UX Lessons from Advertising and Design

User Experience (UX) has become a critical factor in determining the success of digital products, websites, and apps. A great UX ensures that users not only find what they need but also enjoy the journey. Coming from an advertising and design background, I see UX as more than just usability—it’s about storytelling, persuasion, and creating an emotional connection. So, what makes a great UX? Let’s break it down.

One of the biggest mistakes in UX design is overcomplicating things. A great UX removes friction, guiding users seamlessly from point A to B. Just like in advertising, where a clear and compelling message is key, a website or app should communicate its purpose immediately.

Lesson from Advertising: Every second counts. If users don’t understand what to do within a few moments, they’re gone—just like a bad ad.

The best brands and products don’t just serve a function; they create an experience that resonates emotionally. Whether it’s an intuitive onboarding process or a smooth checkout flow, great UX makes users feel good.

Lesson from Advertising: Ads tell stories to evoke emotion—UX should do the same. The experience should be memorable, reinforcing the brand’s personality at every touchpoint.

A sleek interface is great, but if it doesn’t function well, it fails. UX is about striking the perfect balance between form and function. The best designs are visually appealing yet effortless to navigate.

Lesson from Design: In ad design, visuals grab attention, but it’s the copy and call-to-action that drive conversions. UX should be visually engaging, but every element must serve a purpose.

Understanding user behavior is at the core of UX. The best products are designed based on real user needs, not assumptions. User research, testing, and data-driven decisions separate great UX from mediocre experiences.

Lesson from Marketing: Know your audience. Just like advertising tailors messages to specific demographics, UX should be built around the needs, pain points, and behaviors of users.

Speed matters. Users expect a smooth, responsive experience—whether they’re on mobile or desktop. Accessibility is also a huge factor; a great UX is one that works for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Lesson from Digital Ads: Slow-loading ads frustrate users. Similarly, a website or app that lags, crashes, or isn’t mobile-friendly will drive users away. Performance should never be an afterthought.

UX isn’t a one-and-done process. The best experiences evolve based on user feedback and changing needs. Just like ad campaigns are tested and optimized, UX should always be refined to enhance engagement.

Lesson from Advertising: No ad campaign is perfect from the start. A/B testing and performance tracking are key—UX should follow the same iterative approach to stay relevant.

Great UX is the perfect marriage of logic and emotion—ensuring that users can achieve their goals while feeling engaged and connected. As someone with a background in advertising and design, I see UX as an extension of storytelling, branding, and persuasion. Whether it’s an ad, a website, or a mobile app, the goal is the same: make the experience effortless, enjoyable, and effective.