Thinking Out of the Box: Refero.design Homepage Teardown
I came to Refero.design based on a recommendation for a site for design and UX inspiration. What I found most interesting is their out-of-the-box homepage design.
NOTE: On the day I am published this post someone reached out and updated me that Refero updated their homepage for websites, but left iOS as described below.
As a product manager, I'm constantly on the lookout for innovative solutions and design inspiration to tackle the challenges we face in our projects. Over time, I've reviewed countless websites, each offering its own unique flavor of design and UX insights. Recently, a colleague introduced me to Refero, a platform promising to streamline the process of finding design inspiration. Intrigued, I went to explore.
Refero positions itself as a comprehensive resource, providing a vast collection of screenshots depicting various stages of user journeys across different websites. It aims to simplify design and UX research. In many ways it is similar to Wayback Machine. Disclaimer: I have no affiliation to Refero.
Unpacking Refero's Homepage
At first glance, Refero's homepage deviates from the norm. Instead of the typical marketing-centric approach, it presents a visually dense array of options, reminiscent of starting a Miro board filled with templates from the miroverse. The abundance of choices is both exciting and overwhelming, leading me to think of its effects.
Key Observations
Action-Packed Interface: Refero's homepage is full with options, emphasizing onboarding a user rather than marketing. However, the absence of social proof and use cases is noticeable, leaving room for improvement in strengthening trust and guiding user expectations.
Streamlining User Experience: While the wealth of options is impressive, the layout may hinder user engagement. A more prominent search function could reduce cognitive overload and enhance user navigation.
Seizing Opportunities: Refero's offer of a 3-day free trial, without requiring credit card details, is a valuable selling point that warrants greater focus. Leveraging reverse trials, as advocated by industry expert Elena Verna, could further boost conversion rates.
Image credit - Elena Verna
Closing Tips for Homepage Success
1. Simplicity is Key: Keep above-the-fold content clean and focused to drive user action.
2. Highlight Value Proposition: Clearly communicate benefits, such as free trials, to entice visitors to explore further.
3. Visualize Success: Use imagery to help visitors envision themselves using your product.
4. Leverage Social Proof: Showcase testimonials or user reviews to build trust and credibility.
5. Always Include a Call to Action: Encourage user interaction with clear CTAs strategically placed throughout the page.
In conclusion, while Refero.design offers a great offering of design inspiration, there are opportunities for refinement to enhance user experience and maximize its potential.