Year-End Checklist: 4 Things You Should Know How to Do

With the end of the year quickly approaching, it only feels right to reflect on our biggest design topics of the year and to gather some takeaways.

Whether you are looking to redesign your website in the near future or not, this information is relevant to you.

Here is a checklist of 4 things you should know how to do moving into 2026.

1. Review Design Materials

In order to get the most out of a design project, it’s important to understand what is expected at each stage of the process. That includes knowing how to prepare for the discovery phase, as well as how to review wireframes and review mockups.

Being able to review design materials and provide relevant feedback helps you to anticipate roadblocks, can assist in content development, and helps avoid the need to backtrack later in the project.

Ultimately, it leads to the best possible outcome.

2. Prioritize User Experience

User experience is one of the most important considerations in any design.

But what exactly does that mean? Beyond the typical accessibility guidelines, it means ensuring the end product is easy to navigate and enjoyable to use. This can be done by using clear, easy-to-understand language and incorporating helpful elements like a table of contents for pages with dense content.

Also, remember to always test on mobile! You don’t want to lose users because you overlooked the mobile experience.

When in doubt, keeping it simple is usually the most straightforward way to create a positive user experience.

3. Elevate Your Look, Without Straying from Your Brand

Hopefully, you have a strong concept of your brand identity and a clear picture of both voice and aesthetic.

Keeping your brand appearance consistent is one of the most helpful tools for building trust and rapport with your audience. To elevate things, consider incorporating interactive elements and having some fun with personality.

Now that we’re in the midst of the holiday season, you may even create some seasonal graphics.

4. Use AI to Your Advantage

AI technology has boomed in the last year, and is swiftly being integrated into many existing sites and apps. It’s important to understand both the strengths and limitations of AI. We don’t recommend using it for comprehensive projects like branding, logos, or websites – but it can be a helpful tool to help streamline your process.

Naturally, there’s a lot of conversation around the use of AI – the main question usually being “How do we use this technology to our advantage?” It’s important to remember that even AI makes mistakes. In order to ensure the correct information is being pulled by platforms such as ChatGPT, it’s important to review your content. Want to learn more? Explore our guide on the Best Practices for Nonprofit Websites and AI.

Geared with this knowledge, you’re well-prepared to head into the new year with a greater understanding of your site and how to optimize it. If you have any questions, we’re always here to help.