Absolutely, usable UI is a must but why not make it gorgeous. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
> ..then it doesn't matter how nice it looks.
In a way, making it usable (done elegantly) is part of "gorgeous" UI. I wouldn't underestimate the power of beautiful visual design. It evokes user's emotions in such a way that makes it memorable. It makes it a great UX all around. I try not to look at it in a separate way as the whole thing (usable and nice visually) is what makes it beautiful.
But in its crude form, I do agree the usability is the most important but I just think visual design is not too far from it.
> ..then it doesn't matter how nice it looks.
In a way, making it usable (done elegantly) is part of "gorgeous" UI. I wouldn't underestimate the power of beautiful visual design. It evokes user's emotions in such a way that makes it memorable. It makes it a great UX all around. I try not to look at it in a separate way as the whole thing (usable and nice visually) is what makes it beautiful.
But in its crude form, I do agree the usability is the most important but I just think visual design is not too far from it.