Why Good Design is More Than Just Looks
The app marketplace is crowded. Users have endless choices, and first impressions matter. A sleek interface alone won’t guarantee success—what truly sets an app apart is how effortlessly it solves problems and enhances the user’s experience.
From the AI-driven Arc browser to Pinky Promise, a healthcare app designed for women, the best digital products prioritise functionality, trust and seamless interactions. What makes their design stand out and how can you apply their strategies to your business?
1. Arc Browser: Smarter, Simpler, and More Personal
The Arc browser by The Browser Company reimagines web browsing. Instead of overwhelming users with menus and tabs, it learns from user behaviour to create a more intuitive experience.
- Minimalist, but powerful: Arc keeps the interface simple but its AI-driven features work behind the scenes to automate routine tasks and suggest shortcuts based on user habits.
- A browsing experience, not just a tool: Instead of being just another browser, Arc makes users feel in control, not overwhelmed.
Lesson for businesses: Customers don’t just want a product—they want an experience that feels effortless and personal.
2. Pinky Promise: A Masterclass in Trust and Accessibility
For many women in India, access to judgment-free healthcare is a challenge. Pinky Promise solves this with a thoughtfully designed app that prioritises privacy, accessibility, and empathy.
- AI-powered consultations: Women can check symptoms and get professional advice without speaking to a human doctor—reducing anxiety and increasing access to care.
- Designed for trust: The app’s interface avoids clinical or intimidating visuals. Instead, it feels friendly, supportive, and reassuring.
Lesson for businesses: Empathy should be part of your design strategy. Whether in healthcare or e-commerce, users value a sense of security and understanding.
3. Four Principles of Exceptional App Design
A. Put Functionality First
Your app should make life easier, not harder. Whether simplifying navigation (like Arc) or removing barriers to access (like Pinky Promise), user experience should be your top priority.
Ask yourself: Does every feature add value, or does it complicate things?
B. Personalise the Experience
Customers love products that adapt to their needs. Arc personalises web browsing, and Pinky Promise tailors advice based on user concerns.
Tip: Even simple personalisation—like remembering preferences—creates stronger engagement.
C. Remove Unnecessary Features
More isn’t always better. Many apps fail because they overcomplicate things with too many options.
Lesson: Strip away anything that doesn’t directly improve user experience.
D. Build for Trust and Accessibility
Trust is built into design choices, from the tone of communication to the way data is handled. Pinky Promise ensures privacy, while Arc creates a sense of control.
Rule: Design for confidence—your users should feel secure and valued.
4. How to Apply These Lessons to Your Business
- Prioritise user needs—design should solve real problems, not just look good.
- Use AI or automation to enhance (not complicate) the experience.
- Keep refining—test your design, remove friction, and improve simplicity.
- Make trust part of your strategy—transparency and accessibility create loyal customers.
Conclusion: Why Thoughtful Design Wins
Design isn’t just aesthetics—it’s how users experience and connect with your brand. The best-designed products don’t just function; they create seamless, intuitive and even emotional connections with users.
For SMEs and startups, winning in a competitive market means going beyond “good enough” design. Whether in tech, healthcare or retail, great product design is your most powerful competitive advantage. Ultimately, thoughtful design is the difference between a product that’s merely used and one that’s loved.
Want to make your product more user-friendly and market-ready? Get in touch with UK Business Advisors for expert guidance on design, strategy and growth.
Want to learn more about how great design gives businesses an edge? Read our in-depth guide on product design for SMEs here.