Last updated on October 13th, 2021
Words are amongst the most powerful tools that can compel your audience to action, if used correctly. Whether it’s a logo, banner or website, an incorrect usage of words in a design can ruin your otherwise impressive design, leaving your audiences baffled and perplexed.
At times, an incorrect usage of words in a design may completely turn off your audiences. It is quite natural; no one likes to be led astray and confused. In fact, people tend to reject things that confuse them.
Therefore, it makes sense to spot tricky words and replace them with powerful ones in order to make your design as effective as possible.
Here’s a little smattering on top 5 common word choice mistakes that can ruin your otherwise impressive graphic design.
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Misspelt Words
It has been widely noticed that most people tend to use a wrong word due to the unawareness of the exact meaning of that word. In fact, in some events, people use words that do not exist in dictionary such as ‘Irregardless’ or tend to use the wrong spelling of a word.
And an Improper word choice in a logo, banner, poster design or web design can change the entire meaning of your design, making it futile. It makes sense to pay extra heed to ensure proper word usage. It is smart to consult a dictionary, when in doubt.
Here’s an example of a design that uses a misspelt word. The incorrect spelling of ‘Victorious’ makes this otherwise impressive design ineffective. See how one little letter can make a big difference?
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Negative Connotations
Remember, it is important to ensure that you do not offend your audiences by your design, even remotely. It is sensible to make sure that words you use in your design do not have any double meaning or negative connotations.
Words with double meaning may offend your audiences, while choice of words with negative connotations may leave your audiences confused. For example, the word “youth” and “juvenile” technically mean the same things. However, “juvenile” has negative connotations relating to immaturity. Therefore, it is important to refrain from the use of such words in your final design draft.
Here’s an example of a banner design that uses word ‘Juvenile’, which has negative connotation and may offend onlookers or consumers.
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Improper Pronoun Usage
Pronouns are used to make communication easier and simpler. However, improper use of pronouns can make the communication confusing and offensive, at times. An improper usage of pronoun may make your entire design inappropriate and ineffective.
Therefore, it is important to clarify the subject in order to make the communication and the overall design effective.
Here’s an example of a banner design that uses improper usage of pronoun. A little carelessness changes the entire meaning of this banner.
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Hyperbolic Words
It is important to understand that consumers like a company that’s honest with their offering and advertisement. Though everyone wants to make their product or services sound appealing, it makes sense to refrain from exaggerating the facts in your designs.
So, make sure you do not use the word ‘inexpensive’ for a product that is actually pricy. Remember, if the customers find that your advertising design is just hyperbolic or misleading and lacks substance, they would reject it and would even go about advocating people against using your product or service.
Here’s an example of a banner design that uses hyperbolic words.
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Colloquialisms, Jargons And Slangs
Many graphic designers from across the globe believe that using slangs, jargons and colloquialisms provide an extra zing to your advertisement design including posters, logos and banners.
However, jargons, slangs and colloquialisms are typically understood by select audiences. Therefore, it makes sense to do away with such practises and ensure that a wider range of audience understands what you’re trying to convey through your ad design.
Using slangs, jargons and colloquialisms may make your design less accessible and will also fail to attract new customers.
Here’s an example of a banner design showing slang usage.
Wish to know any other common mistakes in logo designs? Read on to know our blog on top 3 design disasters: avoid making your restaurant logo a nightmare.