the impact thereof on revenue and performance.
5 Bad UX Design Examples
To know the good, first we need to know the bad. The following are websites that clearly dropped the ball when it comes to user experience, even though some of them, like Craigslist, are still among the most popular. Let’s check them all out for more details.
Craigslist
What are common tools used to test website user experience (UX)?
Popular UX testing tools include Hotjar for heatmaps and session recordings, Crazy Egg for click tracking, Google Analytics for behavior flow, and UserTesting for real-time user feedback. These tools help identify pain points and optimization opportunities on a website.
How does poor UX affect a website’s SEO performance?
Poor UX can increase bounce rates, reduce dwell time, and negatively impact core web vitals, which are ranking factors in Google’s algorithm. This leads to lower visibility in search engine results pages and decreased organic traffic.
What are key UX design principles for e-commerce websites?
Effective UX for e-commerce includes intuitive navigation, fast load times, clear product information, streamlined checkout processes, and mobile responsiveness. These elements enhance buyer confidence and improve conversion rates.
How frequently should UX design be updated on a website?
UX design should be reviewed quarterly and updated whenever analytics indicate user drop-off, performance issues, or changes in user behavior. Regular audits and A/B testing ensure the UX remains aligned with user needs and business goals.
What is the role of accessibility in UX design?
Accessibility ensures digital products are usable by people with disabilities. Good UX design incorporates features like keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and proper contrast ratios to comply with standards like WCAG and enhance usability for all users.
How can UX improvements directly impact conversion rates?
Enhancing UX reduces user friction by streamlining navigation, improving content clarity, and making CTAs more visible. This leads to quicker decision-making, increased trust, and ultimately, higher conversion rates and customer retention.
What’s the difference between UX and UI design?
UX design focuses on the overall user journey and usability of a product, while UI design deals with the visual layout and interactive elements. Both work together to create engaging and effective digital experiences.
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