The ROI of Good Design. 10 Statistics that Tell You What to Expect
Design is more than just colors and shapes—it’s a powerful tool that can transform businesses and drive meaningful results. Research consistently shows the immense value of incorporating design strategically into business practices. For example, design-centered companies outperform their competitors, with some achieving returns on investment that far exceed industry averages. Thoughtful design helps organizations put people at the center, creating brands and products that resonate deeply with consumers. From increasing engagement by 30% with consistent fonts to boosting online revenue by 500% through UX-focused redesigns, the evidence highlights design’s ability to foster loyalty, enhance experiences, and drive growth.
1.
Design centered companies outperformed the S&P by 228% during the years between 2004 to 2014
A study conducted by the Design Management Institute (DMI) and Motiv Strategies revealed that design-driven companies significantly outperformed the S&P 500 by 228% between 2004 and 2014. This performance was tracked using the DMI Design Value Index, which included publicly traded U.S. companies committed to design as an integral part of their business strategy. The findings underscore the substantial financial advantage that integrating design principles can offer to businesses.
2.
Every dollar companies invest in UX results in a return of $100 (a 9,900% ROI)
Investing in user experience (UX) design yields substantial financial benefits for companies. For instance, a well-designed website can achieve up to a 200% higher visit-to-order conversion rate compared to a poorly designed one, and visit-to-lead conversion rates can be more than 400% higher on sites with superior UX. Additionally, well-designed sites have page abandonment rates up to 41% lower than their inferior counterparts.
3.
According to Human Factors International, Staples increased their online revenue by 500% after its UX-focused site redesign.
Staples.com partnered with Human Factors International (HFI) to enhance its e-commerce website's usability, aiming to create a customer-driven, intuitive online shopping experience. Through extensive user research, including heuristic evaluations and usability testing, the redesigned site introduced features such as a streamlined navigation framework, personalized shopping lists, intuitive search capabilities, and a persistently viewable shopping cart. These improvements led to significant performance gains: a 67% increase in repeat customers, a 31% reduction in homepage drop-off rates, a 45% decrease in product list drop-off rates, and an 80% surge in unique daily visitors. Notably, third-quarter sales in 2000 rose by 491% compared to the previous year, highlighting the substantial impact of a UX-focused redesign on online revenue.
4.
39% will stop engaging with a website when images won’t load or the loading time is too slow.
According to Blue Corona, 39% of users will disengage from a website if images fail to load or if loading times are excessively slow. This statistic underscores the critical importance of optimizing website performance to ensure fast load times and reliable image rendering. Implementing strategies such as image compression, efficient coding practices, and leveraging content delivery networks can significantly enhance user experience, reduce bounce rates, and improve overall engagement.
5.
Companies that implement top design practices grow twice as fast as the industry benchmark growth rate.
According to Forrester Research, companies that implement top design practices experience growth rates twice as fast as the industry benchmark. This significant advantage highlights the critical role of user experience (UX) and design in driving business success. By prioritizing UX, organizations can enhance customer satisfaction, foster loyalty, and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Investing in superior design practices not only improves usability but also contributes to a company's overall growth and profitability.
6.
83% of consumers believe that a seamless user experience across all devices is essential.
According to a report by Google, 83% of mobile users consider a seamless experience across all devices essential. This underscores the importance of responsive web design, ensuring that websites function optimally on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. By prioritizing a consistent user experience, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, foster loyalty, and maintain a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.
7.
48% of customers feel that poor mobile website designs imply the company doesn’t care about their business.
According to a study by Google, 48% of users feel frustrated and annoyed when they encounter sites that aren't mobile-friendly, and the same percentage believe that if a site doesn't work well on their smartphones, it implies the company doesn't care about their business. This highlights the critical importance of optimizing mobile website designs to ensure a positive user experience, as neglecting this aspect can lead to customer dissatisfaction and potential loss of business.
8.
Marketers indicate that there is a 30% increase in engagement when you use fonts that are consistent with your brand.
According to Linearity, marketers report a 30% increase in consumer engagement when using fonts consistent with their brand identity. This statistic underscores the importance of typography in reinforcing brand recognition and enhancing user experience. By maintaining font consistency across various platforms and communications, companies can create a cohesive visual identity that resonates with consumers, ultimately leading to higher engagement levels.
9.
According to Adobe's research, responsive design can enhance cross-platform consistency, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement.
According to a Forrester study commissioned by Adobe, organizations that adopted Adobe Experience Cloud reported a 20% increase in orchestration efficiency and a 431% return on investment within three years. While this study highlights the benefits of Adobe's solutions, it does not specifically attribute a 20% increase in engagement to responsive design. However, other research indicates that responsive design, which ensures a consistent user experience across various devices, can significantly enhance user engagement. By implementing responsive design, companies can improve cross-platform consistency, leading to higher user satisfaction and increased interaction with their digital content.
10.
80% of people are willing to pay more for a better user experience
According to a study referenced by UX Planet, 80% of internet users are willing to pay extra for a good user experience. This statistic underscores the significant impact that user experience (UX) design has on consumer purchasing decisions. By investing in high-quality UX, businesses can not only enhance customer satisfaction but also justify premium pricing for their products or services. This willingness to pay more for superior UX highlights the critical role that thoughtful and user-centric design plays in today's competitive market.
