Introduction
Are you a designer nearing your first handoff? This blog is for you! After the designs are complete, then we usually deliver the design files and assets to the developers so they can begin implementing the design. What developers do is not the same as what we do. They must contend with the logic of the functions and features incorporated into the design. On the flip side, we designers focus on problem-solving, user experience, aesthetics, and the interface’s functionality. There’s a relatively low probability of a gap between developers and us that can result in a failed handoff. Today, we’ll plunge into the design-to-dev handoff, avoid common issues, and discuss how to make your next handoff as flawless as silk.
Context
- Define design handoff
- Failures of smooth design handoff
- What are the design handoff protocols for UXUI designers?
- Tools you can use to have a developer-friendly design handoff.
- Conclusion
What exactly is this “Design handoff”?
When we finalised the designs with the stakeholders, we’ll hand over all the design files and assets used to design the product to the developers to code. It is analogous to the connection between an architect and a civil engineer. Civil engineering brings the design to life once the architect has completed the plans with the client.
Failures of smooth design handoff
Communicate early on:
Communicating with developers as early as possible is critical for a seamless handoff since developers may raise queries that may cause an issue during the handoff. Even though there are dedicated personnel to arbitrate with the developers, you must have your discussion regarding the project’s current progress. Designers and developers must communicate in the same language. It is not always readily understood what mood boards, bleeds, kerning, orphans, or opacity are implying. Also, not everyone understands what API, throttle speed, cache, and so on mean.
Knowledge Gaps:
People are frequently preoccupied with their specific roles in the project. They usually don’t mind or notice what other people are doing. Due to this, there is a knowledge gap evident in the failed handoff. Knowing the fundamentals of coding allows us to evaluate which features are codable and which are not. The same is true for developers; understanding the fundamental structure of how designers work will assist bridge the knowledge gap on both sides.
Earlier involvement of developers:
Allowing developers to join the team after the designs have been finalized is a common oversight. It is one of the most common practise companies do. Allowing developers early access to the project will aid their understanding of the project when they attend client meetings. It’ll also be handy to gather feedback from developers on how things translate while developing and informing developers about the initial design, which could help to reduce issues during handoff.
Handoff meeting:
One of the most efficient ways to perform a proper handoff between the design and development teams is to hold a handoff meeting. It’s an excellent approach to get everything out there, answer pressing questions, and get the entire party enthused and motivated for the job ahead.
Work out any kinks and queries from both parties, and get ready for the development, QA, and launch phases. Set explicit dates and expectations, and identify personnel responsible for ensuring each phase is completed.
What are the design handoff protocols for UXUI designers?
A few things designers can do (what I call protocols) to make handoffs more developer-friendly.
Style Guide
Creating a style guide before beginning a design project will assist in maintaining consistency throughout the design. It will be easy for developers to implement the precise colour palette and size of the typeface used in the design. This approach also aids both designers and developers in accelerating the process.
Component Library
Making components for all the design’s common elements enables us to make UI adjustments more quickly. As changes are made to the parent component, the child component will reflect them. Specifying this enables the developer to code once for every element that they can refer back to at any time.
Visual Spec
Specifying the spacing between each and every element in the design is a developer’s dream come true handoff. It thus allows developers to code significantly faster while also ensuring that the designs appear good when translated into code.
When creating visual specifications, break a single screen into portions to make it easier to read and less cluttered. If the elements are complex, a single element can be separated into segments to illustrate the padding area, inner spacing, and styles. These portions will aid developers in digesting the visual spec, reducing the likelihood of implementation problems.
Behaviour Spec
These are the specifications that designers should include for developers to understand the behaviour of each element. For example, how will the button react (behave) when hovered, pressed, and released? Not only that but stating what will happen when the user clicks a given option and where each option will send the user will also assist the developer grasp the design’s flow. Here’s where the prototype plays a major role. When designing a behaviour specification, ensure that the behaviour and flow of each element are straightforward to read and understand. It may take multiple iterations for a flawless spec.
Importance of the protocol:
D.R.Y — Don’t Repeat Yourself — is a fundamental development principle. It argues that “any piece of knowledge within a system must have a single, clear, authoritative representation.” The style guides and component libraries are built with the same mindset. By replicating this technique in your specs, you make translating designs into DRY code much more efficient — and your developers will thank you.
Tools for smooth handoff:
Various tools for creating visual specs and others for a smooth handoff include Zeplin, Mockplus cloud, Avocode, and Marvel.
Conclusion:
A seamless handoff will allow both parties to operate without confusion. Though this is not my usual short and snappy article, I hope it clarified how to design handoff is handled appropriately. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Check out my profile for more such blogs. I’ll meet you all in my next blog! Until then, please post any blog topic suggestions in the comments section. Bye! ;)
