The designer’s eye

Front-end development with a Design mindset

As Significa’s Front-end developers, we don’t just write code; we are integral to the design process. Our ability to think critically about design decisions and enhance the user experience sets us apart.

Question everything

As it’s become clear by now, we cultivate a culture of curiosity and critical thinking at Significa. If that’s news to you at this point, be sure to check out our Manifesto and Mission and values in detail. As Front-end developers, it's essential to question design decisions:

• Why is this element positioned here?

• How does this interaction enhance the user experience?

• Is there a more intuitive way to present this information?

• Does it spark positive emotions?

By asking these questions, we often uncover opportunities for improvement which may have been overlooked. Our goal here is to create the best possible user experience, which requires continuous input and thoughtful consideration from all team members.

E-motion

When developing interfaces, it's easy to focus solely on functionality. At Significa, we recognise that emotion isn’t just an afterthought or superficial layer — it’s a core usability component. How a product feels is just as important as how it works. Emotion in design transcends aesthetics; it's about crafting experiences that resonate deeply with users:

• Positive emotions enhance forgiveness: When users enjoy interacting with an interface, they’re more likely to overlook minor hiccups. A delightful experience fosters goodwill and patience.

• Emotional design encourages retention: If a product works well and feels good to use, users will naturally want to return. This emotional connection is vital for building brand loyalty and product advocacy.

• Usability and emotion are intertwined: An interface that considers the user's emotional journey is often more intuitive and user-friendly. By anticipating and designing for user emotions, we create smoother, more natural interactions.

As Front-end developers, we play a crucial role in bringing these emotional aspects to life. After all, we’re the ones who make designs real.

A few key things to look for:

• Typography: This is arguably the most important element of interfaces, as it sets the emotional tone. Well-chosen typography can convey personality, enhance readability, and create a harmony that resonates subconsciously with users. When typography feels good, the entire product shines.

• Subtle animations: Thoughtfully implemented animations can make interactions more natural and satisfying. Avoid repetitive animations that can become annoying, and instead focus on adding that extra oomph to well-targeted elements.

• Smooth loading states and transitions: Ensure they are seamless and non-disruptive, avoiding layout shifts at all costs.

Remember, emotion shouldn't be an afterthought added at the end of the development process. Instead, it should be a core consideration from the beginning, shaping our decisions regarding interaction patterns, feedback mechanisms, and the pacing of information presentation.

By integrating emotion into our development process, we create products that don’t just function—they resonate. This emotional connection transforms good products into unforgettable experiences, keeping users engaged and eager to return.

Developing an eye for Design

While we’re not expected to be full-fledged designers, a basic understanding of design principles can significantly enhance our work. Familiarise yourself with the fundamentals, such as colour theory, typography, and layout principles.

Take inspiration from the world around you—watch good films, read quality magazines, look up at balconies while walking down the street and observe design elements in everyday life, like signage in subway systems.

Be a user, not just a creator, and keep your critical thinking active. Save what inspires you for future reference.

Effective communication with Designers

Building exceptional products relies on seamless collaboration between developers and designers. Learning design terminology can significantly enhance your discussions.

Share technical constraints and possibilities to guide design decisions. While almost anything is achievable, it’s essential to communicate simpler alternatives that don’t compromise user experience.

Don’t hesitate to use pen and paper for visual aids or quick prototypes to illustrate your ideas effectively.

Ultimately the relationship between designers and developers should be one of ongoing collaboration, not a mere “passing of the baton.” Great products are rarely built in a single pass, so expect an iterative approach:

1. Engage in the design definition. Revisit Tokens, Primitives, and Components and make yourself available for discussions.

2. Implement.

3. Review and question.

4. Propose improvements and collaborate on solutions.

5. Refine and repeat.

Don’t hesitate to suggest changes — your unique perspective as a developer can spark innovative solutions. Remember, our goal is not just to implement designs but to elevate them through our technical expertise.