Welcome to the world of web design, where trends come and go faster than you can say “pixel-perfect.” As a designer who values sustainability, usability, and inclusivity, I’ve seen firsthand how the latest design fads can make websites harder to use—especially for older generations. And I should know: I’m my mum’s digital assistant. Watching her navigate websites (or try to) is like watching someone attempt a maze with a blindfold on—frustrating and completely unnecessary.
Let’s talk about why less is more when it comes to web design and how prioritizing usability over flashy trends can make the internet a better place for everyone.
When Trends Make Websites a Nightmare
Web design trends can be fun and exciting—until they’re not. Take hidden navigation menus, for example. Sure, a minimalist hamburger menu looks sleek on a destop website, but for someone like my mum, it’s not intuitive. She’ll spend ages trying to figure out how to find basic information. By the time she does, she’s ready to throw her computer out of the window (and, honestly, I don’t blame her).
Other offenders include:
- Excessive animations: Fancy scroll effects and flashing elements might impress a designer, but they’re overwhelming and disorienting for older users or anyone with cognitive difficulties.
- Low-contrast text: That trendy light-grey-on-white look? It’s practically invisible to someone with poor eyesight. (even i struggle with this one)
- Minimalist designs that hide essential information: Stripping a website down to its bare bones might win awards, but it frustrates users who just want to find a phone number or opening hours quickly.
The Inclusion Factor: Designing for Real People
Now, I’m all for making websites look good. But if your design makes it impossible for people like my mum to order her groceries or book an appointment, what’s the point? Older generations often struggle with:
- Tiny fonts that require a magnifying glass (or, in my mum’s case, her one semi-functional eye… when my stepdad isn’t hogging it).
- Hidden or non-standard navigation: Anything other than a clear menu and obvious buttons is just asking for trouble.
- Interactive elements requiring precise gestures: Swiping, pinching, or dragging isn’t always easy for someone with limited dexterity.
It’s not just older users, either. Overly complex designs can alienate anyone who isn’t tech-savvy or has a disability. Inclusive design isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential.
The Problem with Trend-Driven Design
Many modern web design trends prioritise aesthetics over functionality. But who benefits from that? A website might look stunning, but if users can’t figure out how to navigate it, they’ll bounce—and probably won’t return. For example:
- Dark mode overkill: While dark mode has its place, using it without sufficient contrast makes text unreadable for many users.
- Overly complex forms: Asking for too much information or using fancy input fields can deter older or less tech-savvy users.
- Unnecessary parallax effects: While visually striking, they can cause motion sickness or slow down the user experience.
Why Less Really Is More
Here’s the thing: simplicity works. Clean layouts, intuitive navigation, and clear calls to action make websites easier for everyone to use. Plus, they’re often faster and more sustainable. (Hint: fewer fancy elements mean less data to load, which is kinder to the planet.)
When I help my mum navigate websites, it’s painfully obvious which ones were designed with real users in mind. The good ones? They’re straightforward, functional, and don’t make her feel like she needs a degree in IT to buy a loaf of bread (I’m looking at you Iceland).
Sustainable web design isn’t just about being eco-friendly; it’s about creating lasting, functional solutions that serve all users. By adopting a “less is more” philosophy, you’re not just simplifying design—you’re making it accessible and future-proof.
How to Get It Right
If you’re designing a website—or working with someone like me to build one—here are some tips to keep things inclusive and effective:
- Prioritise readability: Use high-contrast colours and legible fonts. No one should have to squint to read your content.
- Keep navigation simple and familiar: A clear menu at the top of the page beats a hidden hamburger menu every time. Bonus points if it’s sticky and easy to access from anywhere on the site.
- Focus on clear calls to action: Make buttons obvious and text unambiguous. “Click here to book” is a lot better than a vague icon.
- Test with real users: Get feedback from people outside the design bubble—especially older users. They’ll quickly tell you what works and what doesn’t.
- Ditch unnecessary extras: Animations and pop-ups might look cool, but they’re not always functional. Ask yourself if they add value or just clutter.
- Optimise for speed: Simple designs often mean faster load times, which benefits all users and reduces your website’s carbon footprint.
Lessons from the Front Lines
Being my mum’s digital assistant has taught me a lot about inclusive design. When she struggles to navigate a site, it’s not her fault—it’s the design. Watching her frustration when she can’t read low-contrast text or find the checkout button has been a constant reminder that design is about usability, not just aesthetics.
For my mum, and millions like her, the internet can be a confusing place. But it doesn’t have to be. By embracing simplicity, we can create websites that work for everyone—whether you’re 18 or 80, tech-savvy or not.
A More Inclusive Web Starts Here
Designing for simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing style. It means putting users first—all users. The internet should be a tool that empowers everyone, from tech-savvy twenty-somethings to someone like my mum, who just wants to order a jar of marmalade without shouting, “Why do they make this so bloody complicated?”
By adopting the “less is more” philosophy, we can create websites that don’t just look good but also work for everyone. Let’s make the web a friendlier, more inclusive space—one simple, sustainable design at a time.
What do you think? Ready to simplify your site? Let’s chat about how we can make it work better for all your users.
