Why is design essential?
Before you've even opened your mouth, you've already told others who you are.
From cave paintings to today's digital interfaces, design has always been at the core of human communication. It is no longer just about embellishment, but about creating services that function perfectly and are enjoyable to interact with. Through design, we convey meaning, structure information, and shape our perception of the world. Nowadays, good design is no longer optional or merely an aesthetic matter—it has become a necessity with the power to make or break a business. The American author Suzanne Weyn expresses this idea well when she states that our appearance speaks for us even before we do. Over the centuries, the evolution of design has followed the needs of each era, from Bauhaus posters to the digital revolution that has transformed how we interact with objects and services.
Design, a universal language
Visual and structural design immediately influences our feelings. It's a language without words, capable of evoking emotions, guiding our choices, and shaping our experiences. Design resembles artistic objects: artworks can stand alone because they resonate deeply with our sensibilities. Simply looking at them can arouse curiosity, admiration, and awaken or reveal our emotions. According to a Stanford study, 75% of users judge a company's credibility based on its visual design.
Creating a positive first impression and inspiring trust
When we arrive at a website, we form an impression within mere seconds. A clear and refined image immediately instills trust. Conversely, an outdated or clumsy design conveys a lack of professionalism. It is crucial to be both effective and appealing to potential future customers. Web design isn't merely decorative—it must be intentionally crafted to be effective and meet your goals. According to Adobe, 38% of users stop interacting with a site if the design doesn't appeal to them.
Strengthening your brand image and distinguishing yourself from competitors
The image your site conveys directly shapes the perception of your company. If your interface is outdated, confusing, or unattractive, why would it be any different for the quality of your services? Consistency is vital. Design asserts itself as a powerful tool for personal expression, enhancing your uniqueness and allowing you to stand out by expressing a distinct, memorable identity. Looking at Apple's sleek interfaces, one can understand that design is above all a signature—a voice that tells something unique. According to a McKinsey study, design-driven companies outperform their competitors by 32% in terms of revenue. Take care of your website so that it stands out from your competitors, otherwise, you will lose many visitors, and worse yet, they will go to other companies in your industry! It becomes clear that your website's design is an opportunity to differentiate yourself. It enables you to stay competitive and clearly distinguish yourself from those who neglect their visual identity.
Ergonomics, accessibility, and SEO
Good design is not limited to aesthetics—it must serve a purpose. Your interface's ergonomics are essential; it must offer an intuitive and smooth experience. A study by Forrester Research revealed that a well-designed user interface could raise your website's conversion rate by up to a 200%, and a better UX design could yield conversion rates up to 400%. Moreover, you may not realize it, but your site's visibility on search engines depends heavily on your design choices. "Crawling" is the process by which search engines such as Google use bots to analyze websites and index them to appear in search results. Optimizing your site's technical SEO is crucial; otherwise, you risk being penalized and disappearing from potential visitors' search results. To put it simply, it's vital to apply design best practices and ensure your code is clear and easily readable by Google's bots.
Always adapting and evolving: the redesign
Design is never static—it evolves with trends, new technologies, and user needs. It's not just about modernization but a strategic move to stay relevant, attract new customers, and enhance the overall user experience. From logo redesigns to application updates, redesign is a constant dialogue between past, present, and future. A survey by Blue Fountain Media found that a site redesign can increase user engagement by up to 50%.