You're facing a tight deadline project. How do you choose between design aesthetics and functionality?

Here are some of my strategies: 1. Set clear priorities: Focus on functionalities that are critical for the user experience. Aesthetics should complement functionality, not overshadow it. 2. Use modular design approaches: Breaking down aesthetics and functionality into components allows for core features to be delivered first. 3. Parallel design and development: Instead of treating design and development as separate phases, run them in parallel. 4. Early prototyping and user feedback: Rapid prototyping enables early feedback from users and stakeholders. This helps refine aesthetic elements that may not contribute to functionality or user experience, saving time later.

Start by understanding project requirements and focus on delivering a product that solves the user's core problem. Ensure the design is functional, even if it's minimal, and optimise for speed by using design frameworks or reusable components. Prioritise user needs and avoid compromising usability. Aesthetic enhancements can come later, but delivering a working, effective solution should take precedence. Iterate on design improvements once the functional core is solid and the deadline is met.

"Project" could mean many things... It could be a high-profile fashion show landing page that requires heavy aesthetics with a single call to action (CTA), or it could be an internal-facing application for a few people to enter some data, which takes aesthetics completely out of the equation. A "less is more" practicing minimalist will always bring the core functionality elegantly to the forefront to ensure the end user achieves their primary goal. With all that's available today, no designer has an excuse to deliver anything less than a clean design using MUI or other libraries.

In tight deadline situations, functionality often takes the lead. While aesthetics are important, they won't save a project if the core features don't work. Here's how I balance the two: 1.Prioritize Core Features: Ensure the app’s main functionalities are working perfectly. 2.Testing: Rigorously test to ensure it's bug-free and all features work as intended. 3.Basic Design: Apply essential design elements to make it user-friendly without overcomplicating things. 4.Post-Launch Improvements: Enhance aesthetics and refine any minor bugs in subsequent updates. In short, if time's ticking, get the core right first and then polish up the look. Function over form, but keep it usable.

For a tight deadline project, it's imperative to have an efficient design that is quicker to implement. Operational tasks should be automated. It is important to map the requirements to what would be the approved deliverables and obtain sign offs for each milestone. Optimal and prior proved design patterns and modern architectural patterns clubbed with smart innovative thinking, building the right team structure is the key. Regular project reviews to validate accomplishments till date with stakeholders is highly recommended.