Copy Like a Designer: Learn Beyond the Tool

We’ve all been there, right? You’re diving into design, scouring the internet for advice, and you keep bumping into the same tip: copy other designs to learn. Most of this advice suggests staring at a screen, recreating what you see pixel by pixel. But let’s be real, this is pretty surface-level stuff. It helps you understand user interfaces, visual layouts, font sizes, and so on, but that’s about it.

So, how do we copy to bring value?

As a designer, observation is essential.

Please always be aware of how others are solving problems. Take Zomato and Swiggy, for example. These two giants in the food delivery space in India are constantly experimenting with design. They’re fantastic starting points for any designer looking to understand practical design solutions.

But there’s more to it than just observation. Understanding systems is crucial.

Question why certain design choices are made. For instance, in its latest design, Airbnb introduced top-level categorization to promote exploration. This is quite different from how other apps use top-level chips to help users find streamlined results. It might look similar, but it promotes very different behaviors. So, understanding the system behind the design is fundamental.

How do you understand the system? Through research. This step is non-negotiable before you even think about copying. Dive deep into the why and how of design choices.

Once you have everything in place, you can start copying with context.

By picking examples of solutions similar to your design’s needs, you get a solid base to experiment on without changing the fundamental idea. This way, you’re not just copying blindly but making the design your own.

So, next time you think about copying a design, remember: it’s not just about replicating what you see. It’s about understanding the thought process behind it and adapting it to your context. Happy designing!