No business sets out to be just "good enough." So why do so many settle for software that barely functions? Whether it’s your internal management systems or the customer-facing platforms, clunky, outdated software is a productivity killer.

How many times have your staff been ready to throw their computers out the window because of a simple task that should have taken seconds? How many customers have abandoned an online transaction because your system was more obstacle course than a seamless experience?

These frustrations usually boil down to a bad user interface (UI) or a clunky user experience (UX). Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference Between UI and UX?

People often talk about UI and UX like they’re the same thing, but they’re actually quite different. Your user interface (UI) is all about what your software looks like. It’s the buttons, colours, fonts, and layouts that shape the visual experience.

Your UX (user experience) on the other hand, is about how your software actually works. Does it flow logically? Can people get what they need quickly and easily? Do your payment portals remove or create obstacles for customers looking to buy from you?

You need both to get it right. A stunning UI with bad UX is like a sports car with no engine - pretty, but useless. And a great UX with a terrible UI? That’s like a high-performance car that’s been painted with a tub of Dulux paint and a roller brush… It’s functional, but you probably won’t enjoy using it.

Why Does UI/UX Matter More Than Ever?

People’s buying habits have changed. These days, customers expect to research, compare, and purchase online with zero hassle. If your software makes that difficult, they’ll go elsewhere. And internally? If your staff are wrestling with slow, unintuitive systems, they’re wasting valuable time (and your money) just trying to get stuff done.

The Real Business Impact of Good UI and UX

Take insurance comparison sites, for example. The pricing differences between providers are often tiny, so how do they compete? By making their platforms as easy to use as possible, they win customers over with a seamless experience.

Or consider e-commerce. A complicated checkout process is a sure way to lose sales. If it’s too slow or confusing, customers will abandon their carts and head straight to a competitor.

And then there’s internal business software. If your team spends half their day clicking through unnecessary steps just to complete a simple task, that’s hours of lost productivity every single week. The right design can streamline processes and make everything more efficient.

Common UI/UX Mistakes Businesses Make

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is failing to design their software with mobile users in mind. Older systems were built for desktop screens, but today, people expect a seamless experience across all devices—phones, tablets, and laptops included. Accessibility is another common oversight. Not everyone interacts with software in the same way, so it’s crucial to consider features like colour contrast for the visually impaired, screen readers for blind users, and compliance with WCAG standards.

Navigation can also be a major pain point. If users have to work too hard to figure out where things are or how to complete a task, they’ll quickly give up. A good system should feel intuitive and require minimal effort to use. Then there’s performance—slow-loading software frustrates users and drives them away. Modern users have little patience for lag, and tools like Google Lighthouse can help identify performance issues that need fixing.

Finally, one of the most damaging mistakes is skipping UX research altogether. Designing software without real user feedback is like shooting in the dark. Even small adjustments based on actual user experiences can make a huge difference in usability and overall satisfaction.

What Can You Do to Improve UI/UX?

Improving your software’s UI and UX doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task, but it does require a proactive approach. Instead of waiting for users to complain—or worse, abandon your system altogether—take the initiative to refine the experience now. Small, strategic changes can make a huge difference in usability, customer satisfaction, and overall efficiency. So where do you start?

1. First, run an audit of your current software and look for areas where people struggle. Ask both customers and staff for feedback—where do they get stuck? What frustrates them?
2. Check how accessible your software is. Free tools like accessibilitychecker can help you spot areas that need improvement.
3. Speed things up! If your system is slow and clunky, it’s time for an upgrade. People expect things to load and work instantly.
4. And most importantly, invest in proper UX design. Whether you’re tweaking your existing system or building from scratch, getting the design right from the start will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Need a Hand?

If your software feels stuck in the past and is costing you customers or slowing down your team, let's chat. Drop us a message at info@jatech.co.uk and let’s make your software something people actually enjoy using.

Because ‘good enough’ just isn’t good enough anymore.