Cha-ching vs. Ding-a-ling

 Hi everyone, and welcome back to the latest UXploration!

Yes, I know, the title is terrible, bear with me.

If you're anything like me, you have at some point felt completely overwhelmed by the very idea of personal finance. If you've had a panic attack after opening a credit card, or searched the words "get my life together", these personal finance blogs might have already popped up on your radar. But whose user interface is more agreeable? Let's check them out!

The Good: Broke Millennial

Erin Lowry, queen of personal finance advice for my generation, has built an incredible and accessible brand guiding millennials (and others) through everything from essentials budgeting to investing. She even has a third book coming out in December about how to discuss finances with others (I promise, she's not paying me to say any of this). But it was her blog that started it all.

#gyflt, girl

Broke Millennial's UX is exquisite because it is simple, pleasant to look at, and easy to use. The color theme is balanced and soothing, while inevitably reminding the reader (in the US, at least) of money. The header directs to different aspects of the Broke Millennial brand and stays fixed while the user scrolls. The blog posts are immediately below the banner showcasing where Lowry's writing has been featured. The posts are in chronological order, with the most recent first, and older posts viewable by navigating the page links at the bottom of the page. The only critique I have to offer is that it would be nice if there was a "search" option to find posts on a specific topic. Otherwise, this blog is extremely user-friendly.

Needs Improvement: Budgets are Sexy

Disclaimer: This is not at all a criticism of this site's content. In fact, Budgets are Sexy has been around for quite a while, so they must have some great insights into personal finance! All I can comment on is whether or not I find the design to be user-friendly.

Aside: Budgets are absolutely very sexy, we will accept no arguments on this topic.

Budgets? Sexy. This? Ngeeeeh??

In terms of graphic design, this is not a terribly-designed blog. The color scheme works. It seems to be taken from the "million dollar club" badge, which is a stretch, but it isn't offensive to the eyes. It's just a bit boxy and dated (and only takes up half of the viewport. Believe it or not, the two pictures in this post are the same size). However, in terms of UX, specifically, I have a few concerns.

The "million dollar club" badge and grey publication titles at the top right corner look like links. They are not. There is no immediately visible place to sign up for blog updates, even though scoring subscribers is a big aspect of blogging success. There is a search button, but it is hidden between two bigger, more colorful elements. There are several buttons at the top, but the heading does not lock while the user scrolls, and unless you know, specifically, what topic you are interested in, the buttons will not necessarily help you. Also, what are "spavings"? Is it a misspelling? Is it a fun brand element? I certainly don't know. Additionally, the first time I loaded the page, it did not have anywhere to scroll--it just ended after the first post. I've since explored a little bit and I have not had it happen again, but it was not the best impression for a first-time user.

Now, you at home are thinking: Isn't this a little nitpicky, even for you, UXploration? To which I say: Perhaps. But that is how I learn to do better.

Thanks for joining me for this week's UXploration. What have UXplored this week? Let me know in the comments, and I'll be seeing you soon!