In recent years, mental health has declined significantly. More people than ever are struggling with anxiety, depression, and other challenges. As we spend more time online, the impact of web design on mental health has become increasingly important.
There are a few reasons for this, like increased social isolation and people spending a lot of time online. The constant presence of digital technology also plays a part. Constant exposure to news, social media and nonstop notifications can create stress and make it harder for people to disconnect and relax.
Some design choices can make users feel calm, safe and even happy. On the other hand, websites that are messy or hard to use can cause frustration, anxiety and stress. Because of this, more people are talking about how designers have an important responsibility to create websites that support good mental health by making thoughtful design decisions.
That is why creating a website design is not just about aesthetics. It is also about creating safe and supportive websites so people have a better experience when they use them.
Related Articles:
How web design affects mental health
Let’s talk about how web design mental health is connected. The way a website is designed can have a big impact on how users feel.
Information overload
As mentioned above, we are constantly surrounded by information. With so much content, constant notifications and ads popping up everywhere, it can feel like everything’s competing for our attention. All this information is available online and it keeps growing nonstop. With so many things to look at and keep up with, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
That is where thoughtful web design comes in. More designers are finding ways to strip away the clutter and create calmer, more focused online spaces. Clean layouts, simple navigation and clear, easy-to-follow content help users find what they need without adding extra stress.
We also shouldn’t forget that for people living with anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, autism, sensory processing disorders or migraines, this nonstop noise can be especially overwhelming.
Dark patterns
Dark patterns are sneaky design tricks used in websites to push people into doing things they might not want to do. One common trick is hidden costs. Extra fees show up at the last step, and many people feel surprised. Some might not even notice the extra charges and end up paying more than they expected.
Another example of a dark pattern is called forced continuity. This happens when it is difficult to cancel a subscription, so people end up paying for more time even if they wanted to stop. Some websites also hide the option to unsubscribe or stop sharing your information, so it is not easy for users to opt out. There is also something called the roach motel trick. It is easy to sign up, but hard to leave or delete your account. This makes it hard for people to stop using the service when they want to.
When websites trick users, it can make them feel frustrated or even anxious. Some people may feel worried because they cannot easily cancel a service or control their personal information. Others may feel upset when they realise they have paid more than they wanted. Over time, these bad experiences can make people feel tired, confused and less trusting of websites.
Slow load times and glitches
Another way that impact visitors is when loading time is too long. Slow websites can make users feel stressed. By the time someone gets to your site, they have already searched, looked at other pages and maybe visited other websites. If your site takes a long time to load, they can get impatient and frustrated. This can make it hard for them to read or buy something. Often they will leave and go to a different site instead.
People decide if they like a website quickly, in just 0.05 seconds, according to SEMrush. Today with fast internet and 5G, people expect pages to load almost right away. If your site is slow, they might think your business is not professional, not reliable or not trustworthy.
Unclear website navigation
I’m sure you will agree, there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to find what you are looking for on a website. You find myself clicking around, wasting time and getting more stressed the longer it takes. It is even worse when you are trying to buy something and the process isn’t clear. A good website should make it easy to find what you need and get things done without any hassle.
Emotional impact of bad UX
When a website is hard to use, it can leave people feeling frustrated, annoyed or even stressed out. That usually means they won’t enjoy it as much and might just give up altogether. Over time, this can hurt how people see a brand and make them less likely to come back. Bad experiences like this don’t just waste time, they can leave users feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained.
Poor accessibility
When websites are not designed for people with different needs, it can cause frustration and sadness. Struggling to read text, use buttons or see colours clearly can make people feel left out and stressed. Over time, this can affect their confidence and make using technology feel discouraging. Designing with accessibility in mind helps everyone feel welcome, included and comfortable when using a product.
Best practices for web design and mental health
Here are some simple tips and tricks to help you create a design that supports your user’s mental well-being. Understanding the impact of web design on mental health is important. A thoughtful layout can make a big difference. It make people feel more comfortable, less overwhelmed and more in control as they move through your site.
Use colours to help users feel calm and safe
Colour can change how people feel. For a long time, companies have used colour to make people feel certain emotions and to send clear messages to customers. When we design with mental health in mind, we can choose colours that help people feel welcome, calm and comfortable.
Create clean and simple design
When you design your website during the web development process, think about how visitors might feel. Make it simple for people to find what they need without feeling confused or worried. A clean and simple design helps users focus and not get distracted.
Use predictability and clarity
Website navigation should be simple and clear. Even if a website has lots of pages or features, visitors should feel comfortable exploring it. They shouldnt be afraid to click around. A well-designed website helps people know where they are, what they just did and what they can do next. Things like clear page titles, highlighted menus and simple buttons make a big difference.
Use a lot of whitespace
Make plenty of space around elements on the page. This way, the site won’t feel crowded, and visitors won’t get overstimulated. When things aren’t all packed together, it is easier to focus and feels a lot less stressful. Giving the design some room makes the whole experience more calm and welcoming.
Reduce the number of actions required to complete a task
Keep things simple for your users to support the positive impact of web design on mental health. When designing a website try to cut down the number of steps it takes to get things done. A helpful guideline is the three click rule. Users should be able to find what they are looking for in three clicks or less.
Include testimonials and reviews
Testimonials and reviews are great examples of social proof. They show that others have had positive experiences, helping build trust and confidence as users decide to take the next step.
Give users enough time
Imagine you are booking a flight online. You pick your flights and a message says We will hold this price for 10 minutes. Now you feel rushed. Maybe you want to check your travel dates, find your passport or talk to someone before you buy. But the timer makes you feel stressed. For some people, especially those who feel anxious or need more time, this can make booking harder.
Conclusion – impact of web design on mental health
Designing a website that cares for mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. It is about taking a thoughtful approach that avoids adding stress or worry for your users. By understanding what users need, we can build digital experiences that help mental health, not make it harder.
Get in touch with us today if you are looking for website redesign UK or building a brand new website. We would love to help!
