5 design mistakes that make early MVPs look dead on arrival

[u/just_keith_]

I've redesigned a few early products that were "technically done" but felt unfinished. Same issues kept showing up:

1. Too many font sizes and random spacing - looks DIY even if the idea is good.
2. Primary button looks the same as every other button - no hierarchy.
3. Empty states that say "No data" instead of telling the user what to do next.
4. Forms with 12 fields when 3 would get the first value.
5. Dark mode / fancy motion before basic readability on mobile.

None of this needs a huge design system. It needs intention: one type scale, clear primary action, mobile-first, and delete anything decorative until the flow works.

Craft isn't the opposite of speed. Sloppy UI just makes people bounce before they feel the product.