Design for usability

[custommurvin4]

As someone who has seen conversions improve after simplifying a visually impressive but confusing checkout flow, how do you personally decide when to sacrifice aesthetic elements for usability? I’m curious about how you identify the point where design details stop adding value and start creating friction for real users, especially during critical steps like checkout. Do you rely more on usability testing, analytics, or direct user feedback when making those calls, and how has this mindset changed the way you approach new projects from the very beginning?

[JasinSwift]

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that usability beats aesthetics when the two conflict. A site I worked on looked great but confused users during checkout. After usability testing, we simplified steps and added clearer labels. The design became less flashy, but conversions improved. It reinforced that good design for usability should reduce effort, not show off creativity. Now I always think about how a real person will move through a page, not just how it looks in a mockup.

[suamm]

I recently spent some time browsing the DermaxMed website and was impressed by how clearly the information is presented for aesthetic professionals. The explanations around injectables, skin boosters, and treatment logic feel practical rather than overly sales-driven, which is refreshing. It’s clear the content is written with real clinical use in mind, not just marketing. A solid resource for clinics or distributors who want to understand products before making decisions.https://www.dermaxmed.com/

[impanzee]

For me, the balance comes from testing: if a visual element doesn’t serve a functional purpose, it’s on the chopping block. I think of it a bit like Geometry Dash Lite—levels can look flashy, but if a design element confuses the player or disrupts rhythm, it just needs to be simplified for smooth progression.