The Internet is Becoming Harder to Use – Let’s Talk About It
Dude, when did the internet get so damn frustrating to use? Every website, every app, every digital experience is full of pop-ups, endless authentication steps, and unnecessary interruptions. We used to be able to just browse, shop, or sign in without jumping through hoops. Now? It’s a battlefield of consent boxes, security codes, and distractions. Let’s talk about what’s going wrong and why designers need to chill with the over-engineered UX.
Pop-Ups Everywhere – Even the “Helpful” Ones Are Annoying
You land on a website, and before you can even scroll, BAM – a cookie consent banner. Close that, and BOOM – a pop-up for a 10% discount (that you don’t want). Try to click something, and suddenly, an autoplay video starts blaring. It’s chaos.
Look, I get it. Cookies are a legal thing, discounts drive sales, and video content boosts engagement. But when did we stop thinking about when and why users are being interrupted? Every click should feel intentional, not like a game of digital whack-a-mole.
The Security Circus – Logging In Shouldn’t Feel Like a Spy Mission
Remember when logging into an app was as simple as entering a username and password? Now, it’s:
- Enter your password.
- Get a code sent to your email.
- Open your phone to find a second code.
- Scan your face to confirm it’s really you.
- Click a link in an email that takes you back to the app.
All for what? Checking your online banking is one thing, but do I really need to go through three layers of security to reorder some socks? Security matters, but we’ve lost sight of simple experiences.
The Challenge: Simplify, Don’t Overwhelm
As designers, product managers, and developers, we need to ask ourselves: Does the user really need to be interrupted right now? Every pop-up, every authentication step, every flashy UI element should be questioned. The best digital experiences feel effortless, not exhausting.
Accessibility = Simplicity = Better UX
Want a quick rule of thumb for better design? Aligning with WCAG AA or even AAA accessibility standards is a great way to simplify user experiences. Accessibility guidelines prioritise clear, readable content, minimal distractions, and intuitive navigation—basically everything we need to cut the clutter and make the internet usable again.
La Fin:
✅ Keep pop-ups to a minimum – only when absolutely necessary. (They’re a nightmare to get right with accessibility anyway) ✅ Make security seamless – balance safety with ease of use. ✅ Respect the user’s journey – don’t interrupt without a good reason. ✅ Follow accessibility standards – they make design clearer for everyone. ✅ Think like a user – would this experience frustrate you?
We, as designers, have the power to fix this mess. Next time you’re working on an app or website, take a step back and ask: Is this actually making things better, or just adding more noise? Let’s bring back the days of simple, and enjoyable digital experiences.
Here are five examples of simple, effective UX design in action:
- Google Search – A clean, minimal interface that gets users to what they need with zero distractions. No unnecessary pop-ups, just a search bar and results.
- Apple’s iOS Settings – Intuitive, logical organisation of settings, making it easy to navigate without overwhelming the user.
- Gov.uk – A great example of accessibility-focused design with clear content, a simple layout, and minimal friction.
- Dropbox’s Sign-Up Flow – A streamlined, distraction-free process that focuses on getting users started quickly.
- Airbnb’s Booking Experience – A frictionless, guided process that prioritises clarity and ease of use without unnecessary interruptions.
