What Startups Get Wrong About UX Design (And How to Fix It)
10 June 2025
Launching Is Easy, Designing Right Is Hard
Startups move fast. With limited time and budget, design decisions are often made in a rush. But skipping UX or getting it wrong early can cost you users, and your product's success.
Here are the biggest UX mistakes startups make, and how to avoid them.
1. Mistaking UI for UX
“We just need it to look good.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions. UI (User Interface) is about how your product looks. UX (User Experience) is about how it works and feels.
Fix it: Start by defining user goals and journeys. Don’t jump into designing screens until the user flow is mapped out.
2. Skipping User Research
“We already know what our users want.”
Assuming your users’ needs can lead to building features no one wants.
Fix it: Run simple user interviews or usability tests, even five users can give you critical feedback.
3. Designing for Founders, Not Users
Founders often build based on their own preferences.
Fix it: Create user personas. Ask, “Is this decision good for our user?” not just “Do we like it?”
4. Cramming Too Much into the MVP
Launching with every feature at once often results in a cluttered experience.
Fix it: Focus on one primary flow. Nail that. Iterate later based on real user data.
5. Ignoring Mobile Experience
“We’ll optimize for mobile later.”
Bad idea. Most users experience your product on mobile first.
Fix it: Use mobile-first design and test on multiple devices from day one.
6. Not Hiring a UX Designer Early Enough
Waiting until after development to involve a designer leads to more rework, and costs more.
Fix it: Include a UX expert early in the planning phase. It saves time and helps build the right experience from the start.
7. Launching and Forgetting
“It’s live, so we’re done.”
UX doesn’t stop after launch. Continuous improvement is the key to long-term success.
Fix it: Track behavior using analytics tools. Watch how users interact and iterate based on real data.
UX Is a Startup’s Secret Weapon
Startups that invest in UX early build better products, faster. A good experience isn’t a luxury, it's a growth tool.
Build for people first, and they’ll build your brand for you.
Need help designing a product your users will love? I specialize in UX for SaaS, CRM tools, and high-performing web platforms. Let’s work together →