Let’s face it: websites have come a long way since the early days of the internet. But some design trends from the past just won’t die, and it’s time to give them the roast they deserve. Today, we’re serving up a sassy critique of the worst offenders and offering some fresh ideas to bring your website into the modern era. So buckle up—it’s about to get spicy.
1. Busy Backgrounds: Is This a Website or a Magic Eye Puzzle?
Remember when tiled backgrounds with neon colors were all the rage? Yeah, we’re still trying to forget too. A cluttered background is like wearing plaid with polka dots—it’s just too much.
- The Problem: Overly busy backgrounds make text unreadable and hurt your site’s professionalism.
- The Fix: Stick to clean, minimalist designs with plenty of white space. Need some design inspiration? Check out our portfolio for examples of sleek, modern websites.
2. Autoplay Music: Why Are You Doing This to Us?
Imagine this: you’re peacefully browsing, and BOOM—“My Heart Will Go On” blasts out of your speakers. Autoplay music is the jump scare of web design, and it’s been haunting us since the early 2000s.
- The Problem: It’s intrusive, annoying, and can drive users away faster than you can hit the mute button.
- The Fix: Ditch the autoplay. If you want audio, let users choose to play it. Better yet, embed a podcast or video that adds value.
3. Pop-Ups Galore: Enough Is Enough
We get it, you want to capture leads. But bombarding users with pop-ups is like handing them a dozen flyers the second they walk through the door. It’s overwhelming and often counterproductive.
- The Problem: Too many pop-ups disrupt the user experience and increase bounce rates.
- The Fix: Use pop-ups sparingly and strategically.
4. Stock Photos That Scream “Fake”
Ah, the classic stock photo of a grinning office team high-fiving. We see you, and we’re not impressed.
- The Problem: Overused or overly generic stock photos make your site feel impersonal.
- The Fix: Invest in original photography or choose authentic, relatable stock images.
5. Overloaded Navigation: The Cheesecake Factory Menu of Websites
If your navigation bar has more options than a Cheesecake Factory menu, it’s time for an intervention. Users shouldn’t need a treasure map to find what they’re looking for.
- The Problem: Overloaded navigation confuses users and hurts your site’s usability.
- The Fix: Keep navigation simple and intuitive. Limit main menu items to 5-7 and use drop-downs sparingly. Need a usability check? We can help streamline your site.
6. Flash Intros: Leave It in the Past
Flash intros were cool… when flip phones were cool. In 2025, a flashy intro is just a waste of time and bandwidth.
- The Problem: Flash is outdated, not mobile-friendly, and hurts SEO.
- The Fix: Focus on fast-loading, interactive elements that engage users without making them wait.
7. Walls of Text: TL;DR
Huge blocks of unbroken text are the internet equivalent of a sleep aid. Nobody’s sticking around to read your novel-length “About Us” page.
- The Problem: Dense text is intimidating and drives users away.
- The Fix: Break up content with headings, bullet points, and visuals. And remember, less is more.
How to Avoid Design Faux Pas in the Future
- Stay Updated: Follow design blogs and keep an eye on trends.
- Test Your Site: Regularly gather feedback from real users.
- Partner with Experts: When in doubt, call in the pros. TrevNet Media’s team specializes in modern, user-friendly design.
Final Thoughts: Roast It, Then Fix It
We’ve had our fun roasting these outdated trends, but the goal here is to help your website shine. By ditching the cringe-worthy design choices of the past and embracing modern best practices, you can create a site that wows users and keeps them coming back.
Ready to give your website a glow-up? Contact TrevNet Media today, and let’s make it happen.