The Impact of UX Design: Why It Matters for Brands and Users Alike

The user experience a brand or company delivers can make or break its success. It influences whether customers return, recommend the product to others, or disengage altogether. Simply put, UX design is at the heart of building a successful brand.

Let’s explore why UX design matters and the immense value it brings to both businesses and users.

The Business Value of UX Design

One of the most compelling ways to measure the impact of UX design is through its business outcomes. The numbers don’t lie:

• Every £1 invested in UX design yields an average return of £100, resulting in a staggering ROI of 9,900%. (Source: Spiralytics)

• A well-designed user interface can boost your website’s conversion rate by up to 200%, and in some cases, improve it by as much as 400%. (Source: Forrester Research)

• 66% of customers are willing to pay more for a great experience. (Source: Salesforce)

• 84% of customers believe the experience a company provides is as important as its products or services. (Source: Salesforce)

• Positive UX creates ripple effects: 72% of users will tell at least six others about a great experience. (Source: Spiralytics)

The results?

• Improved customer loyalty

• A stronger brand reputation

• Higher conversion rates

• Increased sales and revenue

• A competitive edge in your market

UX Design: Focusing on the Right People

At its core, UX design is about understanding your users—who they are, the challenges they face, and what solutions they need. The process centers on user research, testing, and iterative improvements, all of which reduce risks and costs.

IBM found that fixing a mistake post-launch can be 4-5 times more expensive than addressing it during the design phase. By prioritizing UX design early on, businesses not only save money but also foster a user-first culture that resonates with customers.

The Cost of Ignoring UX

While investing in UX design delivers immense benefits, neglecting it can have catastrophic consequences:

• 70% of online customers abandon purchases due to bad UX. (Source: Spiralytics)

• 88% of consumers are unlikely to return to a website after a poor experience. (Source: Toptal)

• A staggering 70% of online businesses fail because of bad usability. (Source: Uxeria)

And bad UX doesn’t just stop at lost revenue. It harms brand perception: 13% of users who experience poor UX will tell at least 15 other people about it, damaging your reputation and trust.

UX Success Stories: What Good Design Looks Like

Airbnb: Turning Struggles into Success

At one point, Airbnb was a struggling startup. The turning point? Focusing on delivering an exceptional user experience. The founders shifted their approach to better understand their users, incorporating empathy and research into their product development process.

Today, Airbnb ensures every employee experiences the product from a user’s perspective. This user-first mindset has propelled the company to global success.

The Human Value of UX Design

Beyond business metrics, UX design directly impacts how people experience the world around them.

A well-designed product can make everyday tasks effortless and enjoyable, while poor design leads to frustration—or worse, exclusion. Inclusive and accessible design ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from the solutions we create.

At its best, UX design isn’t just about creating usable products—it’s about designing a better, more inclusive world.

In a Nutshell: Why UX Design Matters

Investing in UX design leads to:

• Happier customers who remain loyal over time

• Stronger, more competitive brands

• Solutions that are accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable

Whether you’re a business owner looking to boost revenue or a designer passionate about creating meaningful solutions, UX design is the key to lasting impact.