Why Design Is Crucial Even at MVP Stage
Design isn’t just the polish you add at the end. For many successful startups, design was the thing that earned them their first users — and their early momentum. Your MVP is your brand’s first impression. And if users bounce before they experience the value, it doesn’t matter how great your code is.Smart design helps clarify functionality, reduce learning curves, and build trust early.
Notion: Minimalism That Invited Curiosity
Notion’s earliest versions were stark, clean, and intentionally minimal — and that was the point. It allowed users to shape the product around their workflow instead of being locked into rigid templates.The interface was so simple it looked like a blank page. But that simplicity was strategic. It gave early adopters a sense of flexibility and ownership. The design said: “You make this tool what you want.” Even without heavy marketing, Notion’s design-first experience became its greatest hook.
Superhuman: Crafting Speed into the Interface
Superhuman didn’t try to be another Gmail clone. Its design language screamed focus, speed, and intent. Everything from the keyboard shortcuts to the lightweight feel of the UI was deliberate.They even conducted 1-on-1 onboarding calls to watch user reactions in real time. Every animation, color, and microinteraction was iterated to reinforce speed.The product felt fast because it looked fast. That emotional response made users feel more productive — and that made them stay.
Figma: Making Collaboration Visual
Figma entered a crowded space with a bold idea: design should be collaborative, not siloed.But it wasn’t just the multiplayer tech — it was the design of the design tool that won people over. Figma made complex tasks feel intuitive. Its interface invited play. Icons were friendly, spacing was generous, and colors made the tool feel modern.Instead of overwhelming new users, Figma guided them gently, encouraging experimentation — a crucial hook for designers testing a new tool.
Lessons From These Launches
What ties these stories together? A few shared takeaways:• Design was never an afterthought — it was core to the MVP.• Each product had a clear emotional hook: speed (Superhuman), freedom (Notion), collaboration (Figma).• The UI made the value proposition tangible in seconds.If your MVP feels clunky, people won’t stick around long enough to see its potential. But if your design evokes trust, clarity, or curiosity — that’s enough to spark real traction.
