If you’ve ever been in a room full of designers, you know one topic that always sparks a heated (but fun) debate:
Functionality vs Aesthetics. Which one matters more? Which one should come first? And is there even a right answer?

There is no universal answer. It’s a personal philosophy. Aesthetic-first designers aren’t “wrong”, and functionality-first designers aren’t “more correct”. We all simply prioritise differently based on what we believe creates the best experience.

But before diving into where I stand today, let’s take a moment to understand the basics.

What is Functionality?

Functionality is the core job of a product. It answers: Does it work? Can users complete their tasks easily, quickly, and reliably?

Real-world examples:

• Google Search - Extremely minimal interface, laser-focused functionality. One input box. One button. But it performs its job with unmatched efficiency.
  
  

• Amazon- For years, it wasn’t visually appealing, but it did the core job: letting millions order daily.

Functionality removes friction. It focuses on flow, clarity, speed, and problem-solving.

What is Aesthetics?

Aesthetics is about how a product looks and feels. It answers: Does it spark emotion? Does it feel modern, premium, trustworthy? Does it make the user smile?

Real-world examples:

• Apple’s product packaging - The unboxing experience is a design moment in itself.
  
  

• Swiggy’s micro-interactions - Not necessary for ordering food, but they make the experience delightful.
  
  

• IKEA - Keeps its experience consistent everywhere whether you’re in the store or using the app, everything looks clean, minimal, and spacious. Their simple colors, clear visuals, and Scandinavian aesthetic make the entire brand feel organised, warm, and easy to navigate.

Aesthetics builds connection. It builds desire. It builds memory.
Most importantly, it builds brand.

So, Which One Matters More Today?

Here’s where my perspective has evolved.

In today’s world, functionality has become a baseline.

Technology, design systems, patterns, best practices everything has matured. Most apps today are reasonably functional.You can order food, book cabs, buy products, transfer money and it works smoothly across almost every major platform.

Functionality is no longer the differentiator. It’s the ticket to play.

Then what differentiates?

Aesthetics.

• The feel of your product.

• The visual identity.

• The way your brand communicates.

• The micro-moments that make the user smile.

• The polish that makes people trust you.

Think about it:

• Many fintech apps do the same thing, but CRED stands out for its aesthetic language and motion design.
  
  

• All hotel booking apps let you do the basic functionality of booking, but AirBnB created a brand language that feels premium and trustworthy
  
  

• Every e-commerce app shows products, but platforms like Nike and IKEA win because of how beautifully they present them.

Aesthetics has become the emotional differentiator in a world where functionality is largely solved.

My Standpoint as a Product Designer

If you asked me a decade ago, I would’ve said: Functionality first, aesthetics later.

But today, my answer is different.

I believe: Aesthetics is what wins the user. Functionality is what keeps them.

And in a saturated digital landscape, the first impression often decides whether users will even give your functionality a chance.

Aesthetics is no longer “just visual appeal”.
- It’s strategy.
- It’s differentiation.
- It’s brand.
- It’s trust.

Final Thought

The debate between aesthetics and functionality will always exist, and that’s the beauty of design it’s subjective, contextual, and endlessly evolving.

But if you ask me where the world is moving: Products that merge solid functionality with a distinct aesthetic identity will lead the next decade of digital experiences.

Because in the end, users don’t just remember what solved their problem they remember how it made them feel.