Henry Lee

I previously shared a tool for generating tints and shades of a main color to help maintain a consistent color scheme. Several people asked about accessibility with those variations of colors. Lighter tints and darker shades aren't accessible or inaccessible on their own. Color contrast is a question of how you pair colors together. A light tint can be accessible as text on a dark shade or vice versa. This Accessible Color Palette Builder lets you enter six colors for a color palette to determine which pairs of colors work together for readable text with sufficient color contrast. It also shows which pairs of colors don't work for contrast within your color scheme. https://lnkd.in/eygDHsPy

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The Future of UI/UX? The recent Figma Config 2024 conference unveiled significant advancements in digital design tools, demonstrating the company's commitment to innovation and user-centric development. The introduction of UI3, a comprehensive redesign of Figma's interface, prioritizes content visibility and enhances user focus by intelligently concealing interface elements when not in use. This approach may significantly reduce cognitive load for designers, potentially leading to improved productivity and creativity. In layout design, Figma presented "Suggest Auto Layout," an AI-powered feature designed to simplify the implementation of complex layouts, automating repetitive tasks and allowing designers to focus on higher-level creative decisions. You can learn more about this important conference over on my blog → https://lnkd.in/dZx39yXx #RichardCawood #Figma #Cofig2024 #UI #UX #AI #UIUX #Design

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Among the things I appreciate in this piece on accessibility (#a11y) testing and research… * De-risking projects by frontloading research instead of pushing for testing at the end. * Addressing limitations of Figma-based approaches. * Advocating for co-design and other research methods which go beyond mere testing (or survey-based analysis). * Acknowledging issues with some prototyping methods. * Embedding accessibility in a broader frame for inclusion. The first and last points have been on my mind for years (and I was mentioning them in a public conversation on aging at Concordia University’s University of the Streets Café). At some point, we need to find ways to “frontload all the things”. From Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+, which includes aging and indigenous status) to usability, from accessibility to cybersecurity, from copyright to feasibility, from Environmental Impact Assessment to language support and localization (#l10n). Sounds like a tall order… so many of us propose approaches which take all sorts of things into account through #SystemsThinking and, in the case of #UXresearch … co-creation and #ethnography. What this requires most is to avoid “converging too quickly”. It’s still important not to “diverge too long”. The tipping point is easier to find when diverse stakeholders are involved at key steps, early in the process. Not just users, specialists, customers, and “decision-makers”. People who have a stake in the project, even if their influence is low. In the context of many #LivingLabs, such approaches are standard procedure. And it helps push for a solid embedding in community-driven innovation. So, yes, let’s do actual research on accessibility through every step of the process behind any project where humans will access the things we create. We can also establish research (protocols and all) as a core function which integrates other aspects of the service or product we create together. And while scale does make a huge difference on the way this is done, there are ways to undertake very small projects which hit all those notes, with commensurate effort. https://lnkd.in/eT56yN5D

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“Data is the new oil" -Clive Humby Excited to be a panelist on the upcoming webinar “Design Systems for data-rich Experiences”! Looking forward to chatting with Andrew Rohman, sharing my insights, and learning from fellow panelists on delivering a data-rich experience to users. We are in a data-rich world! There’s so much to uncover with data- patterns, trends, and insights. Great visual storytelling with data enable the users to analyze the numbers; slice and dice the information; get a birds-eye-view, as well as drill down on the details. It’s about covering the breadth and depth. Gone with the days of just numbers on a spreadsheet! How do we make data visually beautiful? Easily scannable? Packed with bells and whistles- yet, effortlessly consumable? AND above all else, sexy? How do we enable great visual storytelling with design systems to keep it all consistent and cohesive? Hope you can make it to the webinar, join us and bring your questions! #datarichexperience #dataisthenewoil #designsystem #data #knapsack #ux #ui #opis #dowjones

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Some thoughts on the Great Divide! Design students' obsession with personal style: * Design students' emails often focus on their personal style, specialization, and intended work, posing a challenge for potential employers. * There are concerns that students' personal agendas and creative preferences may not align with the needs of the clients or projects they would work on. Challenges in Branding and Creative Direction: * Branding studios seek to create work that stands out and serves the client's needs, rather than promoting a specific house style or aesthetic. * The most valued designers are those who can adapt to different industries and clients, prioritizing the needs of the project over personal preferences. Desired Skillset in Design Students: * Employers value creative and commercial skills in student work, emphasizing the importance of practical, commercial aspects in personal and abstract projects. * The most attractive skillset for employers is one that combines creativity with a broad range of commercial skills. Read full article by Christopher Doyle here: https://lnkd.in/ghDiEAfk

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To the aspiring designer: don’t let your desperation to prove yourself cloud your ability to find employers and clients that value you and your expertise. Sometimes corporations that flash the most money at you have the most to hide. Do your research—connect with disgruntled employees—look up testimonials. Everyone’s experience is unique, but it’s also good to make informed decisions.

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Occam's Razor Attributed to the 14th century logician and Franciscan friar William of Ockham (note the spelling difference), Occam's Razor states that the simplest explanation is usually the best one. This relates to UX by choosing the simplest solution in your UX designs. #uxd #uxterms #termtuesday #ux101 #ux #uxdesign #uxrs #terminologytuesday #designresearch #designstrategy #uxresearchandstrategy #userexperience #uxresearch #userresearch #uxlearning #uxprocess #uxinspiration #designinspiration #uxresearcher #creativethinking

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Researchers: Have you heard of designers using something called the *Elito Method* which is used to "connect analysis to synthesis". It's apparently a technique floating around out there and I'm trying to track down its origin. It is nothing entirely novel - it's basically connecting raw data (what they call observations) to your memos/interpretations (which they call judgements) and then assigning those to themes, connecting those to design solutions, and then, interestingly, to what they call metaphors but in all the examples I've seen these last tend to just be cute ways to jog your memory. It seem to be a sticky framework getting some traction. For what it's worth I (and many other researchers) have been connecting data to interpretations to themes to concepts for ages. I do this in a spreadsheet - though the Elito method is done using sticky notes, of course. 😆

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Have you ever been using a website or an app and wanted to throw your phone or computer at the wall? Believe it or not... someone designed that. Whether it was designed intentionally badly or perhaps the person on the other side of the screen just lacked the skillset required to get the job done—we've all been there! But if you are interested in making websites, apps, or intricate digital experiences, then check out this article I wrote on "How To Become a UX Designer." https://lnkd.in/dFfNU3C3

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How to Start a Design Career After 40 Introduction Defining a Design Career Embarking on a design career involves more than just creating aesthetically pleasing visuals. It's about solving problems, enhancing user experiences, and communicating ideas effectively through various media. Whether you're interested in graphic design, UX/UI design, interior design, or any other design field, the essence lies in your ability to think creatively and strategically. Relevance of Starting a Design Career After 40 Why consider starting a design career after 40? Well, mid-life can be a perfect time for a fresh start. With years of experience under your belt, you bring a unique perspective and maturity that can be invaluable in the design world. Plus, with the flexibility of modern technology and online learning, making a career shift is more feasible than ever. Importance of Lifelong Learning and Career Transitions In today's fast-paced world, the concept of a single, lifelong career is becoming obsolete. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial. Starting a design career after 40 embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and shows that it's never too late to pursue your passion and reinvent yourself professionally. Historical Context Evolution of Design Careers Design has come a long way from the days of manual drafting and print advertising. The digital revolution has transformed the field, introducing new roles like UX/UI designers and digital illustrators. Understanding this evolution helps appreciate the dynamic nature of design and its expanding opportunities. Influential Designers Who Started Late Many successful designers started their careers later in life. For example, Vera Wang entered the fashion design industry at 40, and Raymond Loewy, a pioneer of industrial design, achieved significant success later in his career. These examples show that age can be an advantage rather than a barrier. The Role of Technology in Changing Career Paths Technology has democratized design. Tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and Figma have made design more accessible. Online platforms offer courses and tutorials, enabling anyone to learn new skills regardless of age. This technological shift has opened doors for career changers to enter the design industry with relative ease. Key Principles Understanding Design Thinking Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and rationality. It's about understanding the user's needs and creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Mastering design thinking is crucial for anyone entering the design field. Core Principles of Good Design Good design is guided by principles such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, and unity. These principles ensure that designs are not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly. Check out my blog post https://wix.to/mh60JyE #newblogpost

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While everyone's buzzing about AI, there's a silent revolution in design you can't afford to miss. Startups are tightening their belts. You can tell from the vast amount of design teams being cut across the globe. The landscape is shifting to smarter design. Here's the kicker: In today's economic climate, every dollar counts. Startups need designers who are more than just pixel pushers. They're looking for strategic partners who can: - Boost growth with minimal resources - Solve complex problems with elegant solutions - Provide rock-solid advice based on industry expertise Think about it: When budgets are tight, can you afford to waste resources? The real value lies in becoming an industry expert. Someone who understands the business inside and out. Someone who can squeeze maximum impact from every design decision. Sure, AI in design is exciting. But it's not ready for prime time yet. That’s why designers need to level up their consulting skills and industry knowledge. If you want to survive in this tough environment, provide more value. Thoughts?

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Guilty! 😅 These are good steps for a smooth transition.

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Launch your UX/UI design career with 36% off at Careerist! Use promo code ANDREWUX to save big on Careerist's online UX/UI Design Bootcamp. This comprehensive program is designed to help you develop the in-demand skills you need to land your dream job in UX/UI design. Here's what you'll get: - UX/UI Portfolio Mentorship with an original case study: Gain hands-on experience working on a real-world project with guidance from expert mentors. - Real-World Internship and 1:1 Career Coaching: Get the practical experience you need and personalized coaching to help you launch your UX/UI design career. - Updated curriculum featuring AI: Learn the latest UX/UI design trends and techniques using an innovative curriculum that incorporates AI. Don't miss this chance to transform your skills and land your dream UX/UI design job. Enroll in Careerist's online bootcamp today and use promo code ANDREWUX to save 36% today!

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UX Thought of the Day - 19 "Emotional design is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing interfaces; it's about evoking emotions that resonate with users. At the #visceral level, it's about the initial impact, the look and feel of a product. The #behavioral level is about usability, function, and performance. It's where positive emotions are reinforced through seamless interactions. The #reflective level is where the deepest connections are made. It's about personal identity, culture, and the meaning we attach to our interactions. Together, these three levels shape the emotional journey of the user, turning ordinary interactions into memorable experiences." Reference - https://lnkd.in/e8EKyB4d. #EmotionalDesign #UserExperience #UXResearch #DonNorman #VisceralBehavioralReflective #DesignThinking #UserCentricDesign #UXDesign #UserExperience #UXResearch #UXInsights #UXville #UXJourney #UXDesign #UserCentric #UXStrategy #UXPrinciples #UXProcess #UXMethods #UXTools #UXTrends #UXCommunity #UXCareer

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Did you know that almost three quarters of professional designers are white? Crazy, right? With diversity being a strong driver of innovation, it's imperative to have more diverse voices in design. Diverse designers bring unique perspectives, experiences, and insights to the table, leading to more inclusive and effective solutions for ALL. I am excited to share how our students in Desiging Black Experiences are breaking barriers and bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of design innovation. If you are working in the design space and have been looking for a resource that showcases diverse perspectives in design, then this video is for you.

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Nick Hahn and I are going to be cohosting a webinar on May 22, at 1PM ET / 10AM PT called How to Craft a Business Case for Design System Investment. The title is a bit of a mouthful but we promise to be succinct in our discussion. We all know that design systems have tremendous potential to drive innovation, competitive advantage, deliver ROI in terms of time and costs, and generate revenue for organizations, but how do you get executive buy-in to build a design system that can live up to its potential? We'll cover topics like... - Measuring value with metrics that actually matter - All the ways design systems add value and drive ROI - and, of course, how to build a business case for investment in your design system. Registration link in the comments (because, you know LinkedIn)...

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Check out my latest article on the Digital Discernment Lab's research, titled "What’s in a toolkit? Designers reveal their best practices." Ever wondered how designers know who’s using the toolkits they created to address pressing technical-social problems? How do they know if users are getting any benefit? I delve into this topic and more in my overview of our CHI 2024 paper. Don't miss out on the insights! https://lnkd.in/gBjmFciB

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Little Japanese design tip: Beware of parentheses in tight spaces. Japanese parentheses have extra padding on the convex side which prevents neighbors from getting too close. This helps with body text legibility, but causes problems among many tightly spaced elements like forms or navigation. In this search filter example, the closing parentheses triples the space behind the label, making it hard to know which option the checkbox belongs to. The UX writing is also contributing to the problem. Each label includes two near-synonymous terms, perhaps an attempt to extend understanding to non-experts.

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