Our mark is drawn from the ọpọ́n, the carved wooden tray. What struck us about it was the balance: an ornate, busy border that holds attention, around a centre that is calm and open so the real work can happen there.
Good software has the same shape. The frame (navigation, identity, the small moments of delight) can carry personality. The centre, where people actually get their task done, has to be clear. When the ornament leaks into the working area, the product gets harder to use. When the frame has no character at all, nobody remembers you.
We use this as a quick test in design reviews. Is the centre clear? Is the frame doing its job? It is a simple question that settles a lot of arguments.