Yes true. It's basically form over function and it's not just limited to Web UIs.

Windows 11, iOS7, iOS26 are just some example of non Web UIs, which focused first on optimizing for sales, i.e. making something look good without thinking about usability implications.

Fortunately usability testing is still pretty much a thing. Good articles here: https://www.nngroup.com/search/?q=usability+testing