Graphic design has the power to attract, persuade, and build trust — or confuse, overwhelm, and turn people away. At Wilkin Design, we see it all the time: businesses with great products or services being let down by design that doesn’t reflect their value. The truth is, graphic design can either elevate your business or quietly sabotage it.

Let’s break down what good vs bad design looks like — and how to make sure yours is working for you, not against you.

Good Design Works For You

Great graphic design does more than “look nice” — it’s strategic, functional, and deeply aligned with your brand. Here’s how it helps:

1. It Builds Trust

People judge within seconds. Good design signals professionalism and quality. Whether it’s a website, a social media post, or packaging — clean, consistent visuals make your business look credible.

*Example:* **Apple** is a masterclass in minimal, high-end design. Their clean typography, generous white space, and consistent use of imagery reinforce their brand as premium and user-focused.

2. It Communicates Clearly

Great design guides the viewer’s eye, highlights what matters, and reduces confusion. It supports your message rather than competing with it.

*Example:* A well-designed flyer will use hierarchy (size, colour, layout) to lead you to the most important info first — like the event name, date, and call to action — instead of burying it in clutter.

3. It Stands Out

Good design helps you cut through noise. Whether it’s on a crowded Instagram feed or a packed shelf in a store, unique visuals can stop the scroll and make people take notice.

*Example:* **Oatly** uses quirky typography and bold, offbeat packaging design to stand out in a crowded plant-based milk market — and it works.

Bad Design Works Against You

Bad design doesn’t just “miss the mark” — it can actively drive customers away, even if your product is great. Here’s how it can hurt:

1. It Looks Unprofessional

Design that’s outdated, cluttered, or inconsistent makes your business look unreliable or cheap — even if it’s not.

Example: A logo that’s pixelated, stretched, or using five different fonts might suggest you’re not detail-oriented or established. (Think of those DIY business cards with too much clipart — not a good look.)

2. It Confuses the Viewer

If people don’t know where to look or what to do, they’ll leave. Bad design often lacks visual hierarchy, making it hard to find key information.

*Example:* A website with small text, confusing navigation, or a wall of unreadable colours will frustrate users.

3. It Damages Your Brand

Design that feels off-brand — like using the wrong colors, fonts, or tone — can dilute your message and confuse your audience.

*Example:* Imagine a luxury spa using neon colors and comic sans — it would immediately feel cheap and untrustworthy, even if the service is top-tier.

How to Make Sure Design Works for You

At Wilkin Design, we focus on strategic, thoughtful design that:

Reflects your brand personality
Communicates clearly and effectively
Builds recognition and trust
Aligns with your audience and goals

Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or refreshing outdated materials, design isn’t just decoration — it’s business-critical.

Good design can be one of your most powerful business tools. Bad design? A silent deal-breaker. If you’re not sure where your visuals stand, it might be time for a brand checkup.

Need a second opinion or ready to upgrade your design? Let’s make sure it’s working for you — not against you.
Let’s chat.