Linear vs. non-linear design: Which is better and when?

Linear and non-linear designs each have their merits, but the best user experience is tailored specifically to the needs of the users. Linear design, grounded in decades of UX research, is minimalistic and adaptable, making it a reliable choice and one that can be built upon without losing its core strengths. Although once overused in the tech industry, leading to a loss of uniqueness, Linear has since developed a distinct design language that prioritizes user experience over visual identity, setting it apart from imitators. This approach contrasts with companies like Apple, which focus on innovation in form, sometimes to mixed reception. While no study has definitively shown that linear design improves conversion rates, A/B testing and UX benchmarking are recommended practices to evaluate design effectiveness. Tools like LogRocket can assist in understanding user interactions without the need for extensive manual analysis, allowing designers to refine user experiences efficiently.