Seth Godin's blog talked about how bad web design can be better for marketing because it jars you into paying attention.  

He said: 

"…bad web design might actually be a good thing! Slightly bad design isn't familiar. It's off. It demands attention. (Very bad design demands the 'back' button, of course). One of the reasons that experienced power tool users–like table saws–can still lose a finger is that they don't pay attention… it's too easy to turn the thing on and just use it."

I've read this a lot lately and have been thinking of it as my newest site is being designed. Should I use colors that are slightly off on purpose? Should I try for unique beautiful or just plain white everything so a splash of color somewhere will draw the eye?

I have this debate. I tend towards trying to do both, make my design elegant and make it stand out. I really don't like bland but as a marketer I want to do what makes sense. After all, that's what pays the bills.

What do you think? Is it better to have a somewhat ugly design if your content is good? Can you have good design and make it stand out? 

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