Summary
Raphael Schaad, a top designer, discusses the process of turning sketches into prototype code and creating exceptional user experiences. Sketching is a crucial tool for exploration and communication in the design process. Prototyping in code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is emphasized, along with the importance of empathy for the user and testing designs. The ability to go from design to code is highlighted, as well as the benefits of being both a designer and an engineer. The importance of creating visual hierarchy and small design details in improving the design of a product is discussed. Cron Calendar, a new calendar software aimed at revolutionizing time management, is introduced.
Raphael Schaad from Cron
- Raphael Schaad is a top designer who has worked on projects like Flipboard and the MIT Media Lab.
- He is currently working on Cron, a company focused on creating the best user experience for calendars.
- The video explores the process of turning sketches into prototype code and ultimately bringing them to life to create exceptional user experiences.
The Sketch
Sketching is a crucial tool in the design process, allowing for exploration and communication. It provides low commitment and quick idea generation. Sketching on paper allows for thinking through problems and generating options. Adaptive precision is important in design, as seen in a calendar app where mouse clicks affect event placement. Sketching should not involve judgment and should encourage exploration. Specific pens, like Copic pens, can be used for quick rendering. Sketches can be shared digitally for collaboration and feedback. Sketching visually represents ideas and adds texture. It allows for exploring options and iterating on ideas. Anyone can engage in sketching as a simple and effective way to bring ideas to life. It is a cost-effective way to continue refining designs. Design is not just about appearance, but also functionality.
The Prototype
The importance of prototyping in the design process is emphasized, highlighting that design is not just about appearance and functionality, but also about construction. The speaker prefers prototyping in code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. A prototype of a calendar grid is demonstrated to show how interaction and user expectations can be tested and improved. Empathy for the user and testing designs with actual users are also mentioned as important. The ability to go from design to code is discussed, with a story about Steve Jobs driving engineers crazy with his attention to detail in design leading to the creation of a no-code visual builder tool. Being both a designer and an engineer is highlighted as a powerful skill, along with the benefits of bringing design ideas to life without relying on an engineer every time. The concept of prototypes is mentioned, specifically creating baby prototypes for specific purposes. The video also references Steve Jobs' obsession with getting the exact wiggle animation on the iPhone's home screen, leading to an engineer creating a solution to meet his expectations. The process of creating prototypes in design is discussed, emphasizing their use in testing and refining design ideas. The use of sliders and values to adjust and fine-tune prototypes is mentioned, as well as the collaboration between designers and engineers in implementing prototypes into the code base.
The Actual Product
The most profound aspect of the text is the importance of creating visual hierarchy and small design details in improving the design of a product.
- Improving the design of a product by creating visual hierarchy and making typographic details
- Making small tweaks such as adjusting colors and removing repetitive elements to create a better visual hierarchy
- Using the emoji selector to insert a specific unicode character for consistent width
- Using tabular figures to align numbers properly
- Creating visual hierarchy and functionality in a calendar app through design elements such as spacing, dashes, and sections
- Emphasizing the importance of aesthetics and functionality in design
- The satisfaction of creating a product that can benefit others
- The joy and love for the job of perfecting design details
- The rewarding aspect of releasing updates and knowing that everyone can benefit from the improvements
- The level of detail and effort put into the design of the product entering private beta.
Be one of the first to access Cron Calendar
Cron Calendar is a new calendar software that aims to revolutionize time management. The team behind it is passionate about helping individuals maximize their productivity and efficiency. The collaboration between Garry Tan and Raphael Schaad has brought this innovative software to life.