Does Design Really Matter, or Is Tech Good Enough?

A question that often pops up in discussions with entrepreneurs is “Does Design really matter or is tech enough in itself?” I bet being a founder you might have come across the same ambiguity at least once in your lifetime. And if that time is now, I have got the answers for you. Yes, a surreal and clean design makes a huge difference!

The design is your first impression. It is something that your user will judge you based on. A well-crafted design makes your user decide their next step. Remember, it’s the first few seconds based on what a user will decide on their further course of action. In this article, we will discuss how you can cost-effectively curate an impactful design. To start with, let’s first dive into how design is a crucial component of a successful product.??

Your Design Dictates the Story of Your Craftsmanship

When a product is developed, countless decisions demand your attention. Whether it's the right tech stack to ensure stability or the scalability it needs. However, at its core, a product is a vision brought to life. And to communicate that vision more effectively, you need a great design.

Your users have no idea about your backend's cost or the countless hours you spend on making the architecture flexible. The only thing they do see is your design—the interface that defines what they need.

If you’ve ever wondered why top brands invest heavily in UI/UX, it’s because they view design as an asset, not an expense. An efficient design differentiates your product in an overcrowded market.

Consider an example of the automotive industry - every car is engineered for functionality. But what makes one different than others is design! World leaders allocate a huge budget to R&D, they ensure that the design embodies their vision.

Being in this industry for over a decade, I've managed 200+ clients, one thing that is a common factor in a successful business is they understand and acknowledge the power of an appealing yet functional design. Even when not everybody can afford a high-end UI/UX, they still keep on searching for an expert and invest as much as possible.

Here is how you can build a good design, find a good designer, and not put a dent in your pockets

What Not To Do While Finding a Designer?

After all these years of working closely with clients, I've learned how crucial it is to understand a design. The right designer keeps your product appealing and the right designer keeps you up with industry trends, infuses innovation, and pays attention to the details. However, as a founder allocating your budget wisely is the need of the hour.

For this journey to start, being a client you need to know what kind of designer you need and how to balance your finances accordingly as well. Here is your go-to guide to avoid mistakes while getting your product designed:

(Before we start here’s a pro tip - stop copy-pasting design checklists and assignments using AI)

Analyse the Samples?

• A Designer’s Resume should talk it all - Always analyze carefully how well a designer’s resume is designed.?

Rate them on the basis of - creativity, clarity, and attention to detail.

• Are you still considering Behance Portfolio? Rather go for Figma files or actual designs, maybe in a ZIP folder.

The reason is, throughout my career, I have noticed Behance designs are often fake, or too much lifted to give a wrong illusion. Most designers used either template-based ones or copied from somewhere else. Be Cautious here!

• Find the proportion in colors. Give utmost attention to how they have used colors. Is it monochromatic or balanced or just a stack of randomly chosen ones? No balance in coloring is a RED FLAG.??
• Consistency throughout the design is really critical as well. Give attention to the fonts the designer has used in samples. Good fonts will always stand out and not-so-good ones are the call for disaster!?

How to check - Choose a good design and compare the following:?

1. Title size?
2. Subtitle size
3. Body Text size
4. Is the Font type the same or complimenting??

• Attention to detail is when the focus is on how well CTA buttons are designed. Are they too vibrant or too dull? Do they highlight? Is it clear for users that they have to click there within seconds??

Judgment Basis Beyond Resume

• Quality matters! More experience doesn’t mean better designs. Find a balance between experience and quality. Believe it or not, many experienced and highly paid designers lack creativity, yet they earn big salaries and get lots of work.
• Find a creative mind over monotonous designs and high-tech knowledge. You need a designer not a qualified degree holder. A creative mind will give you 10 different styles for the same landing page.?

PS - different styles don’t mean just adding an icon or an illustration.

• Make sure the one you are looking for is open to criticism. Of course, we don’t want to criticize but the one who knows how to take constructive criticism will eventually give you better results.

Humbleness and Willingness to learn is a plus point here!

Other Things to Consider?

• Do you have a leader in your team? A great designer cannot himself guarantee success. Here, an understanding project manager is a must. If the leader himself lacks vision or is not able to guide the team properly, even the best designer will produce subpar work.?
• How much you are willing to give feedback? Do you check regularly? Hiring a designer doesn’t mean you can leave him to his own. Constant feedbacks play a crucial role.?
• Are you willing to give time? No matter how experienced or creative your designer is, nobody has a magic wand! One needs to give them time to nurture their skills, build a relationship, or show trust—even in the short term.

Finding a good designer needs a lot of effort. Let’s gear up and find the one who also understands the value of design like you and I do now!?

In my upcoming blog, I will talk about the checklist to hire a designer, how to take tests, and make sure he is the one for you - as a designer might be good but he might not be a perfect fit for you.?

Thank you for reading and stay tuned!?

Struggling with design choices? Let’s refine your ideas—schedule your 45-minute consultation today!

Consultation Link: https://calendly.com/reach2gauravk/45min

P.S.: Remember, A great and clear design can smoothen your development process and save you bucks and of course, a lot of time. Prevent disasters and uncertainties with a great start!

Disclaimer: I don’t own the designs above; credit to the original creator.