[ManFromUranus]

There are windows design guidelines, most developers/ISV's adhere to them.

Another point: many companies don't want to spend any time or effort on design, as for most applications, it won't translate into additional revenue. I would argue that many customers don't even care what the app looks like so long as it works and they can figure out how to use it.

Also you don't want to have to re-learn how to computer for every single application you open because somebody got bored with the current state of design for a network traffic monitoring tool.

[roadnottaken]

I agree. I hate how certain programs (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite) feel the need to re-invent UX paradigms in every new version. I 99% don't care how an app looks if it's useful.

[cledet]

Good design will make a product understandable

[nyrina]

I think in this case, there is a difference between UX and Design. They do overlap, but not completely.

UX is about the user experience - or rather, the user understanding the program.

Design is about the application looking good.

You can have both, or you can have either one, or neither.

The command prompt is a good example of the former - I'm sure we can all agree that the design isn't great, but functionality wise, it's doing it's job perfect. Giving commands to experienced users.

Perhaps it's my understanding of basic 3D programs, but I would point to 3D programs being the exact opposite, having a great design without a good UX. I always feel like I'm limited, in that I don't understand the millions of options. The programs themselves looks great, but I just don't understand how to use 90% of their functions.