Follow common design patterns

Designers always aim to create unique and innovative products. Users, on the other hand, come to a website or an app with a predefined idea about how the product should work. People plan their actions based on their mental models. But what happens if a task requires another approach? In this case, users experience a significant cognitive load, resulting in frustration.

Think about it. When taking a shower at home, you know exactly how your shower tap works and what to expect. However, when staying in a hotel, taking a shower may require some guesswork. In the same way, when users open a website, they expect to see a logo and a search icon in the header. If users can't find these elements in a familiar place, they start feeling disheartened.

When designing a product or adding new functionality, avoid reinventing the wheel. Instead, explore products and common design patterns that have stood the test of time. Or even better — conduct user research to understand your target audience's actual expectations and pain points.