What are some common mistakes to avoid when using images in web design?

When using images in web design, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can affect usability, accessibility, and overall user experience. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

1. **Not Optimizing Image Size:** Using large, uncompressed images can slow down page load times, negatively impacting user experience, particularly on mobile devices or slow internet connections. Always optimize images for the web by compressing them without compromising quality.

2. **Ignoring Image Accessibility:** Failing to provide descriptive alt text for images can make content inaccessible to users who rely on screen readers or have images disabled. Always include meaningful alternative text that conveys the content and purpose of the image.

3. **Using Decorative Images Improperly:** Decorative images that don't convey meaningful content should have empty alt attributes (`alt=""`) to indicate to assistive technologies that they are decorative. Avoid using informative alt text for purely decorative images, as this can be confusing for screen reader users.

4. **Poor Image Placement:** Placing images haphazardly or without proper alignment can disrupt the flow of content and make the layout appear cluttered. Ensure that images are appropriately aligned with surrounding text and other elements for a visually pleasing and cohesive design.

5. **Overusing Stock Photos:** Using generic stock photos that don't relate to the content or context can appear inauthentic and detract from the credibility of the website. Whenever possible, use original, relevant images that enhance the user's understanding and engagement with the content.

6. **Not Considering Color Contrast:** Images with low color contrast or poor visibility can be difficult for users with visual impairments to perceive. Ensure that images have sufficient contrast against their background to ensure readability and accessibility for all users.

7. **Lack of Image Attribution:** Using images without proper attribution or permission can infringe on copyright laws and intellectual property rights. Always ensure that you have the right to use an image and provide proper attribution if required.

8. **Neglecting Responsive Design:** Failing to consider how images will display on different devices and screen sizes can lead to issues with scaling, cropping, or distortion. Implement responsive design techniques to ensure that images adapt to different viewport sizes and maintain their quality and integrity across devices.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following best practices for image usage in web design, you can create visually appealing, accessible, and engaging experiences for users.