Design is the Secret Ingredient for Business Success: Here’s Why!

Max Taylor

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Published in

Bootcamp

3 min readMay 2, 2023

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Design is not just about making things look pretty. It is an essential part of building a successful business. In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly vying for attention, and it is crucial to stand out from the crowd. This is where design comes into play.

Design is more than aesthetics. It is about creating an emotional connection with your audience, communicating your message effectively, and building trust with your customers. A well-designed brand and website can do wonders for your business, from increasing brand awareness to generating more leads and sales.

Here’s why design should be at the foundation of every business…

A Strong Brand Identity Builds Trust

Your brand is your business’s identity. It is the first thing that people notice about your business, and it can make or break your reputation. A well-designed brand identity can help you stand out from the competition, build trust with your customers, and create a lasting impression.

What comes to mind when you think of the **Visa** brand? Security? Trust? Safety?

Good Design Communicates Your Message Effectively

Good design is not just about making things look pretty. It is about communicating your message effectively. A well-designed website, for example, can guide your visitors to take the desired action, whether it is to make a purchase or sign up for your newsletter.

**Do die? Don’t drive safely? I’m confused!** This is an example where **communication has not been effective** and has been lost in translation. Although the original creator may have understood what they were trying to convey, as **audiences, we don’t always take on that same reading**.

Design Improves User Experience

User experience (UX) is a critical component of web and app design. A well-designed website or app should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and provide a seamless experience for the user. A good user experience can increase engagement, reduce bounce rates, and ultimately lead to more conversions.

Duolingo’s UX Design has always been **extremely effective**. Every option or button usually has **two codes of meaning** (e.g. Icon & Label or Label & Detail). This creates not only an **appealing experience** but also one which keeps **users engaged**. **Do you think Duolingo would be as effective with poor UX Design?**

Design Helps You Stand Out from the Competition

In today’s crowded market, it is essential to stand out from the competition. Good design can help you differentiate your business from others in your industry, making it easier for customers to choose you over your competitors.

Oatly’s branding is a great example of a business that uses design to differentiate itself from its competitors. With so many different brands, Oatly sure stands out and is more memorable than the rest.

Lessons Learned: Why Prioritizing Design from the Start Leads to Better Results

As a designer myself, I know first-hand that businesses often leave design to the last minute. They may view it as an afterthought or something that can be quickly added on at the end. However, this approach does not do justice to the power of good design. When design is considered a key pillar of a business, it can have a profound impact on the success of the business. By prioritizing design from the outset, businesses can create a cohesive and memorable brand identity, communicate their message effectively, and provide a seamless user experience for their customers.

Implement good design in your business right at the beginning. Create a detailed and flexible design system so it can grow with your business.

So… Design Isn’t Just a Superficial Element of Business?

Nope! It is an essential ingredient for success. Whether it is your brand identity, website design, or print materials, good design can help you communicate your message effectively, build trust with your customers, and stand out from the competition. So, if you want to elevate your business to the next level, make design a priority.