Recently, I stumbled across a design forum post where a fellow designer shared a mobile hero redesign for a focus-and-energy supplement.
The client’s feedback was clear:
“The design lacked soul and wasn’t exciting.”
That request resonated with me because it highlights a challenge designers face constantly: how do you create a design that feels alive and exciting, while still hitting the hard metrics of conversion?
Their First Design
The original hero played straight from the conversion handbook:
- Headline and social proof (“Used by 8K+ high performers”).
- A large, clear CTA (“Unlock Your Edge Now”).
- Familiar product image (the supplement bottle).
- “As seen on” credibility logos.
- Marquee trust statements (“Clinically proven,” “Caffeine free”).
It was structured, functional, and persuasive. But it’s easy to see why the client felt it “lacked soul.” On mobile, it felt cluttered, the CTA sat awkwardly high (outside the thumb zone), and the overall visual energy wasn’t inspiring.
Their Redesign
The second version leaned into the client’s request for excitement:
- A futuristic product visual, glowing with energy.
- Cleaner spacing and modern typography.
- A top navigation bar with menu and cart icons—where users expect them.
It definitely had more “soul.” But in gaining that modern polish, it quietly trimmed back the conversion scaffolding:
- Social proof logos were removed.
- The CTA softened to “Get Access” (less urgent than before).
- A stylish gradient on the button looked cool but reduced readability.
The redesign answered the client’s request for excitement—but at the cost of some persuasive weight.
Finding the Middle Ground
When I review designs like this, I look for the balance between emotional appeal and functional persuasion.
Here’s what I see:
- Excitement matters. The futuristic pill visual works beautifully to inject energy. That’s the “soul” the client was missing.
- Trust can’t disappear. Removing logos and social proof is risky. They can be muted, but they still need to exist to reassure users.
- CTAs drive action. “Unlock Your Edge Now” is specific and motivating. “Get Access” feels vague and doesn’t connect emotionally.
- Mobile-first details count. On small screens, thumb zone placement isn’t optional—it’s essential. A hero that forces finger gymnastics is losing conversions before the scroll even starts.
How I Revamped the Design
After reflecting on both versions, I decided to revamp the hero by merging the energy of the second with the discipline of the first.
Navigation in Its Place
The top bar places the menu and cart exactly where users expect them—now in the proper order too, with the menu aligned to the right—reducing hesitation and reinforcing familiar navigation patterns.
Copy That Converts
I brought back “Unlock Your Edge Now.” It’s action-oriented and emotionally resonant, unlike the softer “Get Access.”
Logos, Muted But Present
I reintroduced the social proof logos, slightly desaturated so they reassure without stealing attention.
A Power-Packed Gradient
I refined the button gradient with intermediate tones, ensuring it covers the brand colors but also has some punch and avoid grey zones.
Final Reflection
What I love about this forum post is that it shows a tension many designers will recognize. Clients want excitement. Businesses need conversions. Users want clarity and trust.
The answer isn’t to pick one side—it’s to choreograph all three. A good mobile hero should look modern, feel alive, and still make the action step unmistakable.
Cool without conversion is decoration. Conversion without cool is dated. The sweet spot is where the two meet—and that’s what I aim for.