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Components and Custom Elements are two popular tools for building reusable, modular web components. But which one should you choose?

Here’s the difference in a nutshell:

: Built with React, they use and a for dynamic, data-driven UIs. Perfect for complex applications with frequent updates.Custom Elements: Part of the Web Components standard, they use native browser APIs and the for encapsulated, framework-independent components.Quick ComparisonFeatureReact ComponentsCustom ElementsEcosystemReact-specificFramework-agnosticBrowser SupportRequires React runtimeNative browser supportEncapsulationReact-basedShadow DOM-basedImplementationJavaScript/JSXStandard HTML/JavaScriptPerformanceVirtual DOM optimizationsDirect DOM manipulationReusabilityLimited to ReactWorks across frameworksKey Takeaway:

Choose React Components for complex, data-driven apps and Custom Elements for lightweight, reusable components across frameworks � or combine both for a hybrid approach. Let’s dive deeper into how they work.

vs Webcomponents � Which is Better?

React Components Basics

React Components are the building blocks of modern React applications, designed for creating reusable UI elements and functionality. They use JSX, a syntax extension that blends JavaScript with HTML-like code, to simplify UI development.

Core Concepts

React Components rely on three main principles:

Props: Used to pass data from parent to child components.State: Manages local, dynamic data within a component.Unidirectional Data Flow: Ensures data flows in one direction, from parent to child, keeping updates predictable.

When data changes, React automatically updates the UI, making these components perfect for interactive applications .

Main Features

React Components offer several features that make them essential for modern web development:

FeatureDescriptionWhy It MattersVirtual DOMEfficiently updates the DOMSpeeds up rendering and performanceComponent ReusabilityReusable across projectsCuts down on code duplication Simplifies state and lifecycle managementKeeps code clean and organizedHot ReloadingUpdates components instantly during developmentSaves time in development cyclesBuilding a React Component

To create a React Component, write a function that returns JSX. Here’s an example of a reusable button component:

import React, { useState } from 'react';function CustomButton({ label, onClick }) { const [isHovered, setIsHovered] = useState(false); return ( setIsHovered(true)} onMouseLeave={() => setIsHovered(false)} style={{ backgroundColor: isHovered ? '#0056b3' : '#007bff', padding: '10px 20px', border: 'none', borderRadius: '4px', color: 'white', transition: 'background-color 0.3s' }} > {label} );}

This example highlights several key aspects:

State management: Tracks whether the button is hovered.Props: Allows customization via label and onClick.Event handling: Responds to mouse events.Dynamic styling: Changes appearance based on the state.

By focusing each component on a single task, you can improve performance, simplify debugging, and make your app easier to scale. This modular approach is a core principle of React’s architecture .

Next, we’ll dive into Custom Elements to see how they compare in functionality and use cases.

Custom Elements Explained

Custom Elements are a key feature of the Web Components specification. They allow developers to create reusable, independent components that work across various frameworks, making them a powerful tool for modern .

How Custom Elements Work

Custom Elements are built using three main technologies: the Custom Elements API for defining new tags, the Shadow DOM for encapsulating styles and markup, and HTML Templates for reusable structures. As of 2023, they enjoy widespread browser support, covering 94.5% globally .

Why Use Custom Elements?FeatureDescriptionBenefitFramework IndependenceCompatible with React, Angular, Vue, and othersSimplifies integration and reduces development timeEncapsulated StylesShadow DOM ensures styles don’t leakKeeps CSS clean and improves maintainabilityNative Browser SupportNo additional runtime neededBoosts performance and reduces dependenciesExample: Creating a Custom Element

Here’s a quick example of how to create a custom button with encapsulated styles and behavior:

class CustomButton extends HTMLElement { constructor() { super(); const shadow = this.attachShadow({ mode: 'open' }); shadow.innerHTML = ` button { background: #eee; padding: 12px; border-radius: 4px; border: none; transition: background 0.3s; } button:hover { background: #ddd; } `; }}customElements.define('custom-button', CustomButton);

To use this button, simply add the following to your HTML:

Click me

The Shadow DOM ensures that the button’s styles are isolated, eliminating conflicts with other elements on the page . Keep in mind that custom elements must have hyphenated names to differentiate them from native HTML tags.

Next, we’ll dive into how Custom Elements stack up against React Components in terms of performance, compatibility, and the developer experience.

React vs Custom Elements

React Components and Custom Elements take different paths to achieve component-based development. Each comes with its own set of strengths and trade-offs, impacting how they’re implemented and used.

Performance and Compatibility

React relies on the Virtual DOM for rendering, while Custom Elements work directly with the DOM. Here’s a comparison:

AspectReact ComponentsCustom ElementsResource UsageReact runtime adds memory and load time overheadNative APIs reduce resource demandsRendering SpeedVirtual DOM diffing boosts efficiencyDirect DOM manipulationBundle SizeIncludes React libraryNo added bundle size

When it comes to browser compatibility, Custom Elements have broad native support, covering 94.5% of browsers globally . However, React addresses compatibility through its runtime, making it consistent across modern browsers. Custom Elements might need polyfills for older browsers.

React Components:

Seamlessly work across modern browsersPolyfills are only needed for older featuresReact runtime ensures compatibility

Custom Elements:

Supported natively in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and EdgePolyfills are required for older browsersShadow DOM behavior can differ slightly between browsersDevelopment Experience

React is backed by a rich ecosystem of tools and resources, making it easier to manage state with hooks and props. Debugging is supported by tools like and . On the other hand, Custom Elements integrate directly with the browser but require manual state management and debugging through standard browser tools.

React’s ecosystem is ideal for building complex applications, offering robust tools and workflows. Custom Elements, however, shine when you need reusable, framework-independent components that fit seamlessly into any web project.

Choosing between React and Custom Elements depends on your project’s needs. React’s ecosystem is better suited for large, intricate applications, while Custom Elements are great for lightweight, framework-agnostic solutions. In some cases, combining both can offer the best of both worlds.

sbb-itb-f6354c6Using Both Technologies Together

Combining React Components with Custom Elements opens up a world of possibilities for modern web development. This approach lets developers take advantage of both tools, ensuring reusable code and optimized performance.

Custom Elements in React Projects

Using Custom Elements in React apps requires careful setup, especially regarding component lifecycle management. Here’s an example of how to implement this:

import React from 'react';import './custom-button';function ProductCard() { const handleClick = (e) => { console.log('Button clicked:', e.detail); }; // Handle Custom Element events using standard DOM event listeners return ( );}

To make the integration seamless, pay attention to these aspects:

Integration AspectDetailsEvent HandlingUse standard DOM event listeners for communicationProps and StateMap React props to Custom Element attributes and ensure state consistencyStyle ManagementLeverage Shadow DOM to avoid style conflictsReact Components as Custom Elements

Transforming React Components into Custom Elements allows them to be used in other frameworks or plain JavaScript projects:

class ReactWrapper extends HTMLElement { connectedCallback() { const mountPoint = document.createElement('div'); this.attachShadow({ mode: 'open' }).appendChild(mountPoint); const name = this.getAttribute('name'); ReactDOM.render( , mountPoint ); }}customElements.define('react-wrapper', ReactWrapper);

When applying this method, ensure the following:

Set up proper event handling for communication between React and Custom Elements.Synchronize React props with Custom Element attributes.Monitor rendering to avoid unnecessary updates and maintain performance.

This hybrid approach allows developers to address the limitations of each technology, offering scalable solutions for complex projects. It’s especially helpful in large-scale applications where teams might rely on different tools or frameworks.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing between React Components and Custom Elements depends on your project’s needs, your team’s skills, and how you plan to maintain the application over time.

When to Use React

React Components are a great fit for projects that involve complex, dynamic interfaces requiring advanced state management and frequent updates. Some scenarios where React stands out include:

ScenarioWhy Choose ReactSingle-Page ApplicationsOffers optimized performance with built-in state management and virtual DOMComplex User InterfacesAccess to a wide range of UI libraries and toolsLarge Development TeamsWell-documented patterns and extensive community supportRapid PrototypingReusable components allow for faster iterations

React’s ecosystem is mature and well-suited for enterprise-level applications. For example, building data-heavy dashboards or real-time collaboration tools benefits significantly from React’s efficient rendering and state-handling capabilities. However, while React is excellent for complex apps, there are cases where Custom Elements might be a better fit.

When to Use Custom Elements

Custom Elements are ideal for developing reusable components that work across various frameworks. They’re particularly useful in the following scenarios:

Use CaseWhy Choose Custom ElementsCross-Framework ComponentsNative browser support ensures compatibility with any frameworkShadow DOM provides consistent styling and encapsulationStandalone WidgetsSelf-contained functionality without framework dependenciesPerformance-Critical ElementsDirect access to browser APIs ensures faster executionKey Factors to Consider

When deciding which technology to use, keep these points in mind:

1. Project Size and Complexity

For large, intricate applications with significant state management needs, React is often the better choice. Custom Elements, on the other hand, are more suitable for smaller, standalone components or design systems.

2. Team Skillset

Your team’s expertise plays a big role. If your developers are already familiar with React, transitioning to Custom Elements could require additional training.

3. Performance and Compatibility

Custom Elements use native browser features for faster performance and better memory efficiency, making them easy to integrate across different frameworks. React’s virtual DOM, however, may perform better for apps with frequent state changes.

4. Future Maintenance

Think about how your choice will affect long-term maintenance. Custom Elements are less tied to specific frameworks, offering more flexibility as technologies evolve. React, meanwhile, provides a stable and well-supported ecosystem for ongoing development.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your project’s specific goals and constraints. Keep in mind that these technologies can also be combined for hybrid solutions, as mentioned earlier.

Summary and Next Steps

Let’s break down practical steps for using React Components, Custom Elements, or a mix of both in your projects.

Getting Started with Implementation

Deciding between React Components and Custom Elements shapes your development workflow. Here’s a quick guide:

TechnologyInitial SetupKey StepsReact ComponentsUse tools like or Configure JSX, set up state managementCustom ElementsWork with Vanilla JavaScriptRegister elements, define shadow DOMHybrid ApproachCombine React with Web ComponentsConfigure bundlers, set up interopDevelopment Roadmap

Before diving in, assess your project’s needs, such as browser compatibility, team expertise, and performance targets. Then, follow these steps:

Environment SetupChoose the right tools and configure them for your chosen technology.Set up build processes and add necessary dependencies.Implement testing frameworks to ensure quality.Integration StrategyEnable smooth communication and isolation between components.Define clear interaction patterns for your components.Plan how data will flow across your application.Performance Optimization

To keep your app running smoothly, focus on these areas:

Focus AreaStrategyInitial LoadUse lazy loading and code splittingRuntime PerformanceOptimize rendering and state updatesMemory ManagementManage component lifecycles effectivelyContinuous Improvement

Keep learning from official documentation and community updates. Both React and Web Components are evolving, offering fresh ways to create efficient user interfaces. Pick the best fit for your project and start building scalable components today.

FAQsWhat is the difference between web component and React component?

Web Components and React Components serve different purposes, with distinct architectures and use cases. Let’s break down their key differences:

AspectWeb ComponentsReact ComponentsTechnology BaseBuilt on native browser APIsPowered by a JavaScript libraryEncapsulationUses Shadow DOM for isolationRelies on Virtual DOMReusabilityWorks across any frameworkLimited to React ecosystemState ManagementRequires manual handlingOffers built-in lifecycle methodsStylingScoped CSS via Shadow DOMGlobal CSS or CSS-in-JS

Here’s a quick example of a Web Component with encapsulated styling:

class TestElement extends HTMLElement { constructor() { super(); const shadowRoot = this.attachShadow({ mode: 'open' }); shadowRoot.innerHTML = `

Hello ${this.getAttribute('name')}!

`; }}customElements.define('test-element', TestElement);

Web Components work well for:

Independence from frameworksStrong style isolationSeamless integration with HTML

React Components shine when you need:

Advanced state handlingAccess to a vast library ecosystemFaster development workflows

Both have their place and can even be combined in hybrid projects, depending on your team’s skills and the project’s needs. Choosing the right one depends on what you’re building, who’s building it, and how you plan to scale.

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Did you know over 1 billion people live with disabilities? ensures your digital products work for everyone.

Here’s a quick guide to creating :

Follow WCAG Guidelines: Ensure designs are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.Use : Platforms like , , and offer built-in .Address Common Issues: Fix low contrast, add alt text, enable keyboard navigation, and enlarge touch targets.Test Accessibility: Use tools like and , and gather feedback from real users with disabilities.WCAG for beginners � What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?

Accessibility Standards and Guidelines

When creating , it’s crucial to follow established standards like the (WCAG). These guidelines help ensure your prototypes are usable for people with different needs and abilities.

WCAG Guidelines for Prototypes

WCAG is based on four core principles, often referred to as POUR:

Perceivable: Make content visible and provide alternatives like text descriptions and sufficient contrast.Operable: Ensure all features can be used with a keyboard and that interactive elements are straightforward to navigate.Understandable: Design clear navigation and minimize user errors with predictable layouts.Robust: Make sure your content works seamlessly with assistive tools like screen readers.Common Accessibility Issues

Here are some frequent problems and how to address them:

ProblemSolutionLow : Text may be hard to read for users with visual impairmentsUse tools like �s contrast checker to meet the 4.5:1 ratioLack of Keyboard Navigation: Excludes users who rely on keyboardsEnsure logical navigation with the Tab keyMissing Alt Text: Screen readers can’t interpret imagesAdd descriptive alt text for all visualsSmall Touch Targets: Hard for users with motor difficulties to interactDesign buttons and elements at least 24×24 pixels in size

“Keyboard accessibility is one of the most important principles of Web accessibility, because no matter how radically different those devices are in appearance from standard keyboards.�

To avoid these issues, start early in your design process. Tools like WAVE and can identify potential barriers before they become ingrained in your prototype. Testing with real users who depend on assistive technologies also provides valuable insights for improving accessibility.

Tools and Setup for Accessible Prototypes

Modern prototyping platforms make it easier to design with accessibility in mind, thanks to their built-in features.

Choosing the Best Tools

When picking a prototyping tool, look for ones that prioritize accessibility. For example, UXPin includes a Contrast Analyzer and Color Blindness Simulator, allowing designers to focus on inclusivity right from the start.

Here’s a quick comparison of popular and their accessibility-focused features:

ToolKey Accessibility FeaturesBest ForUXPinContrast Analyzer, Color Blindness Simulator, WCAG checkerFigmaAuto-layout, Component libraries, Smart AnimateSketchVector editing, Symbols library, Accessibility pluginsMacOS users, creationSetting Up Your Tools

1. Turn On Accessibility Features
In UXPin, activate the Contrast Analyzer to ensure text contrast aligns with WCAG standards (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text) .

2. Use Pre-Built Components
Leverage accessible components from libraries. UXPin’s React libraries, like , , and , include ARIA support and built-in accessibility.

3. Install Testing Plugins
For Figma users, adding the “� plugin helps validate color combinations throughout the design process.

With your tools ready, focus on building a design system that promotes accessibility and consistency across all prototypes.

Building an Accessible Design System

Following WCAG’s Perceivable and Understandable principles, start by defining these key elements:

Color Palette Setup

Ensure your color system meets WCAG contrast ratios (at least 4.5:1 for text).Provide alternative palettes to accommodate users with color blindness.

Set a minimum font size of 16px for body text and establish clear heading hierarchies.Define line heights and letter spacing to improve readability.

“Just because there’s a bare minimum doesn’t mean we should strive for that. Designing accessibly serves all users better.�

sbb-itb-f6354c6Building Accessible Interactive Elements

Interactive elements are a key part of prototypes, and making them accessible ensures that your designs work for everyone. Here’s a closer look at three key interaction methods: keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and touch interfaces.

Keyboard Controls

Keyboard navigation is essential for users who rely on keyboards, such as those with motor impairments or those who simply prefer it.

Focus Indicators: Make sure interactive elements have visible focus indicators, like a 2px outline. In UXPin, you can adjust these to meet WCAG guidelines.Navigation Flow: Ensure the tab order mirrors the visual layout and allows users to exit components smoothly using the keyboard.Key CommandFunctionTab/Shift+TabNavigate between interactive elementsArrow KeysMove within composite controlsEnter/SpaceActivate buttons and linksEscExit modals or expanded menus

Keyboard navigation ensures users can interact with content, but screen reader compatibility is just as important for accessibility.

Screen Reader Compatibility

Screen readers depend on proper semantic structure and clear descriptions to interpret your prototype effectively.

ARIA Labels: Add ARIA labels to clarify interactive elements. For example: Continue.Content Structure: Use semantic HTML and logical heading levels (H1-H6) to help screen readers guide users through the content.

Touch interfaces, another critical area, require thoughtful design to accommodate different user needs.

Touch and Visual Elements

For touch interactions, follow WCAG’s minimum touch target size of 24x24px, though 44x44px is often better for usability.

Visual Feedback: Provide clear feedback for interactions, like hover states with a 3:1 contrast ratio or touch animations under 400ms.

“A clear visual indication of keyboard focus is an important usability aid for all keyboard users, especially those with low vision� .

“If focus is moved to a component of the page via the keyboard, then that focus should be able to exit that component also using the keyboard� .

Testing Accessibility Features

Testing ensures your prototype works well for everyone, meeting both technical standards and user needs. This involves using , manual checks, and direct feedback from users to identify and fix accessibility problems.

Running Accessibility Tests

Automated tools like WAVE and Lighthouse are great for spotting issues such as missing ARIA labels or poor keyboard navigation. They provide valuable insights into how well your prototype aligns with accessibility guidelines.

Testing ToolPurposeKey Features CheckedWAVEAnalyzes structureARIA labels, semantic HTMLLighthouseChecks performanceColor contrast, keyboard navigationScreen readersTests content usabilityText alternatives, heading structure

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While these tools are helpful, combining them with ensures your prototype accommodates a wide range of needs.

Testing with Target Users

Invite users with different accessibility requirements to test your prototype. This helps uncover barriers in navigation and interaction:

Screen reader users can evaluate content hierarchy and interactive elements.Keyboard-only users help identify navigation challenges.Users with visual impairments (e.g., color blindness or those using screen magnifiers) can assess visual accessibility.

“A clear visual indication of keyboard focus is an important usability aid for all keyboard users, especially those with low vision� .

The feedback from these sessions is invaluable for addressing gaps and improving accessibility.

Making Improvements

Address the most pressing issues highlighted during testing:

Adjust keyboard navigation paths based on user input.Improve ARIA labels and ensure a clear structure for screen readers.Use tools like UXPin to validate changes and ensure progress.

Accessibility testing is not a one-time task. Regular checks throughout the design process make it easier to catch and fix issues early.

ConclusionWhy Accessible Design Matters

Accessible design ensures digital interfaces work for everyone, not just individuals with disabilities. By focusing on accessibility during the design process, teams create solutions that are more user-friendly for all.

Prototyping tools play a key role here. They allow designers to address accessibility issues early, especially for complex interactive elements that require multiple input methods.

“WCAG is the floor, not the ceiling�

Steps to Get Started

Ready to make accessibility part of your prototyping workflow? Here’s a quick guide:

Action StepKey FocusOutcomeConfigure ToolsEnable accessibility features in your toolsIdentify barriers earlyBuild Accessible ComponentsUse pre-tested WCAG-compliant elementsEnsure consistency and inclusivityTest with UsersGet feedback from diverse user groupsImprove designs continuously

Start by learning how your users interact with your prototypes. Modern devices support various input methods � touch, keyboard, voice commands � so your designs need to accommodate them all. Following these steps ensures your prototypes meet WCAG’s core principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

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Tables are essential components for many enterprise UX projects. UX designers must find the best UX table design solution to visualize and sort data according to user needs.

This article explores table UX design best practices with examples to solve common content and usability issues. We also provide links to resources to help research specific topics further.

Key takeaways:

Data table UX design involves organizing and presenting data in a way that allows users to easily find, understand, and interact with information.



Effective data table design involves layout selection, data organization, legibility, and user task functionality.



Data table designers should prioritize readability, create visual hierarchy, ensure responsiveness, order columns sensibly, and focus on accessibility for a better user experience.

Data table UX design and prototyping are challenging for designers using image-based design tools. These tools lack features to create basic table functionality like sorting, search, scrolling, actions, etc.Ěý

With UXPin Merge, designers can sync a fully functioning data table or use a component library like MUI to design, prototype, and create their own table using live components. .

Design UI with code-backed components.

Use the same components in design as in development. Keep UI consistency at scale.

.discover-merge { margin: 40px 8px;}.discover-merge__container { display: flex; max-width: 690px; height: 200px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border-radius: 4px; background-color: black; box-shadow: 10px 10px #9999ff; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;}.discover-merge__left { width: 50%;}.discover-merge__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__heading { font-weight: bold !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__text { margin: 0 !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.discover-merge__button { width: 174px; height: 44px; margin: 10px 0px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; background: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.discover-merge__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.discover-merge__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -19px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .discover-merge__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .discover-merge__container { flex-direction: column; } .discover-merge__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}


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Data Table UI Design

First, let’s break down the data table anatomy and how these elements fit together so users can visualize information.

Table Header: The labels for each column in the data table



Rows: Each entry from the database



Toolbar: Tools to work with the data (search, edit, delete, settings, etc.)



Pagination: A for displaying multiple pages of data



Row checkbox: Used to select one or more rows to , i.e., delete, copy, process, etc.



Sorting: Allows users to sort a specific column, i.e., ascending or descending



Horizontal rule: A horizontal line (the HTML element) separating each row




What Makes a Good Data Table?

There are four primary ingredients to designing good data tables:

Use the correct data table UI for the content you want to display.



Prioritize table and correctly.



Make content legible.



The data table provides users with the functionality to complete tasks.

First and foremost, your table must be sufficient to display all the data users need. UX designers must also prioritize data correctly, with the most crucial information starting from the left.

A good data table has a clear header and description, so users know what they’re viewing. Designers must also use legible typography and adequate spacing between columns and rows to make it easy for users to read and absorb content.

Lastly (and most importantly), your data table must be user-friendly. It must solve usersâ€� needs and be intuitive to use. There should be little or no learning curve, so users can focus on analyzing data rather than learning how to use the data table.Ěý

How to Design User-Friendly Data Tables?

Here are some best practices for designing user-friendly data tables.Ěý

Data Table Readability

Readability is crucial for data table UX. Designers must assess several elements to make data tables readable, including:

Reduce visual noise: Only display content and UI elements necessary for users to read and manipulate data.



Use legible fonts: The data table’s typeface, sizing, white space, and letter spacing must be adequate for users to read content–even if this means using a different font from the rest of your application.



Create separation: Padding, spacing, alignment, and lines can help create separation so users can differentiate and absorb data easily.



Consistency: Using fonts, spacing, sizing, etc., creates consistency and familiarity so users can scan tables faster to find what they need.



Fixed headers: Keeps headers visible even when users scroll so they always have context.




Create Visual Hierarchy

Linked to readability is creating a –where designers use , sizing, spacing, and other elements to differentiate data and make tables .

Use bold and slightly larger font sizes for column and row headers.



Use shading to differentiate between headers and table content.



“Zebra stripes� help create divisions between rows, making them easier to read.



Use a contrasting color for links, so users know what content is clickable.




Data Tables Must be Responsive

UX designers must understand how users use these tables while completing day-to-day tasks to create a consistent and cohesive user experience and products.

Data tables must be so users can analyze data anywhere in the business. The sales team might want to access the data from their mobile device on the go, while warehouse employees primarily use tablets.

Order Columns According to Data Relevance

recommends, “The default order of the columns should reflect the importance of the data to the user and related columns should be adjacent.�

UX designers must arrange and group columns according to their relevance. For example, location details like address, city, country, and zip code must be together. Placing these apart would create more work for users as they scroll or scan the table to compare columns.

Data Table Accessibility

WebAIM offers several tips for , including:

Table Captions: An HTML element placed after the opening table element provides context for screen readers. While HTML falls on engineers, UX designers must provide the appropriate caption description based on user research and testing.



Identify Row and Column Headers: UX designers must use appropriate row and column headers so screen readers can identify content correctly.



Associate the Data Cells with the Appropriate Headers: The scope attribute tells screen readers whether a header belongs to a row or column. For example, scope=”col�>Name and scope=”row�>Jackie. The scope attribute makes it easy for screen readers to jump around the table like a user would scanning it visually.



Use Proportional Sizing, Rather than Absolute Sizing: Using percentages rather than fixed pixel cell sizing allows tables to automatically adjust to a screen’s dimensions, making it easier to read for visually impaired users.

More resources for data table accessibility:

Atomic Design for Complex Data Tables

to designing complex data tables. is a technique for designing from the smallest UI element and progressively building to create more complex components, patterns, and entire user interfaces.

Smashing Magazine breaks down data tables UX using this methodology as follows:

Atoms: Fonts, colors, icons



Molecules: Cells, headers, and accessories



Organisms: Rows, columns, pagination, toolbar



Templates: The entire table




6 Great Tables UX Best Practices in Examples

Here are six examples of tables UX best practices and .

Horizontal Scrolling for Large Datasets

Large datasets require to accommodate many columns. UX designers must decide which content is most important to users to prioritize what is always visible and what users must scroll to view.

This preference may change across an organization, so allowing users to personalize what’s visible by rearranging the columns is crucial for creating a .

It’s advisable to place identifiers in the first column and fix it so users always have a reference as they scroll. Allowing users to fix multiple columns can help when comparing different data.

Expandable Rows and Columns

Expandable or resizable columns serve two purposes for users:

Allow users to view cells with exessive content



Allow users to minimize cell widths for the content they deem less important

UX designers might also consider making rows and columns “hideable� to reduce visual noise and make it easier to read the content that matters most for the task at hand.

Expandable rows allow UX designers to include detailed information only visible when users need it. shows a series of job cards with a brief description and status. Users can open the accordion to display additional notes and job costs.

Row Focus Data Table

allows users to focus on a single row at a time. If you have multiple columns and data points, this effect enables users to highlight a row, making it easier to read.Ěý

Here’s a real-world example of this hover effect. We built a pricing table with React-Bootstrap components. To compare features between the plans, the user can hover over the feature and quickly see what feature they are comparing. Open the preview of this UXPin’s example: .

The same effect is used in our Ant Design table. The hover effect makes the user focus on the employee they want to check. See this effect live at: .

, making picking out a single row easier.Ěý

, this data table highlights a specific cell with a raised hover effect.

Infinite Scroll Data Table

is helpful for tables with lots of data. It’s an excellent alternative to pagination, where instead of having to click, users only have to scroll to see more content.

Column Sorting

is essential for users to reorder data according to their preferences. For example, a warehouse manager can sort orders from the earliest first to monitor progress and address issues early. They can also sort by shipping preference and ensure that same-day orders are on track to leave before the deadline.

Inline Filters

help users narrow their preferences to only display relevant entries. This data table example allows users to apply multiple filters to find exactly what they need. These inline filters are especially helpful for large datasets where users can eliminate irrelevant content.

How to design a table in UXPin

UXPin is an advanced prototyping tool for building interactive, high-fidelity prototypes. Instead of creating multiple static artboards to simulate one interaction, UXPin enables designers to utilize , , and to design functional components using just one artboard (�Page�).

To insert a table in UXPin, click on the “Search All Assets� search icon (command + F / Ctrl + F), type “table� into the input field, and then click on “Table� under the “Components� heading.

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Importing data into a table component

To populate the Table Component with , connect it to an external data source such as a JSON file, CSV file, or Google Sheet. It’s best to do this before styling the table to get a better idea of the content that you’ll be designing for.

First, you’ll need to ensure that the Layer names match that of the JSON/CSV/Google Sheet table headers. See the image below to understand how this would work with a Google Sheet.

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To sync the data, select the Layers that you’d like to populate, click on the “Fill with Data� icon in the horizontal toolbar, navigate to “JSON / CSV / Sheets�, and then either click on “Browse File…� (to import data from a local JSON or CSV file) or paste a URL to an external JSON, CSV, or file into the “Import from URL� input field.

After that, the data will appear in the Table Component (if the structure matches up correctly).

Adding sorting functionality to a table component

It’s also possible to make the data sortable using States and Interactions.

First, select all of the Layers that would be different in the new State (which in this case would be all of the Text Layers from a specific column). After that, click on the “Add state� (command + shift + S / ctrl + shift + S) icon in the horizontal toolbar and then give the new State a name using the “Set state� input field.

Next, reorder the table cells (e.g. numerically, alphabetically, or however you want). The best way to do this is by creating an alternative external data source (Google Sheets would be best in this case) and then repeating the previous steps to pull in the new data.

After that, switch back to the original State (which should be called “Base� by default).

Finally, select the relevant table header, click on the “New Interaction� icon (�+�) in the “Properties� panel, choose “Set State�, choose the relevant element under “Element�, and then choose the State that you created under “Set state� (plus any additional settings that you’d like to specify).

Styling the table component

Next, you’ll want to style the Component. It’s already structured and styled in a way that commits to the UX design best practices outlined in this article, however, you can still use the Properties panel to adapt it to your design’s visual aesthetic.

If you’re using in UXPin, you can speed up this step by reusing your Design System’s Color Styles and Text Styles. To do this, select the Layer that you’d like to style, navigate to your UXPin Design System Library by clicking on the “Design System Libraries� icon (� + 2/ alt + 2), and then selecting the Style you’d like to apply.

Don’t design from scratch. Use open-source components.

A better way is: import an open-source React components to UXPin or use one of built-in libraries. In UXPin Merge, you can find MUI, Ant design, and Bootstrap data table components. Just take them out of the library and drop them on the canvas.

Then, just import your data, adjust component properties to match your needs, and you’re ready to show your design to stakeholders. It’s done! Since the table is backed with code, you can copy it directly to your development environment like StackBlitz.

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Traditionally, UX designers would need programming skills or have to rely on engineers using HTML, CSS, and Javascript to build functioning data tables. Merge puts UX designers in control, and they don’t need to write a single line of code to use components. They can also make changes and iterate without input from engineering teams. .

Frequently Asked Questions: Table UX Design

1. What is table UX design?
Table UX design focuses on creating user-friendly data tables that are easy to read, navigate, and interact with. It involves optimizing layout, typography, sorting, filtering, and responsiveness to improve the overall user experience when displaying large datasets.

2. Why is good table UX important?
Good table UX is important because it helps users quickly find, understand, and analyze data. Well-designed tables enhance usability, reduce cognitive load, and improve decision-making, especially in data-heavy applications like dashboards, reports, and admin panels.

3. What are the best practices for table UX design?
Key best practices for table UX design include using clear headings, enabling sorting and filtering options, optimizing for responsiveness, minimizing clutter, using consistent alignment, and providing visual hierarchy through typography and spacing.

4. How do I improve the readability of data tables?
To improve readability, use consistent fonts, align text properly (left-align for text, right-align for numbers), add sufficient white space, and apply alternating row colors (zebra striping) to help users distinguish between rows easily.

5. Should I use fixed headers in data tables?
Yes, using fixed headers is recommended, especially for large tables with vertical scrolling. Fixed headers keep column titles visible as users scroll, improving context and making it easier to interpret the data.

6. How can I make data tables responsive for mobile devices?
To create responsive tables, consider using techniques like horizontal scrolling, collapsible rows, or card-based layouts. Prioritize key information, hide non-essential columns on smaller screens, and use touch-friendly controls for better mobile usability.

7. What is the difference between a static table and an interactive table?
A static table displays data without user interaction, typically used for simple information display. An interactive table allows users to sort, filter, search, and even edit data directly within the table, providing a dynamic and engaging user experience.

8. How do sorting and filtering improve table UX?
Sorting and filtering help users find relevant information quickly by organizing data based on specific criteria. This improves efficiency, reduces cognitive load, and enhances the overall user experience, especially when dealing with large datasets.

9. What are sticky columns in table UX, and when should I use them?
Sticky columns remain visible when users scroll horizontally, usually applied to important data like row labels or key metrics. They improve navigation and context, especially in wide tables with multiple columns.

10. How do I handle large datasets in table UX design?
For large datasets, use features like pagination, lazy loading (infinite scrolling), search functionality, and performance optimization techniques. This ensures the table remains fast, responsive, and easy to navigate.

11. What role does visual hierarchy play in data tables?
Visual hierarchy guides users� attention to the most important information. You can achieve this by using bold or larger fonts for headings, consistent alignment, color coding, and spacing to differentiate between data points.

12. How can I enhance accessibility in table UX design?
To improve accessibility, use semantic HTML for tables, add ARIA labels where necessary, ensure proper keyboard navigation, and maintain high contrast ratios for readability. Providing clear focus indicators and screen-reader-friendly content is also essential.

13. What is the ideal table layout for dashboards?
For dashboards, prioritize key metrics and data points, minimize unnecessary columns, and ensure quick access to filtering and sorting features. Responsive design is crucial, as dashboards are often viewed on different screen sizes.

14. How do pagination and infinite scrolling impact table UX?
Pagination divides large datasets into manageable chunks, improving performance and reducing cognitive load. Infinite scrolling provides a seamless experience but can be less effective for tasks requiring easy access to specific data points. Choose based on the context and user needs.

15. Can I add charts or visualizations within data tables?
Yes, incorporating mini-charts or data visualizations (like sparklines) within tables can enhance data comprehension. Visual cues help users identify trends and patterns quickly, making the table more informative and user-friendly.

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Want to keep your design and development teams aligned? Start with great .

Here’s how you can create documentation that’s clear, consistent, and easy to use:

Set Clear Goals: Know your audience (designers, developers, etc.) and tailor content to their needs.Use a Consistent Structure: Organize sections like design guidelines, technical details, and accessibility requirements uniformly.Detail Components Thoroughly: Include usage examples, props, states, and accessibility info for every component.Add Visuals and Interactive Demos: Show components in action to improve understanding and usability.Manage Versions: Use tools and changelogs to keep documentation up-to-date as your evolves.Encourage Collaboration: Involve designers, developers, and writers to ensure accuracy and relevance.Review and Update Regularly: Schedule reviews and use automation to maintain quality.

Why it matters: Clear documentation reduces errors, speeds up onboarding, and ensures consistent product development. Follow these steps to make your design system a reliable resource for your team.

Managing Design System Documentation

1. Set Clear Documentation Goals and Audience

Creating effective documentation begins with defining clear goals that align with your audience’s needs. Each team member has unique requirements � developers might need detailed technical specs and code examples, while designers often look for visual guidelines and component usage instructions. Recognizing these differences ensures your documentation works well for everyone.

For example, improved their documentation by using focus groups and hosting office hours to gather feedback. This approach helped them create resources tailored to their diverse teams� needs .

Here’s how you can approach it:

Identify your users: Understand their skill levels and how they’ll interact with your documentation.Use straightforward language: Write in a way that matches your audience’s expertise.Make it easy to navigate: Ensure information is simple to find.Plan for upkeep: Set up processes to keep your documentation up to date.

To measure success, consider tools like:

User surveysUsage dataFeedback from your team

These insights will help you refine and improve over time. Regularly reviewing these metrics ensures your documentation stays useful and relevant for everyone involved .

Once you’ve nailed down your objectives and audience, you can move on to building a consistent structure that supports these goals.

2. Use a Consistent Structure and Format

A clear and organized documentation format is key to building an effective design system. found that adopting a consistent structure greatly boosted both work quality and team collaboration.

Creating this structure means organizing your documentation thoughtfully across various types. Here’s how some companies tackle it:

Component Documentation Structure
organizes its documentation by meaning rather than function. This ensures that terminology is consistent and accessible to every team member . Their documentation typically includes:

Component specificationsImplementation detailsUsage examplesAccessibility requirements

Pinterest takes a different approach by using standardized templates in JIRA. This keeps documentation updates consistent and encourages team involvement .

Tools and Implementation
Popular tools for documentation include:

for organizing design files for interactive development documentation for creating centralized

Documentation Management
To keep things streamlined, use templates, version control, and clear contribution guidelines. This helps maintain a centralized and easily searchable documentation hub.

Once you have a consistent structure, the next step is making sure every component is documented with clear, actionable details.

3. Detail Components Thoroughly

"Documenting the usage and guidelines of a component is crucial." � Geri Reid, former NewsKit Design and Accessibility Lead

When documenting a component, it’s essential to cover the following areas to ensure clarity and usability:

Component Anatomy & Technical Details
Break down the component into its HTML structure, visual hierarchy, and how its elements interact. For developers, include:

Props: List all types, required or optional parameters, and default values.State Management: Explain how the component handles internal states.Event Handling: Specify events the component listens to and their triggers.

Usage Guidelines
Define when and how to use the component. For example, recommends using a Floating Action Button (FAB) only for a screen’s primary action to maintain consistency across platforms .

Accessibility Requirements
Ensure your documentation includes information about accessibility, such as:

How the component behaves with screen readers and keyboard navigation.Guidelines for color contrast.Specifications for touch target sizes.

"High-quality documentation requires planning, effort, and process to make examples and guidelines that make a difference." � Nathan Curtis, EightShapes

Component States
List and describe all possible states of the component, such as default, hover, active, disabled, error, or loading. eBay uses interactive demos to showcase these states, helping teams avoid confusion and misunderstandings .

By thoroughly documenting components, you create a strong foundation for your design system. This approach ensures teams work with clear, consistent guidelines. For example, Figma combines usage instructions with interactive prototypes, making it easier for teams to implement components accurately .

Once your components are well-documented, you can take it a step further by using visuals and interactive demos to deepen understanding.

4. Include Visuals and Interactive Demos

Visuals and interactive demos can make design system documentation more engaging and easier to grasp. By showcasing components in action, they help users understand and implement them effectively. In fact, TrustRadius research shows that interactive demos influence buyer decisions by 88% .

Interactive Demo Best Practices

Companies like and set great examples in this area. Digital Ocean offers step-by-step guides, while IBM Instana integrates practical scenarios, helping users see how components work in real-world contexts .

Tools for Interactive Documentation

Tools like Figma, Storybook, and are widely used to create interactive and accessible documentation. These platforms make it easier for teams to build and maintain demos that align with their design systems .

The Impact of Interactive Demos

Interactive demos have driven a 90% increase in adoption, highlighting their importance in modern documentation . Companies like and use them effectively to cater to specific use cases. For example, Lattice employs click-through demos and customized product tours, improving how users engage with their components .

Key Tips for Implementation

When adding interactive demos to your documentation, consider the following:

Ensure compatibility across various devices and browsers.Provide clear and concise instructions alongside the demos.Regularly update demos to reflect any changes in the design system .Include feedback options to gather user input.

For instance, Maxio and Lattice use to add context to their demos, tailoring them to different user roles. This approach not only enhances usability but also boosts component adoption rates .

With visuals and interactive demos in place, the next step is ensuring your documentation evolves alongside your design system.

sbb-itb-f6354c65. Manage Versions and Changes

Keeping your documentation up-to-date is crucial as your design system evolves. Without proper version control, teams can face confusion and inconsistencies across projects.

Semantic Versioning

Semantic versioning (major.minor.patch) is a straightforward way to track updates. Major versions signal breaking changes, while minor and patch versions cover smaller updates and fixes.

Tools and Platforms

Tools like Figma, , and UXPin come with built-in version control features. These include branching, release notes, and file history, making it easier to track and manage changes over time.

"Maintaining a changelog for a design system is an essential practice that promotes collaboration, transparency, and effective communication." � Zeroheight Team

Change Management and Documentation

eBay’s team takes a structured approach to maintain consistency. They use a custom linter to catch errors, host office hours and focus groups for feedback, and rely on automation to identify outdated documentation . This method ensures their design system evolves in a controlled and efficient manner.

Razorpay uses detailed changelogs, regular feedback sessions, and clear migration paths to manage updates. This approach keeps stakeholders informed and ensures smooth transitions while maintaining accurate documentation .

Best Practices for Version ControlUse automated validation checks to catch errors early.Keep a detailed changelog to document all updates.Provide clear migration paths for breaking changes.Collect regular feedback from users and stakeholders.Automate the process of flagging outdated content.6. Encourage Team Collaboration

Great design system documentation thrives when the whole team gets involved. By bringing in different perspectives, you keep your documentation relevant, accurate, and useful for everyone.

Set Clear Contribution Guidelines

Use tools like or to make collaboration simple. These platforms allow real-time editing, version control, and centralized storage, helping your team stay consistent while making it easier for everyone to pitch in.

Build Feedback Loops

Schedule regular team reviews and send out surveys to spot gaps or areas for improvement. This keeps your documentation evolving and ensures it stays aligned with your team’s needs.

Define Team Roles and Responsibilities

Each team member brings something different to the table:

Designers handle visual guidelines.Developers focus on technical details.Content writers refine structure and terminology.Product managers offer business insights and set priorities.

This mix ensures the documentation is helpful for everyone involved.

Promote Cross-functional Collaboration

Encourage designers and developers to work together. This ensures the documentation meets both technical and visual requirements. Regular cross-team reviews are a great way to keep everything accurate and relevant.

Use Documentation Champions and Tools

Assign documentation champions to oversee updates, ensure accuracy, and train team members on processes. Tools like Zeroheight and make collaboration smoother by offering:

Comment and feedback featuresVersion trackingIntegration with

These tools help streamline the process and keep everyone on the same page.

7. Update Documentation Regularly

Keeping documentation up-to-date is crucial for ensuring it stays relevant and usable for your team.

Use a Version Control System

Set up workflows that automatically sync documentation updates with changelogs. This helps track changes and keeps everyone informed. Pairing this with design tools can make updates seamless when designs evolve.

Plan Routine Reviews

Organize quarterly reviews to check for accuracy and completeness.

"Regular reviews ensure documentation remains accurate and useful for teams."

Keep an Eye on Documentation Health

Focus on these areas to maintain quality:

Component updates and new featuresUsage instructions and practical examplesTechnical details and API modificationsDesign token revisionsSimplify Updates with Automation

Leverage tools like Storybook and Supernova to make updates easier and more consistent. Create a clear process for documenting changes, reviewing them for accuracy, notifying relevant teams, and testing updates to ensure everything works as intended.

Measure the Effectiveness of Your Documentation

Track these metrics to gauge success:

Reduction in support tickets related to design system questionsImproved team adoption and smoother onboardingIncreased engagement and usage of the documentationConclusion

Design system documentation plays a key role in connecting design and development teams. By following these seven practices, organizations can create documentation that meets the needs of their teams and stays relevant over time.

Using structured methods, such as eBay’s component status tables, helps keep documentation accurate and adaptable. A good balance between centralized management and team involvement ensures quality while encouraging collaboration across teams.

Strong documentation can lead to fewer support tickets, better team adoption, consistent designs, and faster onboarding. Looking ahead, integrating documentation directly into workflows can make it easier to adopt and keep updated, ensuring it remains useful for everyone involved .

To achieve this, teams should make updating documentation a standard part of the component development process. Regular reviews and feedback loops are also essential to keep it reliable and up to date . These steps help ensure that documentation stays a practical and dynamic resource for all stakeholders.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions teams encounter when working on design system documentation.

How should you approach writing documentation for a design system?

Clear and practical design system documentation is key. As Lukas Oppermann from GitHub explains:

"Designers and developers speak a little bit of a different language"

This underscores the need to bridge communication gaps. Use examples and straightforward guidelines to explain core design elements like typography and color. Tools like Zeroheight can help keep everything consistent and allow for collaborative editing .

What steps help in documenting and maintaining design systems over time?

Keeping design system documentation up-to-date is an ongoing task. Regular updates, informed by team feedback, are crucial. Here’s how you can manage it:

Use version control and specialized tools to track changes.Schedule regular reviews to ensure accuracy and relevance.Create open feedback channels to gather insights and improve documentation.

For more complex systems, tracking how the design is implemented across platforms ensures consistency and scalability.

Why does design system documentation matter?

Good documentation is the backbone of consistent product development and smoother team collaboration. It minimizes errors and ensures uniformity, as demonstrated by Razorpay’s Blade system .

The post appeared first on .

React is a JavaScript library developed by Facebook, designed to create interactive user interfaces for web apps. In this article, we’re unpacking the magic of React, emphasizing its impact on user interface design, user experience (UX), and team collaboration.Ěý

Key takeaways:

React uses a declarative syntax, which means developers describe what they want the UI to look like, and React takes care of updating the DOM to match that description.React has a large and active community, which means there are plenty of resources, libraries, and tools available to help developers build applications more efficiently. This includes libraries like Redux for state management, React Router for routing, and many more.React is a great code-based design system foundation, because it follows a component-based architecture, where UIs are broken down into reusable components. This makes it easier to manage complex UIs and promotes code reusability.

Build prototypes of React apps fast. Use UXPin Merge and import React components to UXPin’s design editor. Drag and drop real components on the canvas and build a production-ready app design without design skills. .

Design UI with code-backed components.

Use the same components in design as in development. Keep UI consistency at scale.

.discover-merge { margin: 40px 8px;}.discover-merge__container { display: flex; max-width: 690px; height: 200px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border-radius: 4px; background-color: black; box-shadow: 10px 10px #9999ff; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;}.discover-merge__left { width: 50%;}.discover-merge__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__heading { font-weight: bold !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__text { margin: 0 !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.discover-merge__button { width: 174px; height: 44px; margin: 10px 0px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; background: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.discover-merge__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.discover-merge__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -19px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .discover-merge__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .discover-merge__container { flex-direction: column; } .discover-merge__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}What is React used for?

React is a JavaScript framework and library created by Facebook.Ěý

Its main purpose is to , especially those with interactive â€� features like real-time search results that pop up as you type, for example. Or dynamic photo galleries that adjust .Ěý

One of the standout qualities of React js website development is that it allows you to build these intricate faster and with less code compared to using plain JavaScript.Ěý

This efficiency makes React a go-to tool for developers. It also means you’ll be able to see your ideas come to life on a website or more quickly and smoothly.

Why use React?

It’s helpful to understand what React is used for compared to others like . Knowing the differences between these tools means you’ll be able to have more .

But there’s more to React than simply making teamwork a little easier. A design tool, UXPin, syncs React elements with their design editor, allowing prototypes to be more interactive and closer to a final product.Ěý.

Here’s more on how React’s key features can help bring your design concepts to life.Ěý

Building rich user interfacesĚý

The importance of your product’s user interface (UI) goes way .Ěý

In the digital world, first impressions are everything; a clunky or uninspiring design can quickly turn users away, no matter how functional your product is. On the flip side, a captivating and intuitive UI and can make your app a hit with users.

React is a tool that helps to consistently create engaging interfaces. Its declarative components are like the , allowing you to piece together intuitive and visually stunning UIs. Every interaction, button, and visual element can be finely crafted and customized, ensuring that users enjoy the experience of using your app.

Components and libraries

In React, , customizable elements. Imagine creating a with a specific look and behavior. Once crafted, you can place this button anywhere in your app without needing to recreate it from scratch. Each component operates as a self-contained unit, with its distinct appearance and functionality.

When building larger sections of a React app, these individual components come together, forming more extensive and interconnected structures. But each component retains its independence, ensuring the overall system remains organized and consistent.

These components aren’t just static visuals or mock-ups. With the right tools, you can integrate and prototype using these actual coded components. This means that what you design is not only a visual representation but also closely mirrors the final interactive product.

Take, for instance, . It allows you to design using real components from different component libraries such as MUI, a library based on Google’s Material Design principles.

This means you’re not just sketching out ideas; you’re working with the same building blocks that developers will use. Instead of passing a static image or design idea to a developer, you’re providing a functional piece that’s closer to the end-product.

It’s flexible

Another answer to the question. â€�why use React?â€� is that it’s incredibly flexible. It can be used with a number of different tools and can create anything from static websites and desktop applications to .Ěý

This flexibility partly stems from the fact that React has been around for a while, and over time its active community has developed a plethora of tools, libraries, and extensions to enhance its capabilities.ĚýĚý

The key thing to note is that React is capable of adapting to a variety of . It can easily integrate with a number of different technologies, making it quicker and easier to test and refine user interfaces.

Instant updates without reloading the page

Many websites or apps require the entire page to reload to reflect changes or new inputs. However, with React js website development, only the specific element changed needs an update.Ěý

Think of Facebook: when you �like� a post or comment, your actions instantly appear, without a full page refresh. This creates a much smoother and faster user experience, allowing for real-time updates and a more responsive interaction.

It’s used in both UX and UI

React components make life easier. On the UI side of things, it ensures with reusable and interactive design elements. When it comes to UX, it fosters a seamless user experience with instant feedback and reduced load times.Ěý

What’s more, tools built around React , allowing for rapid prototyping, iterative improvements, and real-time collaboration. This ultimately leads to more polished and user-centric products.

Community size

No tech platform can match the size and activity of React’s vast active networks of developers, designers, and enthusiasts who collaborate, share resources, and provide support.

To give you an idea of the size of this community, â€� it’s one of the most-followed tags on the platform.Ěý

It’s also worth noting that the React framework runs on Javascript, which has more than 2.5 million questions and is by far and away the hottest topic in the dev community.Ěý

What this boils down to is, if you’ve got a question about React, the chances are someone, somewhere has already provided an answer.Ěý

Used by well-known tech companiesĚý

Because of its efficiency, scalability, and knack for helping facilitate dynamic user experiences, React has been adopted by a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Facebook � who developed and maintains its library � as well as Airbnb, Amazon, Dropbox, and Netflix.

Paypal also uses React in its product development, covering both design and software aspects.Ěý

Erica Rider, PayPal’s UX Lead, in 2019 to enhance the efficiency of her small UX team that manages over 60 products.Ěý

They’ve developed a design system called React Fluent UI, filled with ready-made components that simplifies design choices, allowing teams to concentrate on addressing user needs.Ěý

As a result, they can create one-page prototypes eight times quicker than before using traditional tools.

See examples of .

Is React good for UI design?

React is well-suited for UI design, and it’s widely used for building user interfaces for web applications. It all boils down to its component-based architecture. When using React in design, you can divide your UI elements into the smallest building blocks and combine them to create complex layouts � just as in by Adam Frost.

Both React and atomic design advocate for a . React’s component-based architecture aligns perfectly with the principles of atomic design, which encourages breaking down UIs into smaller, reusable components. This makes it easier to manage complexity, promote reusability, and maintain .

Atomic design emphasizes creating UI components at different levels of abstraction, ranging from atoms (e.g., buttons, ) to molecules (e.g., form fields, ) to organisms (e.g., bars, product listings) and beyond. React’s component model naturally facilitates this modular approach, allowing developers to create encapsulated UI components that can be easily reused and composed to build more complex structures.

Use React components in prototyping

React is a powerful tool, as it helps turn prototypes into dynamic, interactive previews of the final product. Here’s more:

It’s componentized

React is all about components � . This approach means you can craft one component, such as a and reuse it throughout a . This guarantees consistency, speeds up the , and allows for easy tweaks or changes without starting from scratch.

It’s stateful

We talk about â€�stateâ€� in React in relation to a component’s memory. It remembers things. So, when building a , React can remember and show changes based on user actions.Ěý

For example, when you design an on-off switch, React can remember whether the switch is currently �on� or �off�. This means you can demonstrate what happens when someone flips the switch without needing to create two separate designs for each position.

It handles data

React is based on Javascript, which has the ability to manage, swap, and dynamically render data. This means designers can easily mimic real-world scenarios, which is particularly useful when creating interactive prototypes.

UXPin Merge is technology that makes React prototyping even easier, allowing you to use React components from your Git repo, Storybook or bring them via npm. Then, you can drag and drop UI components to build slick user interfaces. Learn more about it. .

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There is no denying the immense popularity and practicality of React. For a long time, most web design was built with CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. for developers with its ease of use. The reusable components, great developer tools, and extensive ecosystem are some of the most loved features of React.

Instead of the traditional approach of directly manipulating the DOM, React introduced a useful level of abstraction in the form of the virtual DOM concept.Ěý

The library is being actively developed and maintained by React developers at the tech giant Facebook. This provides it with a much-needed edge over other frameworks and libraries.Ěý Countless contributors in the JavaScript community also regularly contribute to refining and improving React.Ěý

All these factors allow React to maintain its popularity among developers even though newer frameworks are constantly emerging and competing for recognition amongst frontend developers.

Design patterns not only speed up the development process but also make the code easier to read and As React continues to dominate the front-end development landscape, building scalable, maintainable, and reusable components is essential for any modern application.

We’ll explore 11 essential React design patterns that every developer should know, complete with practical examples and real-world use cases. Whether you’re working on a small project or a complex application, understanding these patterns will help you build more robust and efficient React apps.

Build prototypes with UI components from a Git repository, Storybook or through an npm. Bring the components to our design editor and create stunning layouts without designers. .

Design UI with code-backed components.

Use the same components in design as in development. Keep UI consistency at scale.

.discover-merge { margin: 40px 8px;}.discover-merge__container { display: flex; max-width: 690px; height: 200px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border-radius: 4px; background-color: black; box-shadow: 10px 10px #9999ff; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;}.discover-merge__left { width: 50%;}.discover-merge__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__heading { font-weight: bold !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__text { margin: 0 !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.discover-merge__button { width: 174px; height: 44px; margin: 10px 0px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; background: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.discover-merge__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.discover-merge__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -19px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .discover-merge__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .discover-merge__container { flex-direction: column; } .discover-merge__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}What are React Design Patterns?

React design patterns are repeatable solutions to commonly occurring problems in software development of React application. They serve as a basic template upon which you can build up the program’s functionality according to the given requirements.Ěý

As a React developer, you will use design patterns for at least two reasons:

React design patterns offer a common platform for developersReact design patterns ensure best practices

Let’s explore what it means in detail.

Role #1: They offer a common platform to developers

Design patterns provide standard terminology and solutions to known problems. Let us take the example of the Singleton pattern that we mentioned above.Ěý

This pattern postulates the use of a single object. Developers implementing this pattern can easily communicate to other developers that a particular program follows the singleton pattern and they will understand what this means.Ěý

Role #2: They ensure best practices

Design patterns have been created as a result of extensive research and testing. They not only allow developers to become easily accustomed to the development environment but also .

This results in fewer errors and saves time during debugging and figuring out problems that could have been easily avoided if an appropriate design pattern had been implemented.

Like every other good programming library, React makes extensive use of to provide developers a powerful tool. By properly following the React philosophy, developers can produce some extraordinary applications.ĚýĚý

Now that you have an understanding of design patterns. Let us move on to some of the most widely used design patterns available in React.js.Ěý

Why Do You Need React Design Patterns?Efficiency: Patterns allow you to create reusable components, reducing duplication and improving development speed.Maintainability: Structured patterns make code easier to understand and maintain, especially in large applications.Scalability: Well-structured components make it easier to scale your application as it grows in complexity.1. Container and Presentational Pattern

The Container and Presentational pattern is one of the most popular in React applications. It separates the logic (state management) from the presentation (UI rendering), making components more reusable and easier to maintain.

Example:

// Container Componentclass UserContainer extends React.Component { state = { user: null }; componentDidMount() { fetchUser().then(user => this.setState({ user })); } render() { return ; }}// Presentational Componentconst UserProfile = ({ user }) => ( {user ?

{user.name}

:

Loading...

} );

Use Case: The container manages data-fetching logic, while the presentational component only focuses on displaying the UI. This separation enhances maintainability and simplifies testing.

2. Compound Components

Compound components are a flexible pattern where multiple components work together as a single unit, allowing users to customize how child components are rendered within a parent component.

Example:

const Dropdown = ({ children }) => { const [isOpen, setIsOpen] = useState(false); return ( setIsOpen(!isOpen)}>Toggle {isOpen && {children}} );};const DropdownItem = ({ children }) => {children};// Usage Item 1 Item 2

Use Case: This pattern is ideal for building complex UI components like dropdowns, modals, or tabs, where the parent controls the logic and the children define their content.

3. Higher-Order Components (HOCs)

A Higher-Order Component (HOC) is an advanced pattern for reusing component logic. It takes a component as input and returns a new component with additional functionality.

Example:

const withUserData = (Component) => { return class extends React.Component { state = { user: null }; componentDidMount() { fetchUser().then(user => this.setState({ user })); } render() { return ; } };};const UserProfile = ({ user }) => {user ? user.name : "Loading..."};const UserProfileWithUserData = withUserData(UserProfile);

Use Case: HOCs are commonly used for adding logic such as authentication, data fetching, or tracking user activity across multiple components without duplicating code.

4. Render Props

The Render Props pattern involves passing a function (or render prop) as a child to a component, allowing for dynamic rendering based on the internal state of the parent component.

Example:

class MouseTracker extends React.Component { state = { x: 0, y: 0 }; handleMouseMove = (event) => { this.setState({ x: event.clientX, y: event.clientY }); }; render() { return ( {this.props.render(this.state)} ); }}// Usage

Mouse position: {x}, {y}

} />

Use Case: Render props allow you to share logic and state between components in a flexible way, making them highly reusable and adaptable to different scenarios.

5. Hooks Pattern

offer a modern way to manage state and side effects in functional components, replacing the need for class components.

Example:

const UserProfile = () => { const [user, setUser] = useState(null); useEffect(() => { fetchUser().then(user => setUser(user)); }, []); return {user ? user.name : "Loading..."};};

Use Case: Hooks like useState and useEffect simplify state management and side effects, allowing for cleaner and more concise functional components.

6. Custom Hooks

Custom Hooks are a powerful extension of the Hooks pattern, allowing you to encapsulate reusable logic and state management into functions.

Example:

const useFetchUser = () => { const [user, setUser] = useState(null); useEffect(() => { fetchUser().then(user => setUser(user)); }, []); return user;};const UserProfile = () => { const user = useFetchUser(); return {user ? user.name : "Loading..."};};

Use Case: Custom Hooks allow you to reuse complex logic (such as fetching data) across multiple components while keeping the code clean and DRY.

7. Context API

The Context API is useful for passing data through the component tree without having to manually pass props at every level, solving the problem of “prop drilling.�

Example:

const UserContext = React.createContext();const UserProvider = ({ children }) => { const [user, setUser] = useState(null); useEffect(() => { fetchUser().then(user => setUser(user)); }, []); return ( {children} );};const UserProfile = () => { const user = useContext(UserContext); return {user ? user.name : "Loading..."};};

Use Case: Use the Context API when you need to share state (like theme or user data) across deeply nested components.

8. Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Components

In React, Controlled Components rely on React state to control form inputs, while Uncontrolled Components handle their own state internally.

Example:

// Controlledconst ControlledInput = () => { const [value, setValue] = useState(""); return setValue(e.target.value)} />;};// Uncontrolledconst UncontrolledInput = () => { const inputRef = useRef(); return ;};

Use Case: Controlled components are ideal for form inputs where you need full control over the input’s value, while uncontrolled components are useful for simple use cases or when you need direct DOM access.

9. Portals

Portals allow you to render components outside the main DOM hierarchy, which is useful for creating modals, tooltips, or dropdowns.

Example:

const Modal = ({ children }) => { return ReactDOM.createPortal( {children}, document.getElementById('modal-root') );};

Use Case: Use Portals when you need to render components in a different part of the DOM, such as modals that overlay the entire screen.

10. Lazy Loading

React.lazy allows you to lazy load components, improving the performance of your app by splitting the code into chunks.

Example:

const LazyComponent = React.lazy(() => import('./LazyComponent'));const App = () => ( Loading...}> );

Use Case: Lazy loading is ideal for optimizing performance by loading components only when they’re needed, improving initial load times.

11. Error Boundaries

Error Boundaries catch JavaScript errors anywhere in the component tree, preventing the entire app from crashing and providing fallback UIs.

Example:

class ErrorBoundary extends React.Component { state = { hasError: false }; static getDerivedStateFromError() { return { hasError: true }; } render() { if (this.state.hasError) { return Something went wrong.; } return this.props.children; }}

Use Case: Use error boundaries to catch and handle errors gracefully, ensuring your app doesn’t break entirely when an error occurs.

5 Books for Learning React Design Patterns

To deepen your understanding of React design patterns and improve your skills, there are several highly recommended books:

“Learning React� by Alex Banks and Eve Porcello � A great introduction to React, this book covers React fundamentals and goes into design patterns such as functional components, hooks, and higher-order components. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone looking to understand the core principles of React.“React Design Patterns and Best Practices� by Michele Bertoli � Focuses specifically on design patterns in React, exploring key patterns like presentational and container components, higher-order components, and render props. It also offers guidance on structuring and organizing large applications for scalability.“Fullstack React: The Complete Guide to ReactJS and Friends� by Anthony Accomazzo et al. –This comprehensive guide walks you through React from the basics to more advanced topics, including React patterns. It’s a practical resource with plenty of code examples that focus on building full-stack React applications.“Mastering React� by Adam Horton and Ryan Vice � Aimed at intermediate to advanced React developers, this book delves into advanced React concepts and design patterns, focusing on performance optimization, state management, and testing.“JavaScript Patterns� by Stoyan Stefanov � While not solely focused on React, this book is a great resource for learning JavaScript design patterns that are applicable in React development, such as the module pattern, the factory pattern, and the singleton pattern.Best Courses for React Design Patterns1. Udemy

React: The Complete Guide (incl Hooks, React Router, Redux) by Maximilian SchwarzmĂĽller

This course has over 400,000 students, with high ratings (4.7/5 stars). It’s widely recommended because it offers comprehensive coverage of React, including fundamentals and design patterns. Many developers cite this course as their go-to for learning React deeply and broadly. Plus, Maximilian is a well-respected instructor in the web development community.

2. Egghead.io

Advanced React Component Patterns by Kent C. Dodds

Kent C. Dodds is a well-known expert in the React ecosystem and a contributor to the React community. His courses on Egghead.io are often praised for being focused, concise, and covering advanced topics like compound components, render props, and hooks. His practical, real-world approach makes this course one of the most recommended for developers looking to master React design patterns.

3. Frontend Masters

Intermediate React by Brian Holt

Brian Holt is another highly respected instructor. His Frontend Masters courses are known for their deep dive into modern React practices, including patterns like hooks and state management. Developers frequently recommend this course because it bridges the gap between beginner and advanced React knowledge, with a focus on scalable, maintainable code.

Use Most Common React Design Patterns

React has proven to be a highly popular library. The community is among the fastest-growing developer communities online.

You will also find lots of useful web development resources available online that make it easy to learn react.js and adapt to it.

The power of is due to its amazing features and the robust architecture that it offers. One of the most prominent and widely loved features of React is its design patterns.

are in fact what gives this library its extraordinary practicality and usefulness. They make code optimization and maintenance easier.

They allow developers to create apps that are flexible in nature, deliver better performance, and produce a codebase that is easier to maintain.

We have discussed a few popular React design patterns like stateless functions, render props, controlled components, conditional rendering, and react hooks.Ěý

However, it must be noted that react design patterns are not just limited to these patterns and there are several different design patterns that you can implement. Once you get familiar with the usage of the common design patterns, it will become easier to graduate to others.Ěý

Build React-Based Prototypes with UXPin Merge

Capturing the true essence of React application development can be made easier by the use of the right technology. With UXPin Merge, you use React code components in UXPin to build powerful prototypes. You can easily put together code-based prototypes that are pure code. .

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AI tools are software applications powered by machine learning algorithms that automate tasks, analyze data, and simulate human-like thinking. For designers and developers, AI tools have become essential for streamlining workflows, enhancing creativity, and delivering personalized user experiences.

From design automation and code generation to user research and content creation, AI enables professionals to work more efficiently and make data-informed decisions. By integrating AI into your workflow, you can amplify your capabilities and create better, more innovative products—faster and with fewer resources.

Looking for a tool that combines the power of AI with the speed of building functional user interfaces? Try UXPin Merge. It enables designers and developers to work seamlessly together by integrating live, code-based components directly into your design environment. With the addition of the AI Component Creator, UXPin takes your interface-building capabilities to the next level, allowing you to create and iterate faster than ever. .

Reach a new level of prototyping

Design with interactive components coming from your team’s design system.

.discover-merge { margin: 40px 8px;}.discover-merge__container { display: flex; max-width: 690px; height: 200px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border-radius: 4px; background-color: black; box-shadow: 10px 10px #9999ff; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;}.discover-merge__left { width: 50%;}.discover-merge__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__heading { font-weight: bold !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__text { margin: 0 !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.discover-merge__button { width: 174px; height: 44px; margin: 10px 0px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; background: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.discover-merge__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.discover-merge__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -19px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .discover-merge__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .discover-merge__container { flex-direction: column; } .discover-merge__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}What Are AI Tools?

AI tools are software applications powered by advanced machine learning algorithms. These tools can analyze vast amounts of data, automate repetitive tasks, and even simulate human-like thinking processes. For designers and developers, AI tools have become indispensable for boosting , speeding up , and enhancing user experiences.

In the context of UX design and development, AI tools can assist in various ways.

Design Automation

Tools powered by Artificial Intelligence can automate , such as layout adjustments or , allowing designers to focus on .

Code Generation

Developers can leverage AI-powered coding assistants (like GitHub Copilot) to suggest code snippets, auto-complete complex functions, or even generate boilerplate code based on natural language descriptions. This can be useful when building a .

User Research & Analytics

Artificial Intelligence tools can analyze user interactions to identify , predict user behavior, and provide insights into . These insights can drive .

Content Generation

AI-driven content tools can , generate blog ideas, or assist with technical —saving time and resources.

Personalization

AI can personalize user experiences based on behavioral data. For instance, recommendation engines (think of those used by Amazon or Netflix) can be integrated into websites to offer or product suggestions.

Why AI Tools Matter for Designers

The integration of AI into design and development workflows isn’t just about automation—it’s about amplification. AI tools allow designers to explore more possibilities faster and help developers write cleaner code by automating tedious debugging processes. Ultimately, these tools enable teams to create better products in less time.

In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead means embracing tools that enhance your capabilities. AI is not here to replace designers or developers but to empower them, making it easier to deliver innovative, .

How to Measure the Usefulness of an AI Tool as a Designer

To determine whether an AI tool is beneficial in your , consider evaluating it based on the following criteria:

Time Saved: Measure how much time the tool saves compared to manual processes. Does it automate repetitive tasks like resizing elements, adjusting layouts, or generating variations faster than you would do it yourself? Use time-tracking tools to quantify these savings.Quality of Output: Assess the quality of the AI-generated designs or suggestions. Are the results consistent with your design standards, or do you often need to make additional tweaks? The best AI tools should and help you achieve high-quality outcomes faster.Ease of Integration: Evaluate how easily the AI tool integrates into your existing design workflow. Does it seamlessly fit with your preferred or require cumbersome adjustments? The more frictionless the integration, the more useful the tool.User Experience Improvements: Measure how the AI tool impacts the final user experience. Tools like heatmap analyzers or AI-powered can reveal if the tool’s insights lead to better usability, increased engagement, or reduced friction for end-users.Feedback from Team Members: Gather from your team members (other designers, developers, or project managers) on how the AI tool affects and . A useful AI tool should enhance team collaboration rather than create bottlenecks or confusion.ROI and Cost-Benefit Analysis: Consider the financial impact of the AI tool. Compare the cost of the tool with the value it provides in terms of time saved, higher quality designs, or reduced need for additional tools or resources. Tools that offer a are more likely to be valuable additions to your toolkit.Creativity Enhancement: Finally, evaluate whether the tool enhances or restricts your creativity. Useful AI tools should free up cognitive space by handling mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on strategic and .

By systematically evaluating an AI tool against these criteria, you can determine its effectiveness and suitability for your design needs.

15 Best AI Tools for DesignersAI Component Creator by UXPin

The AI Component Creator is a built-in feature of UXPin Merge. It leverages artificial intelligence to automate the creation of UI components, significantly accelerating the design and development process.

This feature enables designers and developers to generate fully functional components with just a few inputs. Here’s how it works and why it’s useful:

Speeds Up Design Work: It automates creating buttons, forms, and other elements by generating components that match your design system and code, saving you a lot of time.Ready for Developers: The components it makes aren’t just for show—they’re functional and ready for developers to use immediately. This means less back-and-forth between designers and developers.Easier Collaboration: With real-time updates and changes, everyone on the team can see the latest designs without needing to manually share files.

The tool has received positive reviews on Product Hunt, with users appreciating its ability to generate real UI components. Many designers find it to be a valuable addition to their toolkit, enhancing both productivity and the overall quality of the design process.

Read this article that outlines the process of using .

Lummi AI

Lummi AI is a design assistant that generates design concepts, provides layout suggestions, and offers creative prompts to kickstart the design process. It uses AI to analyze your inputs and produce multiple iterations based on design principles.

Lummi AI helps overcome creative blocks and allows designers to quickly visualize various design directions without starting from scratch, making the ideation process faster and more efficient.

According to reviews on Product Hunt, users highlight the tool’s efficient filters and wide variety of categories that make it easy to find the perfect image for different needs. Patrizia Slongo, a UI/UX designer, mentions that Lummi is an “exceptional resource for web design� with its professional-grade images, while another user, Gilbert Anka, notes that it’s a “must-have for small businesses� due to its usability and variety of images available� ().

If you’re a designer looking for an AI-powered solution to quickly access high-quality images without the typical hassle of searching through traditional stock photo libraries, Lummi AI could be an excellent tool to explore.

PNG Maker AI

PNG Maker AI specializes in removing backgrounds from images, creating transparent PNGs with a high degree of accuracy. It uses AI to differentiate between foreground and background elements, providing clean extractions.

Many users appreciate the accessibility and free core features, which make PNG Maker AI a go-to option for basic image creation needs. Some have pointed out that while the tool is highly functional, advanced features are gated behind a premium subscription� ().

Background removal is a time-consuming task. PNG Maker AI’s precision and speed can save hours, making it ideal for creating assets for UI designs, marketing materials, or any context requiring isolated image elements.

Color Magic App

Color Magic uses AI to generate harmonious color palettes based on specific themes or emotions. You can upload images or enter keywords, and the app will suggest that align with your brand or design goals.

Users can view real-time previews of their palettes and receive suggestions based on different themes like “Winter� or “Sunset,� ensuring the tool provides highly relevant and visually appealing results for diverse design needs �().

Overall, Color Magic is a well-regarded tool for generating unique and thematic color palettes, but it might not meet the needs of those requiring extensive editing capabilities or offline use.

Octopus AI

Octopus AI is a research assistant that automates by analyzing large sets of , generating insights, and creating visual reports.

If user research feels overwhelming, this tool can help by organizing and analyzing feedback quickly, allowing you to make data-driven design decisions without the usual time investment.

Board of Innovation AI

This AI tool generates innovative ideas and concepts by using prompts related to business challenges, , and industry . It’s built to support strategic brainstorming sessions.

This tool is great when you need inspiration for out-of-the-box solutions or want to explore new design and business opportunities within your projects.

Chart AI

Chart AI generates based on raw data or even natural language descriptions. It offers a wide range of charts, from basic bar graphs to complex scatter plots.

Chart AI supports a wide range of chart types, such as flowcharts, Gantt charts, pie charts, sequence diagrams, ER diagrams, mind maps, and class diagrams. This variety makes it versatile for different use cases, whether you’re mapping out complex systems or creating simple visual summaries.

Users can customize the appearance of charts with different styling options, helping them create visuals that align with their branding or specific design preferences.

is crucial in UX design, especially for user research and presentations. Chart AI simplifies the process, making it easy to communicate insights visually. Its ability to interpret natural language inputs, support for a wide array of chart types, and real-time data integration make it a powerful tool for creating visually appealing and informative diagrams.

Miro Assist

Are you using Miro for brainstorming and ? Great! Here’s something for you. Miro Assist is an AI-powered feature within Miro’s collaborative whiteboard platform. It automates the organization of sticky notes, mind maps, and project plans, suggesting logical groupings and connections.

Miro Assist enhances real-time collaboration by reducing time spent on structuring information, so your team can focus on generating and refining ideas.

Descript

Descript is an audio and video editing tool that uses AI for transcribing, editing, and producing multimedia content. It can convert spoken words into text, making editing as simple as revising a text document.

If your design process includes creating video tutorials, presentations, or voiceovers, Descript’s powerful AI tools make content editing faster and more accessible. The same goes for those of you who include videos in your web design. Descript can help you make the videos more engaging and user-friendly.

Prompt Board

Prompt Board is an AI-powered brainstorming tool that generates . It’s built to stimulate creative thinking and encourage exploration of unconventional ideas.

The tool offers access to over 2,000 curated AI prompts, making it easy for designers to get inspired and generate creative ideas quickly. The prompts cover a wide range of topics and can be customized for different creative projects.

Prompts can be shared across multiple AI models like , Gemini, and Claude, enabling designers to use the same prompts for various generative tasks, from image generation to brainstorming content ideas.

Designers often need inspiration to get started. Prompt Board’s diverse prompts can help you explore new directions and keep the creative juices flowing.

Headlime

Headlime is an AI copywriting tool that generates headlines, descriptions, and tailored for various design contexts. It offers .

The AI tool excels at understanding context, tone, and audience preferences, making it ideal for creating user-focused copy that aligns with the . This is useful for who need to craft messages that resonate with users and enhance the overall experience.

This AI copywriting tool supports multiple languages, making it a good choice for targeting a global audience. Designers can generate and test to ensure consistency and effectiveness across regions�.

Good copy is integral to effective design. Headlime can help you craft compelling text that complements your visuals, saving time and ensuring a cohesive message.

Vance AI

Vance AI is a suite of image enhancement tools that use AI to upscale images, reduce noise, and sharpen visuals without losing quality.

Use Vance AI to improve the quality of low-resolution assets and maintain high standards in your designs.

Fontjoy

Fontjoy is an AI-powered tool that helps designers find balanced font pairings. It suggests typeface combinations based on contrast, similarity, or user preference.

Users can adjust the contrast between fonts—ranging from very similar to highly contrasting—allowing for flexibility in based on . Designers can lock specific fonts they like and let Fontjoy generate complementary fonts for a .

Designers can replace sample text with their own copy to see how the font combinations work in real-world scenarios, such as for headings, subheadings, or body text. This feature is particularly useful for UI projects where and legibility are critical.

Font selection can be challenging. Fontjoy simplifies this process, ensuring that your typography choices are and complement each other.

Designs.AI

Designs.AI is an all-in-one creative suite that offers tools for , video creation, banner generation, and more. It uses AI to automate creative processes, making it easier to produce high-quality designs quickly.

While Designs.ai provides a good range of features and tools for its price point, it may not be the best option for users seeking high-level customization or complex design projects. It’s better suited for those looking to quickly create content with minimal manual input, making it a practical tool for early-stage branding or content creation.

Adobe Sensei and Firefly

Adobe has introduced two powerful AI tools fully integrated into its Creative Cloud applications: Adobe Sensei and Adobe Firefly. Each tool serves a distinct purpose, making them indispensable assets for creative professionals.

Adobe Sensei focuses on productivity by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. It handles actions like background removal, content-aware fills, and smart tagging in Photoshop and Lightroom. These features streamline workflows, allowing users to spend less time on technical manipulations and more on the creative aspects of their projects.

Adobe Firefly, on the other hand, is Adobe’s generative AI tool designed for content creation. It specializes in generating new content such as images, illustrations, and text effects based on detailed text prompts.

Firefly’s capabilities extend to generating realistic or abstract visuals, recoloring vectors, and even creating 3D graphics, all through simple text commands. This tool is integrated across Adobe’s applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Express, making it easy to create and edit graphics in real-time.

Both Sensei and Firefly work in harmony to enhance creativity and productivity, offering a balanced approach for both automation and innovation. While Sensei simplifies complex processes, Firefly pushes creative boundaries by enabling unique, AI-driven content generation. Together, they provide substantial benefits for Adobe Creative Cloud users looking to streamline their workflows and elevate their creative projects to new levels.

Use the Power of AI Tools in Design

AI tools are transforming the way designers and developers work by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing creativity, and enabling data-driven decisions. From design automation and code generation to user research and content creation, these tools allow professionals to streamline their workflows and produce high-quality results with greater efficiency.

Whether you’re a designer looking to explore new creative possibilities or a developer wanting to optimize your code, integrating AI into your process amplifies your capabilities. The key is to find the right tools that fit your workflow and enhance your productivity without compromising quality.

AI isn’t here to replace creativity—it’s here to amplify it. Embrace these tools, and you’ll find yourself delivering better, more innovative products in less time, making a lasting impact on your projects and your team. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and let AI help you take your work to the next level!

UXPin Merge combines the power of AI and code-based components to help designers and developers build user interfaces more efficiently. The AI Component Creator automates the creation of functional UI elements, allowing teams to create production-ready components with just a few inputs. .

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Design-to-code is a familiar workflow. Designers create a prototype using a design tool, and developers convert it to code–a simplified version of the standard product development process.

UXPin Merge turns this process upside down with a revolutionary code-to-design workflow. This article explains code to design and how it enhances the product development process with four case studies, including FinTech giant PayPal. .

Design UI with code-backed components.

Use the same components in design as in development. Keep UI consistency at scale.

.discover-merge { margin: 40px 8px;}.discover-merge__container { display: flex; max-width: 690px; height: 200px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border-radius: 4px; background-color: black; box-shadow: 10px 10px #9999ff; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;}.discover-merge__left { width: 50%;}.discover-merge__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__heading { font-weight: bold !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__text { margin: 0 !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.discover-merge__button { width: 174px; height: 44px; margin: 10px 0px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; background: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.discover-merge__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.discover-merge__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -19px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .discover-merge__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .discover-merge__container { flex-direction: column; } .discover-merge__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}What is Code to Design?

is a UX workflow developed by UXPin using Merge technology. With UXPin Merge, you can use coded UI components to build fully interactive interfaces, and once you’re done with your design, export production code. The components aren’t translated from . They are code.

The code-to-design workflow offers several benefits for designers, stakeholders, and engineers:

Designers build fully interactive prototypes, during the design process.Designers don’t design from scratch, thus reducing time to market.Stakeholders can grasp design’s vision because . are smoother because designers and engineers use the same .Teams share a which adoption is no longer an issue.The drag-and-drop workflow makes product design more accessible to non-designers, and developers, stakeholders, researchers, and more can create a prototype on their own.Design to Code vs. Code to DesignDesign to code results in misalignment

is the traditional UX workflow. Design teams create mockups and prototypes using , which developers convert to code.

The biggest challenge with a design-to-code workflow is that it creates a . To bridge that gap, designers must use external tools, write detailed documentation, and meet with devs to explain how prototypes and interactions must function.

Even with all this extra work and explanation, the final product often doesn’t meet the designer’s specifications and expectations. Designers and engineers argue over who is to blame, but the real issue is a language barrier. Designers work with vector graphics tools, while engineers work with code.

Code to design boosts collaboration

A code-to-design workflow bridges the gap between designers and engineers. They still speak different languages, but a technology like Merge facilitates the .

Design teams work with visual UI elements, while engineers work with the code powering them–the same component from two perspectives.

Teams working with a design system benefit most from this code-to-design workflow.

With design-to-code workflow, teams work with two versions of the design system:

Image-based UI kit for design toolsUI component library for programming

Code to design eliminates this separation because design teams and engineers use the same component library from the same repository�.

Code to Design Use Cases

You’re probably thinking, “this code-to-design thing sounds great, but how does it translate to real-world product development?� Glad you asked. Here are four use cases where companies use code-to-design for product development.

PayPal

In 2019, PayPal completely . PayPal’s internal UX team had a unique challenge–they had five designers to over one thousand engineers managing 60+ products. No two products looked the same, and each had usability and design inconsistency issues.

Erica Rider, UX Lead EPX at PayPal, was tasked with solving this problem. To add a layer of complexity, Erica had to create a workflow that enabled PayPal’s product team to design, test, and deliver products. They lacked design skills and had little design tool experience.

After trying several solutions using traditional image-based tools, Erica discovered Merge. PayPal’s UX team used Merge to .

PayPal’s stakeholders wanted to test the effectiveness of this new code-to-design investment. Erica’s experiment involved creating two versions of a one-page prototype: one using an image-based tool and the other using the UXPin Merge. The results were better than expected:

Image-based tool: over one hourUXPin Merge: 8 minutes

The Merge prototype had far superior fidelity and functionality. And, with some coaching, PayPal’s product teams achieved the same results.

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Iress

Software developer Iress was on a .

Stage one: PDF style guidesStage two: HTML pattern library with CSSStage three: UI kit and component libraryStage four: a fully integrated single source of truth with no design or code required for releases

Iress was stuck on stage three, unsure how they would bridge the gap between design and development to reach the final goal–until the team discovered code-to-design approach.

This workflow ticked all the boxes for Iress at that moment:

A single repository serving designers and engineers the components they need to build and release products.Better alignment between designers and engineers, with seamless design handoffs.No designing or front-end programming from scratch.No design drift or inconsistencies across the organization.Realistic, interactive prototypes give testing participants and stakeholders an accurate representation of the final product.The opportunity to experiment with theme switching for dark mode or multi-brand design systems.

TeamPassword

The first two use cases were enterprise products. But what can code-to-design do for startups and small teams? TeamPassword operates in the highly competitive password management market. The startup’s biggest challenge is that they don’t have any UX designers.

For a startup entrusted with people’s passwords and sensitive data, usability issues and design inconsistencies erode trust, ruining TeamPassword’s reputation and resulting in churn.

TeamPassword’s engineers did all the design and user testing using code prototypes. While these prototypes accurately represented the product’s functionality and user experience, building and iterating on ideas was time-consuming.

In 2022, TeamPassword switched to the MUI design system, which they synced to UXPin using Merge. Instead of developing prototypes, engineers used their custom MUI React library in UXPin. This code-to-design workflow significantly reduced time-to-market while eliminating usability issues and design drift.

When TeamPassword’s developers update the design system repository, the change automatically sync to UXPin, so they always have the latest version. Merge’s allows the team to track changes and switch between versions during testing.

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Reach a new level of prototyping

Design with interactive components coming from your team’s design system.

.discover-merge { margin: 40px 8px;}.discover-merge__container { display: flex; max-width: 690px; height: 200px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border-radius: 4px; background-color: black; box-shadow: 10px 10px #9999ff; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;}.discover-merge__left { width: 50%;}.discover-merge__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__heading { font-weight: bold !important; color: white !important; font-size: 18px !important;}.discover-merge__text { margin: 0 !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.discover-merge__button { width: 174px; height: 44px; margin: 10px 0px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; background: white; color: black; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.discover-merge__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.discover-merge__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -19px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .discover-merge__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .discover-merge__container { flex-direction: column; } .discover-merge__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}dotSource

dotSource is a German-based digital product consulting and development agency. The company uses multiple design systems to deliver products and solutions to clients.

dotSource’s biggest problem in delivering these products was redundant processes and duplicate work with two design systems–a UI kit for design and a component library for development. The design system’s documentation created a third piece the team had to maintain.

dotSource’s “single source of truth� was actually three sources, not one–a problem many organizations encounter with design systems.

dotSource knew they had to make their single source of truth code-based but didn’t know how to achieve this workflow using traditional image-based design tools–until they discovered UXPin Merge.

dotSource uses Merge’s Storybook Integration to sync its design system to UXPin. Storybook allows dotSource to update the design system’s repository, documentation, and UXPin’s components with every release.

“Switching to a code-based design workflow is the only way around these image-based limitations. A code-based prototyping tool like UXPin with Merge technology enables this workflow by rendering code (instead of vector graphics), just like a browser. In UXPin, UI components look and behave exactly as they do for developers, effectively bridging the gap between design and development–a real single source of truth.� � dotSource

How Does Code to Design Work in UXPin?

Product teams have two options when importing code components into UXPin:

Import a product design systemImport an open-source UI libraryUse built-in libraries

There are three ways to bring these libraries into UXPin:

: syncs React component libraries from a repository to UXPin.: allows teams to sync many front-end frameworks, including React, Vue, Angular, Web Components, and Ember, to name a few ().: designers can import UI components from open-source libraries from the npm registry using the .

We have three tutorials for using the npm Integration and Component Manager:

The Git and Storybook integrations are a little more complex, requiring technical skills to with UXPin’s Technical Support Team.

Ready to get started with code to design? Set up a trial and see how it speeds up your product development process and keeps your team on the same page. .

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User Experience design is all about ensuring that the relationship between the user and the digital product is positive. Thankfully, with the many modern tools out there, teams of designers can easily as well as test its usability and make iterations to designs.

Research is one thing, but you will be able to pick the best UX design tool only after you try it. Design prototypes that feel real in UXPin. .

Build advanced prototypes

Design better products with States, Variables, Auto Layout and more.

.try-uxpin-banner { margin: 40px 0px;}.try-uxpin__container { display: flex; max-width: 689px; height: 210px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border: 2px solid black; border-radius: 4px; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; background-color: white; box-shadow: 10px 10px black;}.try-uxpin__left { width: 54%;}.try-uxpin__heading { font-size: 28px !important; font-weight: bold;}.try-uxpin__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: black !important;}.try-uxpin__text { margin: 0 !important; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.try-uxpin__button { width: 135px; height: 44px; background: black; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 10px 20px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.try-uxpin__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.try-uxpin__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -21px; margin-bottom: -6px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .try-uxpin__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .try-uxpin__container { flex-direction: column; } .try-uxpin__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}


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UXPin

gives you all the features you need to that actually feel like you’re using the finished digital product. UXPin comes with hundreds of that make it easy to design fast and stay consistent across the team.

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UXPin Merge

UXPin has a one-of-a-kind for building layouts faster than in any other tool. Your team can design with drag-and-drop components that come from an open-source component library, such as , Fluent UI, or any other .

Once your design is done, you can extract the code behind each component and use it to develop the app. You � your design is already ready for development. You have all the specs inside the tool. Watch a quick review below.

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What’s more, UXPin makes it easy to perform usability testing. Simply, share your design with others and watch how they can interact with a design. That’s all without wasting your time on developing the design.

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Figma

Figma focuses on interface design and brainstorming. Similar to Google Docs, you can see who is presently working on the project and what they are inputting, which allows for a convenient real-time collaboration on a project. You can build mockups and partially functional prototypes.ĚýĚý

To make Figma designs work like an end-product, you may integrate it with a prototyping tool. UXPin has their own extension of copying and pasting Figma designs to UXPin, to make it interactive. Read the full tutorial of how to do that: .

InVision

Once a revolutionary tool and a great hub for designers, InVision used to offer a comprehensive set of UX design features. The platform’s intuitive interface made it easy to design and iterate on user interfaces, saving valuable time and resources.

Designers used InVision to gather feedback from team members and stakeholders, fostering a more iterative and collaborative design process. InVision offered a user-centric approach to prototyping and UX design, empowering designers to deliver high-quality, interactive designs that align with user needs and business goals.

Unfortunately, . If you’re looking for an alternative, we strongly recommend you try UXPin Merge, which is a leader when it comes to interactive UX design. .

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Sketch

Sketch is another UX design tool that supports shared libraries and layouts and allows you to share and export designs with others. It also has many editing tools such as vector and plugin tools. If you are working on a detailed design, then you can zoom in and edit at a more precise level. Another convenient feature is the ability to resize parts of your design on command.

Sketch is good for creating unique icons and designs that you can then save in your library. This allows for an easy share feature across projects where, for example, an icon can be used on multiple separate designs with relative ease.

On top of that, you can store your designs on the cloud which allows your team or organization to have easy access to designs and a more fluid design process. Another important feature allows contributors to comment, edit, and make changes to a project that are then automatically synced to the cloud.

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Marvel

Marvel is another cloud-based platform that will automatically sync web designs to the cloud. Plus, it offers mobile support for quick changes on the go. There is also a library of templates, images, and screen components like buttons that can easily be accessed and implemented into your project.Ěý

Marvel is built more for beginner use and has a drag-and-drop system that allows users to develop a design without the need for self-imputed coding. It is also a collaborative design platform that allows other team members to provide feedback and input their own designs.Ěý

There are templates specifically designed for various devices such as tablets, smartphones, and desktop computers. Mockups can be tested as if they were the real thing which allows for the designer to quickly find any faults and update the design as needed.

You can also download the Marvel app onto your iOS or Android device. This allows for ideas to be tested on smartphone devices and easy sharing options.

Pick the best UX design tool

As you’ve seen from the examples above, some of the most popular design platforms allow you to focus on one element of the design process. While some, like Marvel, are great for casual designs, others are catered to working on more complex digital products and mobile apps.Ěý

Unfortunately, using several solutions means a larger design toolkit that can slow you down. Your designers will need to integrate or jump between a number of apps in their daily work.Ěý

Luckily, you can also turn to advanced tools that allow you to work on a design from idea to completion. Or, like UXPin, they’ll even allow developers to copy HTML and CSS code from design to their workflow.

When compared to other solutions, UXPin is one of the most comprehensive UX design tools in the industry. This makes it a particularly attractive alternative to software like Axure, Proto.io or Figma which were traditionally used for specific phases of the design process.

With UXPin you can design fully interactive prototypes that make it clear what the final user experience should be like. See how UXPin helps you design more realistic prototypes. .

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AI in design, animated icons, cross platform UX are some of the most exciting 2024 UX and UI design trends. Our research has also noticed an interesting UX UI trend toward larger screens, with Instagram improving its desktop experience to accommodate the growing demand.

Create high-quality, fully functioning prototypes to test your UI design ideas with UXPin. to explore UXPin’s advanced features today!

Build advanced prototypes

Design better products with States, Variables, Auto Layout and more.

.try-uxpin-banner { margin: 40px 0px;}.try-uxpin__container { display: flex; max-width: 689px; height: 210px; padding: 20px; padding-left: 24px; border: 2px solid black; border-radius: 4px; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; background-color: white; box-shadow: 10px 10px black;}.try-uxpin__left { width: 54%;}.try-uxpin__heading { font-size: 28px !important; font-weight: bold;}.try-uxpin__left p { margin: 10px 0px !important; color: black !important;}.try-uxpin__text { margin: 0 !important; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 22px !important;}.try-uxpin__button { width: 135px; height: 44px; background: black; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 10px 20px; border: none; border-radius: 2px; color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;}.try-uxpin__button:hover { cursor: pointer;}.try-uxpin__image { max-width: 320px !important; height: 200px; margin-right: -21px; margin-bottom: -6px;}@media (max-width: 760px) { .try-uxpin__container { height: auto; margin: 10px; align-items: left; }}@media (max-width: 500px) { .try-uxpin__container { flex-direction: column; } .try-uxpin__left { width: 100%; align-items: normal; }}Top UX UI Trends in 2024Trend #1: AI-integrated Design

From brainstorming design solutions, constructing research plan to complex UX design decisions, artificial intelligence is becoming integrated into the . ChatGPT took most industries by the storm and design is no different.

In 2023, designers shared prompts left and right and like Framer and other integrated AI processes to help users come up with initial UI to iterate on. We believe that AI-integrated design will be a thing that will help put most repetitive tasks on autopilot. Let’s put our energy into solving complex problems, right?

UXPin is another tool that added AI to its arsenal. Our Merge technology for code-first design has an AI Component Creator built into it. The creator generates a fully-coded component based on the prompt you write. Check out this to see how it works: .

Trend #2: Cross-Platform UX

While isn’t new to most of you, it will be taken to another level in 2024. Last year we reported that apps like Instagram have upgraded their desktop versions to take advantage of large-screen monitors. YouTube, on the other hand, embraced TikTok-like stories format, making it better suited for hand-held devices.

An approaching trend is personalization within cross-platform experience. Apps want to stay relevant and give the users content that they may enjoy to make them stay longer.

Trend #3: Location-Based UX

The buzz around location-based experiences is growing. The apps that offer it will be the epitome of user-centric design next year, as users are starting to value experiences that are both personalized and effortlessly convenient. Picture this: having public transport recommendations more suitable to your lifestyle.

AI takes center stage in shaping the future of location-based experiences. It helps predict user movements and behaviors. Product teams may use AI to anticipate user preferences, intuitively suggesting relevant places, events, or services—often before users actively seek them out.

Trend #4: Animated Icons

Animated icons have officially made their grand entrance into iOS17, injecting life into your Apple apps. Whether you prefer solid icons or lean towards the elegance of outline icons, now is the time to infuse movement into your visual elements.

Get ready to breathe new life into your interface with animated icons that resonate seamlessly with the dynamic spirit of iOS17.

Trend #5: 3D Visual Elements

Are you trying to visualize complex data, building a UX of a VR app or trying to enhance brand recognition? Include 3D elements in your work! Such interfaces are going to be big in 2024.

3D elements help designers draw the user’s eye and add depth and realism that draws users in. We can’t say what originated the trend but some of the designs look like something that was created using Midjourney � another AI tool.

Trend #6: Emotionally Intelligent Design

Emotionally Intelligent Design means creating products, services, or experiences that take into account users� emotions. It acknowledges and addresses the emotional aspects of human interaction with technology. Examples of emotionally intelligent design might include features like empathetic error messages or interfaces that adapt to users� moods.

Key aspects of emotionally intelligent design include:

Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with users� needs, desires, and emotions. This involves considering the user’s perspective, emotions, and potential pain points throughout the design process.Anticipation: Predicting and responding to users� emotions and needs before they explicitly express them. This can involve using data, user research, and intuitive design to anticipate user reactions and proactively address potential issues.Feedback and Communication: Providing clear and supportive feedback to users, acknowledging their actions, and communicating effectively. This includes using language, visuals, and interactions that resonate emotionally with the user.Adaptability: Designing interfaces that can adapt to users� emotional states or changing needs. This might involve customization options, personalization features, or dynamic content that responds to user behavior.Inclusivity: Recognizing and accommodating a diverse range of users with different emotional responses, cultural backgrounds, and preferences. Inclusive design ensures that products and experiences are emotionally resonant for a broad audience.Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that design decisions consider the ethical implications of the product or service, including potential emotional impact. This involves avoiding manipulative practices and prioritizing the well-being of users.Trend #7: Focus on Typography

The latest trend in typography for 2024 can be summarized in three words: big, bold, and capitalized. It’s fantastic strategy for UI designers looking to grab users� attention. Even the global web trends website, , uses capitalized bold typography for its homepage H1 and header callout.

UI designers also mix typefaces and styles to emphasize words or draw users� attention. For example, this hero from uses bold capital styling combined with solid and outlined text for its H1.

Tennis star Venus Williams also uses big, bold, capitalized typography throughout her website design. The font helps reinforce Venus� status as a strong, dominant world number one.

If you want to stand out and position your brand as a dominant market leader, big, bold, capital typography can help achieve that in 2024! For a softer, calmer approach, you can use thin, condensed, and capitalized lettering–like this example from the Aussi-based creative initiative .

Take your UI design to the next level with UXPinâ€�the world’s most advanced design and prototyping tool.Ěý

Improve user testing and get meaningful stakeholder feedback with that look and feel like the final product. to explore UXPin’s advanced prototyping features.

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