How Simple Design Helped MKBHD Become a Popular Content Creator

Everyone knows Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD. He is one of the most popular tech content creators on YouTube.

I’ve been following him for a few years and really love his unbiased reviews of tech products. Sometimes his honest reviews can even affect companies significantly — like with the Humane AI Pin. 😄

What I particularly like about MKBHD is his clean and simple design for all his content across platforms. It’s effective, straightforward, and connects with a wide audience.

While it might seem easy to create such a simple design, as a designer, I know how challenging it is to make something both simple and effective.

In this article, I’ll discuss how MKBHD’s clean design approach has helped him stand out and build a massive following in the crowded digital space. Additionally, with each point, I’ll discuss how UX Design plays an important role in creating a great personal brand.

Clear and Consistent Branding

One of the first things you notice about MKBHD is his clear and consistent branding. From his logo to the thumbnails of his videos, there is a cohesive visual style that is instantly recognizable. This consistency helps viewers quickly identify his content, making it easier for them to find and follow him.

Even in UX design, consistency is very important. It creates a sense of familiarity and reliability, which can significantly enhance the user experience. MKBHD’s consistent branding across all his platforms ensures that his audience knows what to expect, building trust and loyalty.

Clean and Minimalistic Visuals

MKBHD’s videos always have clean and minimalistic visuals. Even in the background he avoids clutter and focuses only on important elements. This simplicity makes his content easy to watch and understand.

It’s also a principle that aligns perfectly with good UX design, which prioritizes clarity and ease of use.

A clutter-free design reduces cognitive load, allowing users to focus on the content without unnecessary distractions. By keeping his visuals clean, he ensures that his viewers can absorb information effortlessly, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

Focus on User Needs

MKBHD’s content is always centered around his audience’s needs. He reviews products that his viewers are interested in and presents the information in a straightforward and engaging manner. He avoids technical jargon and explains complex concepts in simple terms.

Understanding and meeting user needs is a key part of UX design. His skill in focusing on what his audience likes and wants keeps his content relevant and valuable. This user-centered approach has greatly contributed to his popularity.

Effective Use of Thumbnails and Titles

Thumbnails and titles are the first things viewers see before clicking on a video. MKBHD uses this to his advantage by creating visually appealing thumbnails and clear, concise titles. His thumbnails often feature a close-up of the product he’s reviewing, along with bold, easy-to-read text.

In UX design, the first impression matters. An attractive and informative interface can significantly increase user engagement. His thumbnails and titles effectively capture attention and provide a clear idea of what the video is about, encouraging viewers to click and watch.

MKBHD’s Merch Website Design

The same principles of simple design are visible in MKBHD’s merch website. The site features a clean layout, intuitive navigation, and high-quality images of the products. The use of white space and clear, concise product descriptions make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for and make a purchase.

In UX design, an intuitive and user-friendly interface significantly enhance the user experience. His merch website is a great example of how simplicity in design can lead to a seamless shopping experience, encouraging customers to return.

In the world of UX design, these principles are equally important. A well-designed user experience that prioritizes clarity, consistency, and user needs can significantly enhance satisfaction and engagement. MKBHD’s journey shows that simple design, when executed well, can be a powerful tool for success.

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P.S. If you’re looking to switch to UX Design, I’ve created a free user guide. You can download it here.

If you want to improve your website’s user experience or create a new website for your business, you can book a free discovery call here.