Designing digital products that look good and work well
Which would you choose if you had to pick one: a product that looks good or one that works well? Are you struggling to decide? Why not have both? A combination of aesthetics and functionality creates the perfect product, don’t you agree? Whether you’re building a startup, freelancing for various clients, or leading a creative team, it’s essential to strike the right balance between visual appeal and usability.
Imagine this scenario: you design a product that’s visually stunning but leaves users scratching their heads because it’s difficult to navigate. Not a great situation, right?
On the other hand, a product that operates flawlessly but looks outdated isn’t likely to win any fans either. So, how do we create something that excels in both appearance and usability? Let’s break it down with some real-world examples and practical tips.
1. Understand the core problem (Before making It look pretty)
First things first: what problem is your product solving? This should be your starting point, especially in a startup environment. While aesthetics matter, if your design doesn’t address a user’s needs, it’s just eye candy.
Real Case: Slack’s Early Design Decisions
Consider Slack. They didn’t begin with a flashy design; instead, they focused on enhancing team communication. The app was user-friendly and intuitive, addressing a common pain point of scattered messages. Aesthetics followed, but core functionality was their priority.
Tip: Always ask, “How does this design solve the user’s problem?” Get that rough, working solution down first before diving into the visuals.
2. Design systems for consistency and scalability
Freelancers and startup designers understand that time is of the essence. This is where design systems come into play. Creating a library of reusable components — buttons, fonts, layouts — ensures your designs remain functional and visually consistent.
Real Case: Airbnb’s Design Language System
Airbnb developed their Design Language System to maintain cohesion across their platform. With multiple designers on board, a unified design system became crucial, allowing them to scale their design efforts while keeping aesthetics and usability in sync.
Tip: Develop a design system or style guide early in your project. It saves time, ensures consistency, and allows you to focus on functional problems without sacrificing visual quality.
3. Keep It simple (But not too simple)
You don’t need to overcomplicate things to impress. In fact, the best designs are often the simplest. They’re clear, direct, and easy to use. Minimizing user friction should be your goal.
Real Case: Spotify’s User-Centered Design
Take Spotify, for example. Their clean interface helps users quickly find music without getting lost in unnecessary features. By keeping things straightforward, they made it easier for users to engage while still maintaining a fresh, modern look.
Tip: Simplify your design without sacrificing core functionality. Ask yourself, “Can this be clearer or easier to use?” Sometimes, less truly is more.
4. Test early and iterate often
Design isn’t a one-and-done deal, especially in fast-paced environments like startups or freelancing. Get your designs in front of users as soon as possible. Gather feedback, and iterate based on what works and what doesn’t.
Real Case: Figma’s Iterative Design Process
Figma didn’t reach the top by chance. They involved real designers in their testing, making adjustments based on actual user experiences. This feedback loop allowed them to create a product that is not only functional but also intuitive and enjoyable.
Tip: Don’t wait for perfection before testing. Get your designs into users’ hands early, learn from their feedback, and keep improving. It’s better to fail fast and fix issues than to assume you’ve nailed it on the first try.
5. Make accessibility a priority
Functionality isn’t just about usability for the majority; it’s about making it usable for everyone. Accessibility should be a core part of your design process. Aim for inclusive practices so your product can reach a wider audience.
Real Case: Apple’s Accessible Design
Apple is a leader in accessibility. Features like VoiceOver and larger font options ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use their products. This focus not only enhances usability but also strengthens Apple’s reputation for thoughtful design.
Tip: Consider accessibility from the beginning. Use color contrast, readable fonts, and intuitive layouts to ensure your designs are usable by a broad audience.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Beauty and Functionality in Real Life
Whether you’re in a startup, freelancing, or leading a design team, the challenge remains the same: balancing beauty with functionality. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about finding harmony. Beautiful designs that work well create products that users love and keep coming back to.
So, use these examples to guide your process. Start by solving the problem, then layer on smart, consistent, and accessible design. And remember to iterate based on user feedback. Happy designing!
About the writer
Ogaga John is a SaaS Product Designer who writes about Design Ethics, Freelancing, Growth and Creativity. He is the founder of DesignWhiz, a community platform for creatives to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities
Outside of design, Ogaga is passionate about fitness and art. You can find him at the gym or exploring art galleries when he’s not building intuitive human interfaces.
