The Most Obtrusive and Useless Features on Websites

When it comes to website design, not every feature serves its intended purpose. In fact, some of them are so annoying that they can drive away potential customers even before they can learn more about what a site has to offer. In this article, we’ll explore the most obtrusive and useless features on websites, highlighting why they often irritate users and visitors.

Why Do Some Website Features Fail?

Website features exist to enhance user experience, streamline navigation, or improve the overall functionality of a site. However, not all of them meet this criterion. The features that fail to do so are often the ones that stand out the most, and unfortunately, those are frequently the ones that end up being the most obtrusive and, therefore, the most useless.

Background Music

Description: Background music is a common feature found on various websites, typically intended to set a mood and enhance the user experience. However, its use often backfires when it inadvertently disrupts the navigation process or causes discomfort to site visitors.

Why Is Background Music Pesky?

Background music can be particularly obtrusive because it plays without the user’s consent and continues playing even when they navigate to different pages. This can be especially distracting for visitors who are on the site to gather information rather than to enjoy a pleasant audio experience.

Pop-Up Windows

Description: Pop-up windows are another common feature often found on websites. They are typically used as a marketing tool to gather user information or to promote products and services. However, pop-up windows are often seen as intrusive and can lead to a negative user experience.

How Do Pop-Ups Affect User Experience?

Pop-ups can be particularly frustrating for visitors because they can appear at any time and interrupt the browsing experience. These pop-ups can be difficult to close, and they often do not allow users to continue their tasks without an additional action. For many users, this can lead to frustration and even abandonment of the site.

Flash Animations

Description: Flash animations were once popular due to their ability to create dynamic and visually stunning content. However, with the advent of more modern technologies, such as HTML5, the use of flash animations has significantly decreased. Yet, some sites still incorporate flash animations, leading to frustrating experiences for users.

Why Are Flash Animations Outdated?

Flash animations can have several drawbacks. They are often resource-intensive and can slow down a website, making navigation and loading times longer. Moreover, flash is not supported by all modern browsers and devices, which can result in broken animations and a poor user experience. Additionally, they are often sound-intensive, further adding to the disruption of user navigation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some features of websites are designed to enhance the user experience, others can lead to frustration and drive away potential users. Background music, pop-up windows, and flash animations are prime examples of features that, despite their intentions, can be particularly obtrusive and, therefore, useless in today’s web landscape. As website designers, it is crucial to focus on user-friendly and functional features that prioritize user experience and satisfaction.