The 3 Biggest UX Mistakes Tech Companies Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Let’s break down how tech companies can avoid the 3 biggest UX mistakes and improve user experience because no one wants their app to be that app—the one users complain about in Slack threads or during their coffee break. Here's how to steer clear of the most common UX traps and make your platform a joy to use (instead of a chore).

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Mistake #1 — Overcomplicated User Flows

If your users feel like they need a PhD in your app just to complete basic tasks, you've got a problem. Overcomplicated user flows are a major frustration point for customers, especially when they’re clicking and scrolling endlessly to achieve something that should take seconds. This is a common issue with older platforms that have grown bloated as features were added over time without a cohesive strategy.

How to Fix It:

• ^Audit Your User Flows: Map out how users navigate your platform and identify bottlenecks or redundancies. Are there too many steps between logging in and completing a task? Fix that.
• Simplify Navigation: Group similar features together in logical categories and reduce the number of clicks needed to reach key actions. Users shouldn’t feel like they’re spelunking in a cave to find what they need.
• Prioritize Tasks: Not everything in your app needs to be front and center. Highlight the most common and critical user actions, and let secondary features take a backseat.

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Mistake #2 — Clunky, Heavy Interfaces

Nothing screams “outdated” like a clunky interface that feels like it hasn’t been touched by a designer in a decade. It’s slow, visually overwhelming, and doesn’t have the modern, streamlined feel users expect. This is especially painful for customers who interact with your platform daily—it’s their job, and instead of making their workday easier, your app is making it harder. 

How to Fix It: 

• Modernize Your UI: Start with a design refresh. Clean up visual elements like typography, colors, and spacing to create a lighter, more user-friendly experience. This isn’t about making it “pretty”; it’s about making it functional and enjoyable.
• Streamline Dashboards: Dashboards are often the culprit here. If they’re too cluttered or jam-packed with unnecessary information, users get overwhelmed. Organize data into digestible sections and use visual hierarchy to guide the user’s attention to what matters most.
• Build Robust Design Systems: A design system ensures consistency across your app, from buttons to layouts. It’s like giving your team a toolbox filled with reusable, high-quality parts instead of reinventing the wheel every time.

Mistake #3 — Inconsistent Branding Across the Platform

Picture this: One page of your app uses one set of fonts and colors, while another looks like it came from a completely different product. This lack of cohesion not only confuses users but also makes your brand look unprofessional. Consistency is key to building trust and credibility with your audience.

How to Fix It:

• Create a Comprehensive Style Guide: This guide should outline your brand’s typography, color palette, button styles, and more. Everyone on your team—designers, developers, marketers—should be working from the same playbook.
• Audit for Inconsistencies: Comb through your app and note where the visuals or layouts don’t align. Fixing these inconsistencies will make your product feel polished and intentional, rather than slapped together.
• Use Tools Like Figma: Design platforms like Figma are perfect for creating and maintaining a cohesive set of reusable components. It’s like upgrading from Post-it notes to a full-on project management system.

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The Payoff — Happy Users, Loyal Customers

When you address these three UX mistakes, your app transforms from a frustrating chore into a tool your users genuinely enjoy. Thoughtful, human-centered design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your users feel like you get them, like you’ve thought about their needs and built something to make their lives easier.

And here's the real kicker: Happy users = loyal users. They’ll not only stick with your product but also recommend it to others. So, let’s stop giving your customers reasons to sigh and start giving them reasons to smile. Time to raise your UX game and leave the competition in the dust.

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