Design Led Vs. UX Websites: Which Is Better?

Let’s explore how businesses debate Design Led vs UX Website approaches. To provide some context… What do online shopping, food menus with pictures, and new dishes have in common? Disappointment. This is why many believe “simpler is better”—it sets clear expectations. A stylish pair of jeans on a mannequin may not flatter you, and an appealing dish might waste your £10. Playing around with website design aesthetics and SEO are effective, but the value of its service is what truly counts.

What Is A Design Led Website Strategy?

A design led strategy focuses on creating visually stunning websites that grab attention and attract potential clients using the latest technical tools. This approach can significantly boost revenue; if something looks exciting, people often assume the quality follows. This is especially true for creative businesses like advertising and video production, where “bigger is better” often applies. Be bold! Incorporate stunning visuals, innovative features, and unique elements to stand out. For creative companies, showcasing artistic flair through web design is essential, reflecting their team’s talent. At the end of the day, first impressions matter, and an innovative website design should deliver just that.

It’s easy to get caught up in the trap of attraction. Sometimes the most impressive website designs can have site visitors lost in the technical chaos. With motion buttons and psychedelic graphics, the complicated navigation can be overwhelming, stopping them from moving forward with the business. In focusing so much on fancy design, companies might forget what they’re really about, leading to a disjointed consumer experience that disappoints.

UX Website Vs. Design Led: How Does UX Differ?

Let’s not overlook the creativity in design-led websites. While they have pros and cons, better practices like UX website designs truly stand out. These designs invite users in with simple, effective navigation that’s easy to use, ensuring consistent usability across all devices. Clients feel empowered by the experience, almost like tech wizards themselves. With straightforward designs, businesses can gather valuable research and testing data for future improvements, attracting more clients while effectively supporting those who reach out. It’s a win-win!

When challenging the UX website vs. Design led debate, we’re now seeing why businesses choose different website models for their unique goals. While UX web designs save time and reduce stress by prioritizing a “client-first” message, they do have drawbacks. These designs can feel repetitive and formulaic, stifling the true creative expression of the business. This limits excitement for visitors, who may long for something more eye-catching than a site that feels like it needs 3D glasses. Plus, “simple” doesn’t always mean quicker; creating an easy-to-navigate site requires thorough research to decide which complexities to simplify or retain.

While these two website building opportunities aren’t exactly limited, it’s definitely a balancing act when coming to terms with choosing super-creativity or simple yet effective. Of course, website design pricing, time, and patience are also involved. So while both are tempting, it’s overall important to select the route that opts for a user-friendly experience tailored to your target audience.  

Don’t feel like it's a step back now that your team are deciding which design route to go down. Plus, there are tons of choices to choose from, making the website design development process as smooth as possible. For more insightful ideas on how to grow your business effectively on top of website design, find out more by sending us a message, we're here to help.