How Design is Unlocking Value in Boring Businesses

Contributor - Bhavana Ramesh
January 28, 2025
6 min read

Design often steals the spotlight in industries like fashion, tech, or entertainment, but its transformative power doesn’t stop there. Even the most “boring” businesses—think logistics, insurance, or manufacturing—are waking up to the untapped potential of good design. It’s not just about making things pretty; it’s about creating real, measurable value. Whether it’s a redesigned invoice system or a user-friendly interface for supply chain management, design is becoming the secret weapon in these less glamorous industries.

Turning Complexity into Clarity

In sectors like finance or legal services, jargon and complexity can alienate customers. Enter design: a tool to simplify the complicated. By reimagining user interfaces, redesigning forms, or introducing intuitive visuals, businesses can turn a labyrinth of information into a smooth customer journey. A well-designed dashboard, for instance, can help clients track data effortlessly, building trust and loyalty. Think of banks that use sleek, interactive mobile apps to demystify complicated processes like loan applications or wealth management.

Take insurance, for example. Traditionally seen as opaque and tedious, many firms are now investing in clean, minimalistic websites that make policy comparisons a breeze. This shift not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces the churn rate as users feel more confident in their choices.

Design isn’t just decoration—it’s a problem-solver.

Humanizing the Inhuman

Let’s face it: no one gets excited about filing taxes or buying industrial equipment. But good design can inject a dose of humanity into these lifeless transactions. Take the example of tax software companies using conversational interfaces and playful animations to make the process less painful. The result? Higher customer engagement and satisfaction.

Consider also the world of business-to-business (B2B) sales. Traditionally stiff and impersonal, B2B companies are embracing design to humanize their platforms. Tools like interactive product demos and AI-driven chatbots are making purchasing processes feel less robotic and more tailored to individual needs. This personal touch often translates to stronger customer relationships and increased loyalty.

Bridging the Gap Between Function and Emotion

For years, function was king in industries like manufacturing or transportation. But now, businesses realize that emotional connection drives value too. A thoughtfully designed product manual, for example, can turn a frustrating setup process into a seamless experience, leaving customers feeling confident and cared for. Think of Tesla’s user guides, which are sleek, engaging, and easy to follow, transforming what could be a chore into an enjoyable interaction.

Similarly, employee-facing design plays a significant role. In warehouses or factories, intuitive interfaces and ergonomic tools can make daily operations smoother and more enjoyable for workers, boosting productivity and morale. It’s proof that design doesn’t just impact customers—it creates a ripple effect throughout the entire organization.

When you blend functionality with emotion, you get design that truly resonates.

Making the Mundane Memorable

Who says boring businesses can’t have personality? Companies like Mailchimp have proven that even transactional communications can be delightful. Through quirky illustrations and clever copy, they’ve turned something as mundane as email marketing into an experience people actually enjoy. Similarly, utility companies are starting to incorporate vibrant graphics and simple language into their billing systems, making an otherwise dull task a little more pleasant.

Even packaging design can elevate the ordinary. Take Boxed Water’s minimalist yet impactful design, which not only communicates sustainability but also transforms a simple commodity into a lifestyle statement. These little touches help brands stand out in saturated markets and foster deeper connections with their audience.

The Bottom Line: Design Pays Off

Here’s the kicker: design-driven companies outperform their competitors. According to a McKinsey report, businesses that prioritize design see 32% more revenue growth and 56% higher shareholder returns. In other words, design isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic advantage. And it’s not limited to flashy consumer products. Logistics companies, for example, are using design to optimize fleet management interfaces, cutting costs while improving operational efficiency.

Furthermore, companies investing in design often find that their employees benefit just as much as their customers. Thoughtfully designed internal tools lead to fewer errors, faster workflows, and happier teams. It’s a win-win scenario that underscores the versatility and importance of design in any industry.

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re stuck in a mind-numbing queue or grappling with a convoluted process, remember: design has the power to change that. Whether it’s a streamlined online form, a playful brand identity, or an intuitive app, design can transform even the dullest interactions into something meaningful. As more “boring” businesses embrace this truth, we’re all in for a smoother, more enjoyable ride. Because at the end of the day, good design is good business.

Think design doesn’t matter in your industry? Think again. At Bang Design, we take the ordinary and make it effortless, engaging, and even exciting. Our Visualization, Animation, and Configuration tools help businesses simplify the complicated, add personality to the mundane, and turn clunky processes into smooth experiences. From crisp product renders to interactive demos and explainer videos, we make design work for you—so your customers (and even your employees) actually enjoy the experience.

Why settle for dull when you can stand out? Let’s make it happen—talk to us today!

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