Avoiding Common Design Clichés

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We live in a world where collaboration is important. It’s natural to be influenced by others to a certain degree and sometimes, this is a great thing. In design however, it’s way too easy to allow your influences to get a little heavy, to the point that all you’re doing is jumping on the aesthetic bandwagon. Of course a little creative influence is necessary. Where would we be if we hadn’t hero worshiped our idols? If we hadn’t aspired to become as talented? Inspiration is a starting point, but we need to strive for originality! Be aware of these common design clichés, and avoid them like you would Comic Sans.

1. Stock Visuals (and clichéd images)

There is a lot to be said for stock photos and stock footage when used in the right context, but if you’re going for cutting edge professionalism, try and give them a wide berth. Stock images and stock videos tend to be a little generic, so use with caution. Be careful not to use clichés. You know what they are, light bulbs for “ideas,” speech bubbles for “discussion,” globes to signify “international” etc. The problem with the first idea in your head is that it’s the first idea in everybody else’s, too. As a rule of thumb, it’s good practice to discard the first idea you have, unless you’re going to subvert it in an interesting and memorable way. Image Source: It Looks Insoluble – Flickr

2. Poor Font Choices

Choosing the right font can make or break a design. You should take your time when settling on a font for a logo, headings, or general text. Research all the fonts that you could possibly use for your webpage, and test them out and see if they work to emphasize the look or feel that you’re going for. Fonts have personality, so make sure it sits well with your brand identity. If you’re not happy with a standard font, buy a different one. Image Source/Font – Hacking the Plant

3. Zig Zag Borders

Borders can be extremely useful in web design and have the potential to finish off a page brilliantly. However, in the last few years, use of the “zig zag” border has reached epidemic proportions. Symptomatic of lazy design, anyone considering a jazzy “zig zag” edge should be quarantined immediately. Image Source: – GMLV – Web Design Trends

4. Ribbons and Badges

Currently, ribbons are everywhere. Forked and folded ribbons are especially prevalent and using them puts any design in danger of becoming dated extremely quickly. Similarly to “special offer” badges popularized in the mid to late 2000s, adding badges or ribbons to your site is just following a trend. Ask yourself why you’re doing it. Is it really adding anything? Try something different. Image Source: Glider Theme by Elegant Themes

5. Textured Background

Why textures have become so popular in web design is a mystery. Perhaps it’s a backlash against the techy, crisp white backgrounds of the Web 2.0 look, but the truth is, we’ll never know. Textured backgrounds (things like subtle grain, dirt, scratches and papery surfaces) have become extremely commonplace in web design, and whilst I can understand the desire to introduce a little interest into a flat background, perhaps it’s time to leave the texture to the print designers. Image Source: – Subtle Patterns