Cause’s Top 5 Design “Pet” Peeves

Here at Cause, our design team is hard at work for our clients every day. But as designers, it’s hard not to notice the design elements in everything we see in the world. The Cause design team, including mascot Myko, present our top design pet peeves.

Myko, the Design Team Mascot.

Brand Inconsistency. When an organization does not have a consistent visual identity across its digital and print materials, it has no identity at all. It’s like mixing a ballgown with sneakers. By making the messaging and visuals consistent across platforms, it creates the desired impact and brand recognition you want for your organization.

Myko: Yes! Yes! I like consistency too, consistent walks and treats.

Confusing website navigation. It drives us crazy when we visit a website and can’t find what we’re looking for. Always hire an experienced web designer, but if that’s not within your budget, study how others in your field organize content. Also be sure to test your website with some friends, asking for their honest feedback.

Myko: Where is the belly rub section?

Mismatched visuals and messaging. There is something unsettling about a picture of an adorable puppy with the words “End Childhood Hunger.” An exaggerated example? Yes. But it’s a great way to see that communication is not just about words or just about pictures, it’s about the successful combination of the two.

Myko: That reminds me, I’m hungry again. Is it snack time?

Information overload. When we see materials too packed with information we don’t know where to look first. In a general marketing piece such as a website homepage, use just a few, well-written key messages to grab your audience’s attention, then draw them into the interior for more information. If you put everything on your homepage it becomes “information overload” and you leave your audiences confused instead of inspired.

Myko: Too much information makes me want to take a nap.

Scale all wrong. Have you ever seen a billboard with text too small to read from your car? Or had a pen with a logo so small you couldn’t even decipher the organization’s name? It’s important to consider the end usage of a product when designing it.

Myko: Did you say car? Are we going to the beach? I love the beach!