Cody Barton
6 Min Read
If you run a business, you should be asking: “How do the best companies increase revenue and shareholder returns 2X faster than peers?”
McKinsey analyzed 300 companies to find the answer. After careful analysis, their research revealed one factor that drives superior performance: design-focused leadership.
Incorporating design into business operations isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about integrating creativity into problem-solving, strategy, and customer experience. Companies that embraced this approach saw remarkable results over five years:
● 32% higher revenue growth
● 56% higher shareholder returns
These numbers aren’t magic–they’re the result of leveraging design as a core business strategy. Yet, many companies still underestimate the impact of visual communication, dismissing it as “arts and crafts” or non-essential for revenue generation.
But here’s the truth: prospects and customers notice when design is done right, and they notice even more when it’s ignored. Those who invest in design are pulling levers that directly affect their business goals–while others are leaving money on the table. At Barton Agency, we help clients identify and capitalize on these design-driven opportunities.
For more on "The Business Value of Design", read McKinsey & Company's analysis here.
