One of the reasons I started the thoughts section of this website was to explore learning in public and documenting the progress.
I have recently been regaining some interest in digital design and using web design tools. I have always had an interested in the relationship between technology and design and have recently started exploring more of that. More recently, most of my full-time work has been heavier on the front-end development side which includes some element of visual design
Figma #
There are a lot of specialty UI/ UX tools for screen design that moves away from the old-school Photoshop approach. Recently, I have been experimenting more with Figma.
What I like about Figma so far:
- Browser-based, no installation, can be accessed from a web browser
- Free plan which allows you to use most of the tools essential features for free.
- Components that are reusable and shareable. Quickly re-use card designs, headers, buttons, etc.
- Plugins. There are now plugins in Figma such as dummy text, fake data for components. There is even a plugin that allows you to insert Google Sheet data into components.
- Quickly collaborate. Since Figma is browser-based, you can quickly share your designs with someone without the need of installing any software. You can also edit designs in real-time with multiple users
The Futur #
The Futur Academy has a lot great modern digital design content on their YouTube channel. I enjoy how thought out and designed the content is. They go from the theory of design and running a design business to hands-on using design tools and implementing design.
Design inspiration #
Part of keeping up with design trends is observing what's going on in the industry. Here are a few links to sites I like to visit.