Aesthetic vs Functionality

Aesthetic vs Functionality: Finding the Balance in Design

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Looking good gets you only so far - design also has to survive everyday use.

It is one thing to have something that looks good, and that alone can get you quite far – but it will not take you to new places on its own. Once a design looks good, it needs to survive everyday use. That means knowing where the line is, where too much focus on aesthetics starts to compromise functionality.

A design’s appearance should enhance its ability to do its job, not get in the way of it. When someone has information to find or a message to receive, giving them what they came for builds trust and makes them more likely to come back.

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Where this shows up

Website design – simple navigation through more complex content
Leaflet design – getting straight to the point rather than overcomplicating the message
Graphic design generally – a combination of aesthetic and functionality, kept simple and concise

Where it applies

Any project where a visitor or customer needs to find information or take an action quickly – websites, leaflets, signage and marketing materials of all kinds.

Why the balance matters

Placing a priority on usability does not mean settling for poor or boring design – there is still room for taste and creativity. People want quick answers and do not want things overcomplicated, so good design makes things easy on the eyes and easy on the brain.

FAQs

Does prioritising functionality mean sacrificing good design?

No – there is still plenty of room for taste and creativity within a design that puts usability first.

Where does this balance matter most?

Anywhere a visitor needs to find information or take an action quickly, such as websites, leaflets and signage.

Chris Smeeton

Smiths are experts in design and print. They have created numerous catalogues, leaflets, promotional products for us. We have often been up against tight deadlines and they have always delivered on time, with a superb product. Lovely people, thoroughly professional and competitively priced . 100% recommend!

Rachel Briggs

Smiths 1972 were so helpful at getting some prints made for me recently, from start to finish professional, efficient and personable. Would 100% recommend!

Sam

Great business that we’ve been using for pushing on 2 decades! Friendly staff and always so helpful. Couldn’t recommend enough.

Jane Reid

I have used Smiths for a number of years in a work capacity. They are fast, efficient and the staff are always a pleasure to deal with.

Ian Norman

Toppers Print & Design in Old Stevenage is fantastic! Their design team Craig especially created stunning, brand-perfect leaflets with incredible attention to detail. They print quality signs business cards, brochures, and posters-is top-quality. Best of all, their prices are very reasonable without compromising quality. The service is fast, friendly, and professional, making the whole process a breeze. With 45 years of experience, Toppers is a gem for anyone needing design or printing in Stevenage. Highly recommend! Would highly recommend Ian

Gill Shenoy

Excellent and prompt service. Photos of good quality. Very helpful

Venues Possible

A fantastic professional and inclusive services. Venues Possible would highly recommend :-)