I don't agree with the point about audio plugins. Functionality is far more important when I'm evaluating audio plugins than looks. If a plugin has a "good, fancy" custom UI sometimes it takes longer to read labels or view the value of a knob. I usually opt for my DAW's default interface over a custom one unless there is additional information in the custom one. I find this keeps me in my flow and lets me manipulate the plugin more efficiently.
I'm sure some people buy plugins because how they look, but people also buy wine because the bottle, and books because the cover. Personally I'd rather buy audio plugins because they sound good and get the job done.
I hear ProTools and Ableton Live disparaged all the time for having simpler "ugly" UIs. Both programs remain popular because many people enjoy them for reasons other than eye candy. Perhaps it isn't that others don't have an eye for style, but simply that their exist other factors that people prioritize over style.
I'm sure some people buy plugins because how they look, but people also buy wine because the bottle, and books because the cover. Personally I'd rather buy audio plugins because they sound good and get the job done.
I hear ProTools and Ableton Live disparaged all the time for having simpler "ugly" UIs. Both programs remain popular because many people enjoy them for reasons other than eye candy. Perhaps it isn't that others don't have an eye for style, but simply that their exist other factors that people prioritize over style.