Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, ate lots of turkey and pie, and got a chance to relax. Now that we’re back, it’s time to jump into some fresh ideas and insights.
Today’s topic was inspired by one of our clients, Pamco Distributing Inc, a leading sexual health distributor in Canada. We are in the middle of a redesign and one important piece came up when it comes to user experience.
For a unique website like this it’s important to consider users specific needs, experiences, and comfort levels.
Put Your Audience First
Imagine you’re running a sexual education and wellness website designed to support young people navigating complex topics. As we all know, many youth seek out this kind of information in private settings, where they can explore and learn at their own pace. However, they might face interruptions from family members, peers, or others.
For this reason, it’s vital to implement design features that prioritize privacy, comfort, and security. A great example of this is the quick exit button.
A quick exit button is a tool that quickly redirects users to a neutral page or closes the content, giving them a fast way out if they feel uncomfortable or at risk of being caught browsing sensitive content.
Why Does This Matter?
- Privacy and Safety: When dealing with sensitive subjects, such as sexual health and wellness, users may want to ensure their browsing is private, especially if they are young people or in a potentially unsafe home environment.
- Empathy and Trust: It’s about showing empathy for your audience and building trust. When users see that you’ve thought about their privacy and comfort, they are more likely to engage with your content in a meaningful way.
Quick Tips for Implementing an Quick Exit Button:
- Clear Design and Placement: Ensure the button is easy to find, yet unobtrusive. Consider placing it in the top corner of the screen or in the navigation bar. Make it recognizable with a simple, discreet design (e.g., a “close” button).
- Exit Options: Redirect to a neutral page (such as a homepage or a safe, unrelated page) that does not carry any sensitive content. The goal is to instantly mask the nature of the previous content and give users a fast route to exit.
- Responsive and Fast: The button should activate immediately when the user moves their mouse toward the top of the page or presses a hotkey (e.g., ESC). Speed is key here; a few seconds delay could lead to an uncomfortable situation.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Many users access content through their phones. Make sure the quick exit button is optimized for mobile browsing too, and consider using a swipe gesture or quick tap to activate it.
- Regular Testing and Feedback: Engage with your audience and ask for feedback on how comfortable and effective your safety features are. Continuously improve based on user input.
In short, when designing your website, prioritize your audience. Making users feel comfortable leads to higher engagement and a better overall experience. By focusing on accessibility and safety, you create a more welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.
Here’s another latte recipe for you to try:
Festive Cinnamon Spice Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative like oat milk)
- 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup for a different twist)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- A pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish
- Optional: A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness
Instructions:
- Brew Coffee or Espresso: Make a shot of espresso or brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee.
- Heat the Milk: Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar as it heats up.
- Froth the Milk (Optional): Whisk the milk quickly to create foam, or use a frother if you have one.
- Combine: Pour the brewed coffee or espresso into a mug, then add the vanilla extract. Pour in the spiced milk and top with foam.
- Garnish (Optional): Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel for extra festive flair.