Several web applications do so well, although on the design side they are mediocre at best. On the other hand, Many well designed and inspiring web applications are not doing so well…

When starting up a new web application, if you have a good idea with identified market need, focus on: Functionality – giving an added value, with capabilities other web apps are lacking and Simplicity for ease of use.
Users will like it and adopt the application even if design in very basic

In several projects I was involved in the past, customers and sponsors didn’t put emphasis on design and didn’t dedicate budget for graphic designer. It was frustrating. For me design is a hobby and it was hard to understand the lack of focus on design

But when seeing sites like craigslist, del.icio.us doing so well with basic design, it give some food for thought

So… how much energy should be spent on perfecting a web application design?