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Design – How we do it
You may already know that wireframing is a crucial step in the creative process – it’s when the basic blueprint of the final product is created. Once we’re past this stage and the product skeleton is approved by the client and agreed upon by the whole project team; it’s when we can move on to design.
Our approach to design
The design is what is developed when you enrich the wireframes with colors, images, and fonts. But it’s about more than just the website’s or application’s look. This is a very creative stage when we arrange interface elements and polish visual points that will develop the best user experience possible.
The design layout conveys a specific message. Depending on the website’s purpose, the business it represents, and the defined customer base, it will be different. It should be dynamic but clear, with eye-catching bits and a color palette that matches the message and the “vibe” of the product or service. At this point, we define how different visual elements will guide the user through the content and towards completing specific tasks.
We decide on the used fonts, images, colors, white spaces, and shapes. We fine-tune the alignment of design elements and the visual hierarchy, remembering the principles of contrast and balance between the different elements. We make sure that visuals are aesthetic but also practical – information must be easily accessible, page elements attractive, and the branding recognizable. Having all that worked out, we’re ready to present the landing page and, subsequently, different subpages for the client’s feedback (usually two rounds of comments). We create responsive websites adapted to mobile devices if needed and requested.
Design based on collaboration
No matter the purpose of the website or application we design, it should meet the user and business needs. Therefore, it’s crucial to involve clients from the start. As in the case of wireframes, we build and present layouts using the collaborative interface design tool – Figma (occasionally Adobe XD). Layouts are interactive, so the project team and clients can click through them and comment if there are issues to be addressed or ideas for design improvement. As a project team, we work in sprints and meet regularly to discuss the project’s progress, any emerging problems, or adaptations to the initial approach, if needed.
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Designer-Developer collaboration
Sometimes people don’t realize how closely designers and developers work together. A lack of communication is an easy way to introduce chaos into the project and force it to be reworked at an already advanced stage. It’s important to ensure that developers understand the design and that designers don’t overlook any technical requirements. That’s why the whole team should be involved in the project from the start. Our designers regularly discuss interface layouts with devs before the client receives the first proposal. Developers use their thorough knowledge to judge whether the suggested design is technically feasible and possible to create within the agreed budget. At the end of the day, designer-developer collaboration is about balancing the user experience with possible technical constraints.
To ensure that the work on the project progresses smoothly, designers create layouts in an organized and readable way, with different layers clearly indicated and grouped into folders. In addition, they prepare product specifications, where images are marked, animations are described, and various elements are accompanied by links presenting examples of their use.
Design system
In Develtio, we take advantage of the design system to facilitate project development and implementation. It’s a collection of reusable elements organized hierarchically, such as various components, fonts, styles, or colors. Having such a repository available ensures the efficiency and consistency of work. Thanks to that solution, developers don’t need to create different elements from scratch for each project. They instead base their work on what has already been built. The design system also ensures business continuity in case the composition of the project team changes.
Conclusion
Many methods and techniques can be implemented to ensure the delivery of the best product possible. We use those that, in our opinion, increase work efficiency while fulfilling clients’ needs and expectations. We always take the holistic approach, trying to develop websites and applications conveying the spirit and purpose of presented products and services.
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