The Psychology of Good vs. Bad Design: A Personal Journey

Veronica R., UI/UX Designer |

November 28, 2024

In the digital world, design is everywhere—from the layout of a website to the tiniest button on an app. Beyond aesthetics, design holds a psychological influence that shapes how users feel and react. Thoughtful design makes people feel understood, comfortable, and empowered, while poor design can leave them feeling frustrated, confused, or even excluded. In my first role as a UI/UX designer at Lexcode, fresh out of college, I’ve been exploring this aspect deeply, witnessing how even small design decisions significantly affect user experience.

Learning the Power of Design in My First Job

Starting my journey at Lexcode, I came in with a strong background in design, yet my understanding has deepened significantly since then. During my studies, my focus was on aesthetics—typography, color balance, and achieving visual harmony. However, now that I’m working on real-world projects at Lexcode, I’ve come to realize that good design extends far beyond aesthetics. It’s fundamentally about understanding users and recognizing how design can shape their experience on a deeper level.

Throughout various projects, I saw how even the smallest design decisions significantly affect how users feel and engage with a product. Creating a user-friendly and approachable interface goes beyond simply organizing layouts or selecting color palettes; it’s fundamentally about building trust and a sense of ease for users. I realized that when a design feels natural and intuitive, users are more at ease, leading to a seamless, enjoyable experience. In contrast, a poorly designed user experience can leave users feeling lost or frustrated, disrupting their focus and engagement.

Good Design vs. Bad Design: The Psychological Difference

Psychologically, good design boosts user confidence, satisfaction, and engagement, making interactions feel natural and enjoyable. In contrast, bad design can feel like a puzzle—users are left second-guessing every step, causing frustration or confusion.

Building My Design Philosophy at Lexcode

At Lexcode, my design philosophy matured, moving beyond visual appeal to emphasize user empathy and psychological impact. Collaborating with skilled teams, I’ve come to understand that impactful design involves viewing the experience from the user’s perspective, recognizing and addressing their emotions at every stage of interaction.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from my team members on the DnB team, especially my fellow UI/UX designers, Sarah and Genesis. They’ve shown me the importance of collaboration, shared insights, and continuous learning. Observing their approach to challenges has expanded my understanding of the psychological impact of designs. Together, we strive to create products that make users feel valued and supported.

Why Design Psychology Matters to Me

Reflecting on my journey as a new graduate at Lexcode, I’m grateful for the experiences that have broadened my perspective on design. I’ve come to understand that good design is not just about achieving visual excellence; it’s about creating experiences that connect with users on an emotional level, helping them feel supported, confident, and inspired.

As I grow in my role, I look forward to continuously refining my approach, knowing that each thoughtful design decision brings us closer to creating experiences that not only meet users’ functional needs but also deeply resonate with them. Design goes beyond fulfilling requirements; it’s about ensuring that users feel valued, supported, and engaged every step of the way.