As someone who's built websites for 20+ startups across healthcare, SaaS, and fintech, I made what seemed like a crazy decision for Asia Deal Hub - a $100M business matchmaking platform. Instead of the typical corporate dashboard, I designed their initial deal creation as a multi-step modal with illustrations showing the entire process upfront. The founders were initially worried it would overwhelm new users since deal creation involves complex filters and data points. Most B2B platforms dump everything on one screen or hide functionality behind multiple pages. But I insisted on breaking it into digestible visual steps with minimal click points. The result completely changed their onboarding metrics. New users went from abandoning deal creation 70% of the time to completing it seamlessly. The illustration-first approach helped users understand the entire process before diving in, reducing confusion and support tickets by half. What made this work was treating complex B2B functionality more like consumer app onboarding. Instead of assuming business users want everything at once, I designed for the same progressive disclosure that works in consumer products. Sometimes the best B2B UX borrows from B2C playbooks.
One unconventional choice I made on a client's web UI was to intentionally strip down the navigation to just three primary options, instead of the usual sprawling menu. At first, even the client pushed back, worried that users wouldn't "find everything." But during testing, the opposite happened: Users felt less overwhelmed, navigated faster, and reached the conversion points with far less hesitation. What looked like a risky simplification actually reduced drop-offs on key pages and boosted engagement. The initial reaction from users was almost relief. Comments like "finally a site that doesn't make me think too much" came up in interviews. Over time, this small but bold decision has reframed how we approach IA: users don't want all the options upfront, they want the most relevant ones clearly prioritized. By cutting down the noise, we didn't just spruce up usability, but also shifted the brand perception to be more positive, while improving conversions.
After a decade in web design, I made what seemed like a backward move - I started putting loading animations front and center instead of trying to eliminate them completely. Most designers obsess over hiding any wait time, but I realized users actually get anxious when things happen too fast without feedback. I implemented custom branded loading sequences that actually tell users what's happening: "Optimizing your images," "Securing your data," "Finalizing your experience." My clients thought I was nuts for deliberately showing processes that could theoretically be hidden. The results were eye-opening. User engagement metrics improved by 31% because people felt more confident in the process rather than wondering if something broke. Support tickets about "website errors" dropped dramatically because users understood the system was actively working for them. What really validated this approach was when clients started getting compliments specifically about how "professional and transparent" their websites felt. We transformed necessary wait time from a liability into a trust-building opportunity, which completely changed how users perceive site performance.
After working with 500+ entrepreneurs, I made one choice that initially had clients scratching their heads: I started placing the website's search bar in the bottom right corner instead of the traditional top navigation area. My clients' first reaction was pure confusion. They kept asking "Randy, won't people get lost trying to find search?" Most expected users to look at the top of the page first, so this felt completely backwards to them. But here's what happened - our analytics showed a 34% increase in search usage across client sites. People were actually more likely to use search after they'd scrolled through some content and knew what they wanted to find. Instead of immediately searching and potentially missing key messaging, visitors would engage with the page first. The real breakthrough came when we realized this mimicked natural browsing behavior. Users explore first, then search when they need something specific. This unconventional placement reduced bounce rates by 28% because people stayed on pages longer before deciding to search.
After 20 years in web design, my most unconventional choice was removing traditional navigation menus entirely from B2B landing pages and replacing them with a single, sticky progress bar showing the buyer's journey stages. Most clients thought I was crazy - they wanted every service link visible. Initial pushback was intense. Clients worried visitors couldn't find other services, and my team questioned removing standard navigation best practices. The pages felt "incomplete" to stakeholders who expected traditional website layouts. The conversion rates told a different story - we saw 34% higher form completions because visitors weren't getting distracted by other options. B2B buyers appreciated the focused experience that matched their goal-oriented mindset rather than wandering through multiple service pages. The sticky progress indicator actually increased trust because prospects could see exactly where they were in the evaluation process. Instead of feeling lost, they felt guided through a professional consultation flow that respected their decision-making timeline.
We implemented color-coded navigation to differentiate service categories instead of plain menus. Initially, stakeholders questioned whether users would find it intuitive. However, feedback confirmed people loved instantly associating services with colors. The design simplified navigation across large, complex service portfolios. Engagement metrics proved time-to-click dropped considerably. The surprising delight became a brand asset over time. Users even remembered services by color names. This playful association improved recall and loyalty unexpectedly. What began as unconventional became signature branding. Sometimes differentiation emerges from simple, human-friendly choices.
One unconventional design choice I tried was making the navigation out of large, bold typography instead of a standard menu. At first, I thought users might find it distracting, but they loved it. Many said it made the site feel unique and easier to use. The result was more engagement and less confusion. Visitors spent longer on the site and explored more pages, all because the design choice made the experience feel fresh and approachable.
We once used bold, oversized typography for calls-to-action instead of subtle design. At first, stakeholders feared it would appear intrusive or aggressive. Instead, users loved the clarity and found directions unmissable. They clicked more confidently because options stood out clearly. Conversion rates rose quickly with that change. Surveys showed customers appreciated not having to hunt for important actions. The bold design conveyed confidence and intention. What seemed initially risky became a competitive advantage. Unconventional typography aligned with clarity, improving trust significantly. People valued confidence communicated visually through design.
One unconventional design decision we adopted in our web UI was prioritizing a minimalist structure that guided users through contextual interactions rather than presenting every option upfront. While the adjustment initially felt unexpected, it ultimately created a smoother, more intuitive user journey. This emphasis on user experience not only increased satisfaction but also improved efficiency and engagement across the platform.
SEO and SMO Specialist, Web Development, Founder & CEO at SEO Echelon
Answered 5 months ago
Good Day, This replaces a regular drop-down menu with a sticky collapsible side panel that would remain in situ during scroll. Some users found this strange initially, but soon came to appreciate the reduction in clicks and increased speed of navigation. Ultimately enhancing usability and engagement, everything needed was always just a click away. If you decide to use this quote, I'd love to stay connected! Feel free to reach me at spencergarret_fernandez@seoechelon.com
Our website introduced a dark mode design which was an unconventional decision at the time. This design choice aimed to offer a more user-friendly experience particularly in low-light settings. By using darker backgrounds we reduced the amount of light emitted from the screen making it easier on the eyes especially during extended usage. This shift aligned with growing preferences for visually comfortable interfaces. Users responded positively, noting the benefits of reduced eye strain. The improved readability especially in dimly lit environments allowed them to engage with the content more comfortably. Ultimately this design decision not only enhanced the user experience but also contributed to a more modern and stylish website interface. It reflected our commitment to staying ahead of design trends while prioritizing user well-being.
We got rid of navigation menus and put an interactive demo on the landing page instead. We let visitors try out our generative AI platform right away instead of making them click through a bunch of tabs to learn more about it. People were surprised, as they thought it would have a more traditional layout with technical descriptions and documentation at the top. But after they used the demo, they stayed longer, got more involved, and asked for follow-ups more often.
We moved a lot of detail on our lender pages into expandable FAQ sections instead of long blocks of text. At first we feared it might look like we were hiding important details. But the opposite happened. Users could scan, navigate and select the answers that mattered without feeling overwhelmed. The initial reaction was surprisingly positive. People spend more time on that page and click more FAQs than before. In turn, it benefited the user experience by making complex financial information digestible and understandable yet still keeping all the detail available for those who wanted it.
We put our core functionality front and center, and hid basically everything else. My marketing team was not a fan of this choice. They wanted a landing page with a strong call to action and a way to catch customer information, but I knew that getting our product in our customers' hands would be the most important step to success for us.
The company introduced a dark theme dashboard as its default design instead of using a light background for the launch. The company based its decision on reducing eye fatigue that occurs during extended screen use. The company made a distinctive change to its design which proved effective according to user feedback about screen fatigue. The first impression of several users was that the design looked like a system malfunction. Users started to appreciate the screen comfort after several days of using the dark theme because it eliminated the harsh effects of bright screen glare. Multiple users asked the company to maintain the dark theme as their permanent design choice. The system delivered longer user sessions together with improved user contentment. Users experienced increased energy levels which allowed them to maintain their engagement. The experience demonstrated that minor visual adjustments can produce significant effects on user interface usability.
Our team created an onboarding process that used swipeable story cards which followed the design structure of social media applications. The team used this unorthodox approach to create an interactive onboarding experience that avoided traditional instructional methods. The design presented itself as both simple and effective. Users initially viewed the system as Instagram-like and wondered if it brought too much casualness to the workplace. Users discovered that the interactive design maintained their focus while minimizing interruptions after they experienced it. The system transformed passive learning into an active process. The system achieved superior completion rates and users maintained better understanding of essential procedures. Users reported better memory retention of instructions which resulted in fewer support requests. The design demonstrated that using familiar interfaces makes complex information more accessible to users.
Our company decided to replace standard "submit" buttons with action-oriented labels including "Show Me Results" and "Save My Progress." The goal was to create an experience that would feel like a dialogue while providing reassurance instead of treating users like customers. The company implemented this nonstandard approach because it supported our goal to build a supportive user environment. Users displayed curiosity because they were not familiar with buttons that directly communicated with them. Users found the interface buttons to be unexpectedly human-like when they interacted with the web platform. Users developed trust in the process which led to higher return rates. Users developed greater trust in the process which resulted in increased return visits to the platform. Our team used supportive language to transform interface actions into a collaborative experience that eliminated the feeling of coldness. The interface redesign led to better user engagement and higher satisfaction levels.
The team replaced standard dropdown menus with a scrolling carousel interface for users to select from. The design choice of one-thumb navigation for mobile devices seemed unconventional for a professional service yet our team chose it because of its mobile benefits. The design presented a bold appearance which matched the natural behavior of users when handling their mobile devices. The design received mixed reactions from users who described it as both playful and inappropriate for a professional service. Users discovered the design speed advantage on small screens which led them to start appreciating the design. The design simplicity eventually won over users who had doubts at first. The new design approach led to better mobile user engagement because users needed to tap fewer times to finish their tasks. The redesign of fundamental navigation elements demonstrated that systems become more accessible through innovative thinking. The experience validated our approach to design mobile interfaces with user habits in mind.
Our company took an unorthodox approach to form design by implementing progressive field exposure which reveals content step by step instead of displaying everything at once. The design team chose this approach because extensive forms tend to confuse users yet breaking them into smaller sections makes the process more manageable. The industry standard of full visibility did not apply to our company because we adopted this different approach. Users displayed uncertainty when they first encountered the design because they believed certain content was absent and some even inquired about missing steps. Users discovered that the step-by-step process made the form completion process less stressful while allowing them to work in smaller sections. Users started to appreciate the design because it provided direction while avoiding a sense of urgency. The design change led to better completion success rates because users stayed engaged throughout the entire process. Users found the design approach easy to use and described it as "friendlier" which matched our objective to develop a supportive user experience. The form transitioned from a source of frustration to a trust-building instrument through its reduced complexity.
The progress tracker at Able To Change Recovery remained visible throughout each step of the extended form process. The progress tracker displayed both the current stage and remaining steps to reduce user uncertainty. The system replaced its traditional top-bar design with this new approach. Users at first believed the tracker added unnecessary distraction to their experience. Users discovered that the tracker provided direction while making the form more navigable after they started using it. Users reported that the tracker eliminated their confusion about their current position in the process. The implemented numbers indicated that users completed the form in full instead of abandoning it at any point. Users reported that the progress tracker helped them monitor their advancement which kept them engaged throughout the process. The results demonstrated that users need to see their progress more than they need a simple design approach.