The key to building a loyal user base lies not in flashy designs or trendy features, but in creating an intentional user experience that solves real problems. Great UX isn't about overwhelming users with endless options; it's about making them feel smart, safe, and in control.

To achieve this, top-performing apps focus on four essential principles:

Intentional Design

  • Actions feel effortless
  • Cognitive load is low
  • The user experience design anticipates user needs
  • Time and context are respected
  • Control is offered without complexity

These principles guide the best UX designs, which often go unnoticed because they simply work. A small touch like "pull to refresh" or "mark all as read" can reshape the entire experience.

Examples of Good UX Design

We asked Maksym Chervynskiy, Eleken's Design Director, to share his favorite examples of intentional UX design that actually work:

Airbnb: Designing for Emotion

Airbnb's filters aren't built around specs; they're designed around experiences. By reframing filters around emotions and designing a flow that feels intuitive and inviting, Airbnb guides users without making it feel like a decision tree.

What you can learn: Think beyond features and design filters that speak to user desires, not just their requirements. Lead with emotion, then support it with clarity and structure.

Figma: Listening to User Feedback

Figma treats user feedback as a product input, not an afterthought. When users hated the floating side panels, they rolled the change back. Fast. They explained why and improved the UI based on feedback.

What you can learn: Treat feedback like a feature. Don't cling to decisions that don't work. If users push back, respond with clarity and speed.

Linear: Designing for Pros

Linear skips onboarding to double down on speed for pros. It's designed for fast-moving teams who already know the ropes. No hand-holding, no fluff – just speed, clarity, and precision.

What you can learn: Don't design for the masses if your product isn't for the masses. Focus on your core users. Remove friction, not decisions.

ChatGPT: Progressive UX

ChatGPT launched with a single input box and added features like threads, history, and custom GPTs without cluttering up the core interaction. It's progressive UX done right.

What you can learn: Start small. Ship the simplest version that delivers value, then scale deliberately. Add features without breaking flow, and always protect the interaction users came for in the first place.

Wealthfront: Easing Financial Stress

Wealthfront uses warm, non-technical language and smooth flows to reduce anxiety. The experience makes people feel like they can handle their finances – even if they're not experts.

What you can learn: Use language and tone to lower emotional friction. Don't just simplify – create calm. Structure your flows so users feel safe, not rushed, when making big decisions.

Copilot Money: Turning Complex Data into Clear Insights

Copilot takes messy financial data and turns it into clear, bite-sized visuals. Instead of overwhelming users with budgets and spreadsheets, it highlights what matters most using charts, categories, and daily summaries.

What you can learn: Treat data like a story. Show progress over time. And remember: delight doesn't have to be loud – it can be a moment of clarity in an otherwise stressful space.

By incorporating these principles and examples into your app's design, you'll create a user experience that builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and drives engagement.