A trend keeps popping up that irks the usability geek in me: instructions on where users should be looking. Here's an example from Yahoo News:
Basically here they're saying "you're looking in the wrong place. What you need is up there." This kind of execution wouldn't fly in print, why do it online, where you can put a link anywhere you want?
I understand why this happens. We build a content-focused interface, and one small section gets left blank for one reason or another. Rather than leaving the space empty, we add directions.
Consider it this way. Your users are already looking there. Add a copy of the link there and save them half a second. You'll also save yourself the five minutes working up a little arrow graphic.
Don't click here
This is an odd one from ExtremeTech.com:
This is a particularly good example. I've noticed it on a few blogs, except the directions are in plain text. This way is a bit more usable and thus a bit weird. Despite providing a link to enlarge the image, it tells you "don't click me, click on the image."
Just saying "enlarge image" would be a lot more efficient. If it's not obvious the image is a link, this is not the best way to make it clear.
Avoid instructions
If your design doesn't make sense, instructions aren't the best solution. Adding unnecessary text leads to clutter and wastes the user's time. When your design hits a stumbling block, make sure your changes make sense and contribute to a better interface.