But software rarely exists in a (design) vacuum. It runs on Windows, it runs in a browser, on an iPhone… or maybe the software already exists and it's just a new feature.
That's why "we live in a world of Frankenstein UIs". We don't need "utopic designs" but rather consistency. Both in visual language and interaction design.
There are a few notable exceptions like HMIs on industrial machines or a car's entertainment system.
Of course, incorrectly implemented design exists, too. No doubt about that.
We live in a world of Frankenstein UIs and it's not the designer's fault what ends up on your screen.
If you want to make a historical comparison, I'd argue that it's more likely to be in the way of working of today vs back then when UI design would get locked in much more _or_ get truly designed along the way with the product needs.