In this article, we’ll explore why both aesthetics and usability matter, and how we can achieve harmony between the two. 

First impressions are formed within seconds. A well designed website communicates professionalism, builds trust, and sets the tone for your brand. Good aesthetics: 

However, it’s easy to get carried away with design trends and flashy visuals. If the focus leans too heavily on looks without considering user experience, you risk alienating your audience.
 

Usability ensures that your website works for your visitors. It’s about providing a seamless, intuitive experience that helps users achieve their goals, whether that’s finding information, making a purchase, or getting in touch. Good usability means:

A site that prioritises usability but lacks visual appeal might fail to make a memorable impression or reflect the quality of your brand.
 

 So, how do we balance these two crucial elements? Here are some key principles we follow at our Belfast studio:
 
1. Design for the User First
Start by understanding the audience. What are their goals? What problems are they trying to solve? We use this insight to guide both the design choices and user flows.
 
2. Embrace Simplicity
Don’t overload the pages with unnecessary elements. A clean, uncluttered design not only looks good but also improves usability by making content easier to digest.
 
3. Prioritise Content Hierarchy
Use visual hierarchy to guide users through the site. Headlines, images, and calls to action (CTAs) should naturally lead users from one section to the next without confusion.
 
4. Consistent Branding with Purpose
We make sure your colours, fonts, and imagery align with your brand identity, but always consider readability and contrast. For example, while your brand’s primary colour might be a vibrant yellow, it should never be used for body text if it impacts legibility.
 
5. Test and Iterate
Design is never one-and-done. Use tools like Google Analytics with user testing to see how visitors interact with your site. Are they finding what they need? Are CTAs being clicked? Use this data to refine both the look and functionality.
 

We were approached by Laganview Golf Centre to create a dynamic and engaging website that reflects their cutting-edge golf and entertainment facilities. While their previous site showcased their offerings, the booking system was causing real headaches for their customers, especially on mobile devices. Users found it difficult to navigate, and many struggled to complete bookings smoothly while also not being able to book the full offering online that Laganview offered in-person.

Working closely with the Laganview team, we revamped the entire booking experience. We introduced a bespoke booking system, designed specifically for their facilities, with a mobile-first approach to ensure seamless usability across all devices. The updated site not only features bold design elements that highlight their state-of-the-art driving range but also delivers an intuitive user journey that mirrors the high-tech, interactive nature of their business.

The result? A significant boost in customer satisfaction, smoother booking flows, and increased engagement across both desktop and mobile users.
 

Great web design is never just about how a site looks, it’s about how it works. At our studio here in Belfast, we’re passionate about creating websites that look fantastic and provide an effortless experience for users. Striking that balance between aesthetics and usability isn’t always easy, but when done right, it leads to websites that engage, delight, and convert.

If you’re thinking about getting your website redesigned or if you are starting from scratch, we’d love to help you find that perfect balance. Interested? Get in touch with us today!