As web designers, we are always looking for ways to create better looking, more effective and attractive sites. One way to achieve this is by making use of the modal. Modals are often overlooked when designing a website, yet they offer so much potential for enhancing the user experience.
A modal is a window that is displayed over the main page content, providing a pop-up that allows the user to focus on the particular content of interest to them, without being taken away from the main page. Modals allow for different layout options and customized content, such as images, videos, forms, or links. Modals help create a more immersive experience for the user without taking away from the main focus of the page.
One way modals can be used to improve user experience is through the use of ‘call to action’ buttons, which can be used to drive traffic and engagement on the site. These call to action buttons can be used to promote special offers, ask for customer feedback, or even as a gateway for signing up to a mailing list. By adding a modal in the form of a ‘call to action’ button, it increases the probability that the user will actually click on it. This leads to an increase in website traffic and possible customers.
Another possible use of modals is to direct users to new features on the website. If a site has many features for the user to explore, a modal could be used to introduce the user to these features and make them aware of how to best navigate them. This would be particularly useful for user onboarding, as it helps guide the user to the right places as soon as they land on the homepage.
Modals also provide an effective way of displaying all types of information to the user. For example, if a website is hosting a special promotion, a modal can be used to reveal the details of the promotional offer. This allows the user to be informed without having to leave the homepage or navigate away from the page they are currently on.
Overall, modals are an incredibly effective and underutilized element in web design. They can be used to create a more immersive user experience, to drive traffic to particular pages on the site, and to showcase new features. Modals can help bring more attention to specific content, leading to increased engagement and potentially more customers. As web designers, we should be taking more advantage of modals and all the possibilities they can offer.