At BlueDomes, we don’t just build websites—we build experiences that move people. And one of the most powerful, often-overlooked principles in our work is something called User Delight. In this video below, Besim, our founder, goes through this principle and some examples of how it was used in this particular project.
User Delight is what happens when your website doesn’t just work—it wows. It’s that sense of surprise, clarity, or joy that makes someone stop, look again, and think, “This is different.” And when done right, it can dramatically increase how long people stay on your site, how deeply they engage, and how confidently they take action.
Let me show you what we mean.
We were recently redesigning the site for the Islamic Curriculum Initiative, an organization doing bold, beautiful work—crafting anti-imperialist, spiritually grounded curriculum centered on Palestine and the Ummah’s struggles.
But their original layout, while clean and usable, didn’t quite match the emotional and educational weight of their mission. It functioned—but it didn’t feel.
That’s where User Delight comes in.
Our approach began with a simple question: What is this design trying to become?
Like a seed longing to become a tree, most draft websites contain an untapped potential. And like any good designer, we don’t stop at “usable.” We look for the soul.
For ICI’s Anthology section—first-person narratives from Palestinians—we started with a basic layout. Clean, sure. Informative, yes. But something was missing. It needed to feel like a book. A sacred space. A story worth exploring.
So we reimagined the top of the page to feel like a book cover—complete with title, image, and a compelling summary of the lesson. We added social media tools in the right place, subtle animations, professional spacing, and an experience that helps teachers quickly scan and assess which lesson fits their needs.
In usability, there’s a hierarchy:
Most websites stop at level 3. Programmers can code. Templates can fill gaps. But real design—the kind that lives—only comes with level 4.
We designed custom background motifs echoing elements from other sections of the site (a principle from Christopher Alexander called “echoes”). We carefully chose colors with meaning. Animations were added not for flash, but for function and feeling. Even small touches like hover states and spacing were fine-tuned to create rhythm and flow.
User Delight isn’t about decorating. It’s about conversion through beauty. Studies show users decide whether to stay or bounce within seconds—based on emotional response. Pleasure centers light up in the brain, and from there, decisions follow.
For Islamic organizations, beauty isn’t optional. It’s part of our deen. Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty.
When you invest in excellence—not just code, but clarity, cohesion, and delight—you create a platform that earns attention and builds trust. That’s what we built for ICI. That’s what we build for our clients.
If your current site feels flat, rushed, or forgettable, we’d love to help. At BlueDomes, we craft every element—design, copy, development—with strategy, soul, and intention. From subscription support to flat-fee projects, we’ll meet you where you are.
📅 Book a 15 minute session to discuss your needs or sign up for design work.
Because your mission deserves more than a template. It deserves to live.
