Trauma-Informed Web Design: Making your website a good experience for everyone
Have you ever visited a website and thought, “This site is so hard to navigate,” or simply, “wow this website stinks!” People underestimate the power of a straightforward, easy-to-navigate website, until they encounter a site that is confusing. For some, aggressive pop-ups with no clear ‘close’ button, and for others, this may be agitating or even lead to such an unpleasant experience that they panic, close the site, and never return to it again. Now, not only is the user missing out on a website that might have otherwise led them to a service or product that they wanted/needed, but the owner of that website has lost a customer. This is why trauma-informed design and accessibility are important!
What is trauma-informed design?
Trauma-informed design is any sort of design that promotes the emotional/psychological safety and wellbeing of a user. It can be applied in physical spaces, such as buildings or rooms, but it can also be applied in graphic design! Using soft, calming colors, and readable fonts would be the most obvious example of trauma-informed graphic design, but it can go a lot deeper, including clear navigation (is the user able to find each page of the site easily?) and clear exit buttons (for example, allowing the user to easily ‘X’ out of those annoying pop-ups - or not having them at all!).
As I’ve worked in web design, I’ve realized that not only does trauma-informed design make a website friendly to those who may have PTSD or a disability, but it makes it more efficient, clear, and accessible for EVERYONE. Creating a trauma-informed web design gives all of your site’s visitors a better overall experience and builds trust with your audience. The best way to win clients is to show them that you care about them and their experience. A website is often a client’s first impression of your business, so by having a user-friendly and accessible site, you are showing them on their first point of contact that you care about their experience. This makes people want to visit your site again and do business with you!
“Would you hire a salesperson who ignores half of your clients? This is what a poor website does.”
There is so much diversity in your website’s audience, so having a website that is difficult to navigate and looks chaotic and confusing could exclude a good portion of potential clients. Creating an accessible, aesthetic website is an investment for your business. Not only is it inclusive, but it’s good for your SEO, brand trust, and will create less barrier to entry for new clients!
Here are some key principles I use when building a website:
✅ Simple, calm design (avoid bright, chaotic, or flashing visuals)
✅ Clear navigation - the user should know how to get back to the page they came from, and be able to easily access any pages they want to get to
✅ Clear exit options - Does the user know how to easily get back to home page? I try to select “open page in new tab” when linking sources so that they can simply close the tab
✅ Readable fonts & layout - this is important for those with visual impairments as well!
✅ Alt Text & screen reader accessibility - not only does this make your site more accessible, but it helps your SEO!
✅ Use simple, clear language - no one should have to Google what you’re talking about on your site!
✅ Include multiple ways to contact you
✅ Be clear about what your business offers & what customers can expect - this will make people less anxious about inquiring!
If you or someone you know is looking for website help, reach out! I would love to help your business expand its online presence and I’m currently booking for the fall. Click the link to get started: https://lnkd.in/ebSmXDPD
