The Myth:
“Users read everything we put on the page.”
This is one of the most persistent misconceptions in UX design. Stakeholders often assume that carefully crafted copy, detailed explanations, and long-form storytelling will be thoroughly read by users. But here’s the harsh reality: Users don’t read. They scan!
They don’t treat your website like a novel. They treat it like a vending machine – fast, functional, and goal-oriented.
The Reality:
Research consistently shows that users scan web pages in search of keywords, visual cues, or links that match their immediate goals. They skip introductions, ignore body text, and gravitate toward headlines, buttons, images, and highlighted terms.
Some supporting insights:
- Eye-tracking studies (e.g. Nielsen Norman Group) reveal F-shaped and Z-shaped scanning patterns.
- Long paragraphs often get ignored entirely.
- Users make snap judgments within 5–8 seconds of landing on a page.
What Good UX Design Should Do:
Design for the scanner, not the reader.
- Highlight what matters: Use bold text, short blocks, and meaningful headings.
- Cut the clutter: Eliminate filler. Keep only what adds real value.
- Guide the eye: Create a visual hierarchy that naturally leads users to important actions.
- Test your content: Run 5-second tests or scroll-depth analytics to see what users actually notice.
Quick Tips for Designers & Writers:
- Use bullet points over dense paragraphs.
- Add icons or emojis for visual anchors (when suitable).
- Limit one clear CTA per section or page.
- Embrace white space – it’s not empty, it’s guidance.
Pro UX Tip:
“If everything is important, nothing is.”
Hierarchy isn’t just for layout – it applies to content strategy too. Prioritize clarity, not quantity.