Creating Website Banners: Best Practices for UX and Thoughtful UI

https://uxdesign.cc/designing-persuasive-banners-that-dont-ruin-your-ux-9b51262d5638

When it comes to creating a website, the banner is one of the most crucial elements that sets the tone and conveys the message of your site to visitors. A well-designed banner can capture attention, provide important information, and create a memorable impression. In this blog, we will explore best practices for creating website banners, including different types of banners and how background videos can enhance the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) in a thoughtful way.

Understanding Different Types of Banners

Website banners come in various forms, and it’s important to choose the right type that aligns with your website’s purpose and target audience. Some common types of banners include:

1. Hero Banners: Hero banners are large, full-width banners that typically span the top of the webpage. They are often used to introduce the website’s main message or call to action (CTA). Hero banners usually include a headline, a subheadline, and a visually appealing image that captures the user’s attention.
2. Slideshow Banners: Slideshow banners consist of multiple images or slides that rotate automatically or with user interaction. They can be used to display multiple messages or highlight different products or services.
3. Call-to-Action (CTA) Banners: CTA banners are designed specifically to encourage users to take a particular action, such as signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or downloading an app. They usually include a prominent CTA button and a clear and concise message that compels users to take action.
4. Notification Banners: Notification banners are used to convey important information, such as announcements, promotions, or updates. They are usually placed at the top or bottom of the webpage and are designed to grab the user’s attention quickly.
5. Sticky Banners: Sticky banners, also known as fixed or floating banners, stay in a fixed position on the webpage as the user scrolls down. They can be used for persistent messaging or to keep important information visible to users at all times.

Enhancing Banners with Background Videos

Background videos are becoming increasingly popular in website design as they add visual interest and engage users in a unique way. When used thoughtfully, background videos can elevate the UX and UI of a website banner.

1. Choose Relevant Videos: The video you choose for your background should be relevant to your website’s content and message. It should be high-quality, visually appealing, and evoke the right emotions. For example, if you have a website for a travel agency, a background video of exotic locations or adventurous activities can create a sense of wanderlust and excitement.
2. Optimize Video Loading: Background videos can significantly impact the loading time of your website, so it’s important to optimize them for fast loading. Compress the video file to reduce its size without sacrificing quality, and use modern video formats such as WebM or MP4 that are supported by most browsers.
3. Keep It Subtle: The background video should not overpower the main message or content of the banner. It should be subtle and not distract users from the primary message or CTA. Consider using muted or low-opacity videos, and avoid videos with loud or jarring audio.
4. Ensure Responsiveness: Make sure that the background video is responsive and adapts well to different screen sizes, including mobile devices. Test your website on various devices to ensure that the video doesn’t obstruct important information or negatively impact the user experience on smaller screens.
5. Provide Control to Users: Give users the ability to control the background video, such as the option to pause, mute, or replay it. Also, provide alternative content or images for users who may have slow internet connections or prefer not to view the video.

UX and Thoughtful

When designing a website banner with a background video, it’s crucial to prioritize UX (user experience) and thoughtful UI (user interface) considerations. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Keep it subtle: The background video should enhance the overall aesthetic of the banner without overpowering the main message or content. Avoid videos with loud or jarring audio that can distract users. Consider using muted or low-opacity videos that provide a visually appealing backdrop without being intrusive.
2. Ensure responsiveness: With the increasing use of mobile devices for browsing, it’s essential to ensure that the background video is responsive and adapts well to different screen sizes. Test your website on various devices to ensure that the video doesn’t obstruct important information or negatively impact the user experience on smaller screens.
3. Provide user control: Users should have control over the background video. Include options for users to pause, mute, or replay the video. Additionally, provide alternative content or images for users who may have slow internet connections or prefer not to view the video. Giving users control over their experience enhances their engagement and satisfaction with your website.
4. Optimize loading time: Background videos can significantly impact the loading time of your website. Optimize the video file by compressing it to reduce its size without sacrificing quality. Also, use modern video formats that are supported by most browsers, such as WebM or MP4, for faster loading times.
5. Consider accessibility: Accessibility is a crucial aspect of UX design. Ensure that the background video meets accessibility standards, including providing alternative text descriptions or captions for users with visual or hearing impairments. This ensures that your website is inclusive and accessible to all users.

In conclusion, incorporating a background video in your website banner can be an effective way to engage users and create a visually appealing experience. By following best practices such as keeping it subtle, ensuring responsiveness, providing user control, optimizing loading time, and considering accessibility, you can create a website banner with a background video that enhances the overall UX and UI, making it a memorable and engaging experience for your users.