In this episode, I dive into the importance of understanding design principles and laws, rather than just focusing on mastering design tools. Here’s a summary of what I covered:
The Trouble with Social Media Design Content
I’ve noticed that most social media content about design focuses on tool usage, like Figma tutorials. There’s a real lack of content about core design principles and decision-making. I think this might be because short-form social media is better suited for quick tool tips rather than in-depth design concepts.
The Gap Between Tools Skills and Design Knowledge
I emphasize that while modern design tools like Figma are efficient and valuable, they don’t inherently make someone a good designer. I’ve had many new designers ask me about how to design, but they’re not just asking about how to use a tool. They want to understand visual hierarchy, color usage, and how to create intuitive interfaces.
Fundamental Design Concepts I Discuss
I break down design fundamentals into two main categories:
Design Principles
I talk about Gestalt Principles, including:
• Common regions
• Proximity
• Focal Points
UX Laws
I cover several important laws, such as:
• Jakob’s Law
• Fitts’s Law
• Hick’s Law
My Advice for Designers
I stress that understanding these principles and laws is crucial for effective design, regardless of the tools used. I encourage listeners to prioritize learning these concepts over mastering specific software.
Resources
- Google Doc of links and resources I share with the designers I work with
- Jakob Nielsen’s Gestalt Principles for Visual UI Design
- Law of UX on Amazon
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