Making good design decisions for your brand
The process is everything.
October 6, 2022 / Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Good design isn’t just about making something look pretty—it’s about building a connection between your brand and its audience. At HRVST, we know that the best design decisions are backed by strategy, rooted in purpose, and steeped in style. Whether you’re building your Shopify storefront or creating a killer identity, the right design choices can take your business from “meh” to magnetic. Let’s talk about how to get there and why it matters.
Here’s the deal: Design isn’t optional.
It’s the secret sauce that turns casual browsers into loyal customers and makes your competitors sweat. According to McKinsey, companies that prioritize design outperform their peers by 32% in revenue growth.
Design isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s a profit-driving machine.
1. Start with strategy: the backbone of killer design
Design without strategy is like a road trip without a map—you’ll get somewhere, but probably not where you intended.
Before we sketch a single line or pick a colour palette, we ask: What’s your brand’s story? Who’s your audience? What goals are you chasing? At HRVST, we use a detailed project brief to uncover insights that guide every creative decision.
Why it matters:
A clear strategy ensures your design aligns with your business goals.
It saves time and money by eliminating guesswork.
It builds a foundation for consistency across all touchpoints.
2. Keep your audience at the centre
Great design doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it exists for your audience. Brands need to cut through the noise of 6,000+ ads we see daily. That’s why we focus on creating designs that resonate with the people you want to reach.
How we do it:
User research: Understand their needs, habits, and pain points.
UX/UI best practices: Create interfaces that are intuitive and seamless.
Accessibility: Make sure your site or brand is usable for everyone.
Pro tip: Your audience should never have to “figure out” your website or branding—it should just make sense.
3. Embrace minimalism: less Is more
Simplicity isn’t boring—it’s strategic. When it comes to branding and web design, clutter is your enemy. Minimalist design helps your audience focus on what matters: your message. At HRVST, we’re big fans of clean, modern aesthetics that cut through the noise.
Why it works:
Reduces cognitive load for users (aka less thinking, more clicking).
Creates a professional, trustworthy impression.
Puts the spotlight on your products and services.
4. Design for ecommerce success
Ecommerce is where design meets functionality. Shopify is our playground, and we’ve mastered the art of building ecommerce sites that don’t just look good—they convert. Whether it’s optimizing product pages, simplifying navigation, or incorporating dynamic content, design choices directly impact your bottom line.
HRVST pro tips for Shopify stores:
Product pages: Use high-quality visuals, compelling descriptions, and clear CTAs.
Mobile optimization: Ensure your site is just as sleek on a phone as it is on a desktop.
Page load speed: Faster pages = happier customers.
Great design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating an experience that keeps customers coming back.
5. Collaboration is everything
We’re not just here to execute—we’re here to build with you. At HRVST, we know the best work comes from real teamwork. Your ideas? Non-negotiable. Your feedback? That’s the fuel. We bring the know-how to take it from vibe to reality. From moodboards to mockups, it’s about creating something that feels true to your brand and built to last.
Why this works:
Ensures the design reflects your vision.
Speeds up approval cycles.
Creates a sense of ownership and pride in the final product.
Making good design decisions isn’t rocket science, but it does take intention, expertise, and a skilled team. Whether you’re looking to launch a brand, revamp your Shopify store, or nail your next big campaign, we’ve got the tools and the talent to make it happen.
At HRVST, design isn’t just about what looks good; it’s about what feels authentic and true to you.
Let’s create an identity that’s fresh, impactful, and built to grow. Ready to start building your brand with purpose? We’re here to make it happen.