Instead of using standard nouns for website navigation (e.g., 'Content Library'), use verb-led, action-oriented phrases ('Learn Here,' 'Network Here'). This clarifies the user's next step and sets clear expectations for what happens upon clicking, which can increase engagement and retention.

Instead of accepting default AI designs, proactively source superior design elements. Use pre-vetted Google Font combinations for typography and find specific MidJourney 'style reference' codes on social platforms like X to generate unique, high-quality images that match your desired aesthetic.

In a crowded digital space, products and marketing with a unique, even polarizing, visual style are more likely to capture attention and be memorable than those following standard design trends. Daring to be different visually can be a powerful competitive advantage.

A block of text, no matter how brilliant, will be ignored if it looks intimidating. Dave Gerhardt emphasizes that formatting—using headlines, sections, and clear structure—is a critical, underrated part of writing. The content must be visually appealing to entice the reader.

Not all parts of an application require the same level of design polish. Founders must develop an "editorial eye" to invest heavily in the core user experience (a 9/10) while accepting "good enough" for less critical areas like settings pages (a 5/10).

Human vision has two modes: sharp central focus (foveal) for details like text, and wide peripheral vision that scans for general signals like shape, color, and movement. Since peripheral vision detects things first but cannot read, visual marketing must grab attention with imagery before communicating details with text.

Instead of using standard, noun-based navigation labels like 'Content' or 'Community,' use action-oriented phrases like 'Learn here' or 'Network here.' This approach clarifies the user's expected action upon clicking, potentially improving user experience and on-page retention.

To avoid getting lost in endless options, establish a clear vision using descriptive adjectives like "techie," "classical," or "sharp and crisp." This high-level direction acts as a filter, helping you confidently accept or reject ideas and maintain consistency throughout the design process.

Our brains favor things that are easy to think about ('processing fluency'), subconsciously misattributing this ease as a positive feeling toward the product itself. Subtle cues like font matter immensely; a slim font for a 'slim' phone can increase purchase intent by 27% simply because the visual aligns with the message.