Faster Page Load Speed Means Better UX
Loading speed from a UXperspective and how it can be optimised
Importance of Loading Speed
Loading speed plays a crucial role in determining the overall user experience (UX) of a website or application. Users have come to expect instant access to information and fast-paced interactions, and the time it takes for a website or application to load has become a significant factor in determining its success. And with UX expert Jakob Nielsen(2010) stating that after 1 second of load time; users can sense a delay, timing really does matter! Slow loading speed can lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and even abandonment of the website or application by users. This article will delve into the impact of loading speed on UX design and explore various ways in which designers can optimise loading speed to enhance user experience.
The Users Perception
Loading speed can greatly impact the user’s perception of a website or application. When a website or application loads quickly, users are likely to perceive it as responsive and easy to use. On the other hand, if a website or application takes too long to load, users may perceive it as slow and unresponsive. This can in turn negatively impact their overall experience. Hogan(2014) provides the benchmark of 2 seconds as an optimal load time. She goes on to state that after 3 seconds, up to 40% of users will leave your site. And this of course will have the knock on effect of the user not wishing to return to your site or application.
Optimising Loading Speed
There are several ways in which designers can optimise loading speed to improve user experience. One of the most important is by reducing the size of images and other elements on the website or application. This can be done by compressing images and using image optimisation techniques. Ons simple and free way you can do this is to use web-based image compression tools(Kardys, 2013). A great option I use personally is:
File Formatting
In addition, using the correct file format can also make a big difference in loading speed. For example, using .webp instead of .jpeg can significantly decrease the size of the file. This can make a big difference in loading time when it comes to images.
Additionally, designers can use browser caching to improve loading speed. Browser caching allows the browser to store elements of a website or application locally, so that they do not need to be loaded from the server each time the user visits the website or application. This can greatly improve loading speed and make the website or application feel more responsive to users.(Zaiceva, 2022)
CDN
Another way to optimise loading speed is by using a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN is a system of distributed servers that work together to deliver content to users quickly, regardless of their location. Essentially a CDN shortens the path that information has to travel in order to reach the user. By using a CDN, designers can ensure that users can access the website or application quickly and efficiently, even if they are located far from the server. This rapid access to information will help create a seamless and frustration free user experience.(Cousins, 2017)
Designers can also use performance monitoring tools to track loading speed and identify areas that need improvement. These tools can provide valuable insights into the loading speed of a website or application. They help highlight areas that are causing slowdowns and provide suggestions for improvement. The quality of these tools vary from one to the next and can be free or paid for. By using performance monitoring tools, designers can focus their efforts on the areas that will have the biggest impact on loading speed and user experience.
Lazy Loading
Lazy loading is another technique to improve loading speed. It is used to load elements of a website or application only when they are needed by the user. This can greatly reduce the initial loading time of a website or application, making it feel more responsive and faster to users. The key here in terms of UX is the increase in speed of perceived performance. Lazy loading can be especially useful for long scrolling pages; think a never ending feed page on twitter.(MobifyDevCenter)
Conclusion
In conclusion, loading speed is a crucial aspect of UX design that cannot be ignored. As users have come to expect fast and seamless digital experiences, it is essential for designers to consider loading speed when designing websites and applications. There are several ways in which designers can optimise loading speed to improve user experience, such as reducing the size of images and other elements on the website or application, using browser caching, using a content delivery network, using performance monitoring tools, implementing lazy loading, and using the correct file format. By taking the time to optimise loading speed, designers can ensure that users have a positive and satisfying experience with the website or application, which can lead to increased engagement and satisfaction. Ultimately, a well-designed and optimised loading speed can make all the difference in determining the success of a digital experience.
References
Cousins, C. 2017. 4 Ways a CDN Can Speed Up Your Website. Available at: https://designshack.net/articles/business-articles/4-ways-a-cdn-can-speed-up-your-website/
Hogan, L. 2014. Performance is User Experience. Designing for Performance. Available at: https://designingforperformance.com/performance-is-ux/
Kardys, D.2013. Page Performance: Image Compression Tips. Available at: https://www.wearediagram.com/blog/how-to-boost-page-performance-image-compression-tips
MobifyDevCenter. N.d. Using Lazy Loading to Improve Perceived Performance. Available at: https://dev.mobify.com/v2.x/how-to-guides/categories/design/performant-product-loading-strategy
Nielsen, J. 2010. Website Response Times. Available at: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/website-response-times/
Zaiceva, A. 2022. 11 Tips on How to Increase Website Loading Speed in 2023. Available at: https://setupad.com/blog/increase-website-loading-speed/#cache
