MX11 prediction: component-based frontend architecture.
As everyone’s friendly neighborhood web designer, let’s dive into the crystal ball and explore my predictions of what Mendix 11 might have in store for us!
While many are still happily building in MX9, the introduction of MX10 is already giving us a taste of what’s to come — and it’s pointing toward something big: Component-Based Design Systems.
What are components?
Let’s break down what components are. Back in 2013, Brad Frost shook up the design world with his concept of Atomic Design. He proposed that design is simply many small elements that make up bigger elements.
Those small elements are often translated into a concept known as components. A component is an element that is defined and maintained in a single location. Think of it as a master template that updates ripple across all instances when changes are made.
Now, why the buzz around components? Well, applications like Figma have shown us the power of centralized design control. By managing components from a single point of truth, design teams can ensure consistency and efficiency across the board.
We’re not designing pages, we’re designing systems of components. — Stephen Hay
The writing on the wall.
Aligning with other tools in the landscape.
It might come as a shock, but the majority of people in the world don’t use Mendix daily. This is Jakob’s Law: most users spend their time on other platforms.
To make applications intuitive, UX Designers often use patterns that have been established and adopted by other platforms. The new design properties in Mendix10 are an example of this, the only missing piece is the ability to create components.
Atlas doesn't scale for enterprise… yet.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Atlas. While it’s a solid foundation, its scalability for enterprise needs improvement.
Refactoring a Mendix application is a headache without a single point of truth, but with the addition of components, Mendix could finally bridge the gap and offer a seamless design experience.
When Mendix releases components, Atlas will change for the better. Imagine changing the spacing in your header component, and all the other headers in your entire Mendix landscape are given the new spacing! What used to take 5 people a month, will be done by 1 person in a day. That is a pretty nice ROI.
Until Mendix does this, the Maui9 framework solves this by managing the single point of truth from the SCSS files. Our Clients who have embraced it are already reaping the benefits, speeding up delivery, scalability, and maintenance.
The Forum.
Another reason I predict Mendix will bring in a Component-Based Design System, is because discussions about components have been brewing for years (it was discussed 5 years ago in this forum post: Placeholders in snippets), and it’s time Mendix answers the call.
At the end of 2023, Mendix launched the Atlas UI kit for Figma, so hopefully this is a sign of progress in this direction.
MX12. Primitives, Tokens, Figma API, and Mendix Design Systems.
Looking ahead to MX12 (yes, that far in the future), we could see even more exciting additions like primitives, tokens, and even tighter integration with Figma. This could revolutionize how we design and update Mendix applications directly from our favorite design tool.
Summary.
In summary, the adoption of a Component-Based Design System in Mendix seems inevitable — and for good reason. It’s a missing piece in the puzzle that could streamline workflows, enhance scalability, and ultimately elevate the Mendix experience for clients. So, as we eagerly await MX11, let’s keep our eyes peeled for the dawn of a new era in Mendix development that embraces what we already love in other platforms, the humble component.
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