Designing with Intent: How UX Strategy Shapes Great Products 3
Introduction
As designers, it’s easy to get swept up in aesthetics the color palettes, the typography, the animations that catch the eye. But beautiful design alone doesn’t solve problems. At its core, great UX/UI is about purposeful decisions that serve both the user and the business. Over the years, I’ve worked across a wide range of industries, teams, and user personas. One thing that has remained constant? The power of intentional design thinking.
Start with the why
Before touching Figma, I always invest time in understanding user behavior whether it’s through interviews, usability testing, or reviewing analytics. It’s not about guesswork. It’s about designing for real needs. In one recent project, a simple change in navigation based on heat map analysis reduced drop-off rates by 22%. That’s the power of data-informed design.
Research before renders
Before touching Figma, I always invest time in understanding user behavior whether it’s through interviews, usability testing, or reviewing analytics. It’s not about guesswork. It’s about designing for real needs. In one recent project, a simple change in navigation based on heat map analysis reduced drop-off rates by 22%. That’s the power of data-informed design.
Balance beauty and usability
A sleek interface means nothing if it confuses users. Every font choice, button placement, and micro interaction should support usability. I ask myself: Does this element add clarity? Does it support the user’s task? Can I make it simpler? This doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics. It means aligning them with function a principle that’s helped me lead teams towards more impactful designs.
Collaboration is key
As designers, it’s easy to get swept up in aesthetics the color palettes, the typography, the animations that catch the eye. But beautiful design alone doesn’t solve problems. At its core, great UX/UI is about purposeful decisions that serve both the user and the business. Over the years, I’ve worked across a wide range of industries, teams, and user personas. One thing that has remained constant? The power of intentional design thinking.
The takeway
A sleek interface means nothing if it confuses users. Every font choice, button placement, and micro interaction should support usability. I ask myself: Does this element add clarity? Does it support the user’s task? Can I make it simpler? This doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics. It means aligning them with function a principle that’s helped me lead teams towards more impactful designs.
