Code Vocabulary Flashcards
Summary
Designing flashcards can help a designer transcend from printed media to a digital design hierarchy. The objectives of this project supported this idea, allowing design choices to take on a new meaning, while integrating well used practices in design work. Using known principles of the design process, color, typography and combining them with a new element of UI/UX design, this project pushed new boundaries in terms of how I utilize space, and how I transfer ideas from paper to screen.
Goals
My goals for creating this project were to be more experimental in how I employ typography within my work. I wanted to see how I could push it in terms of readability on the smaller space provided, and how I could stylize it to the aesthetic I chose. I also set out to learn more about designing natively in Adobe XD, rather than designing in Adobe Illustrator first and then transferring over to XD.
Preliminary Work
Treading new ground with this project, I had to see how visually different a flashcard design could be compared to other UI/UX based processes. I knew I wanted my design to be in your face, but subtle at the same time. Using halftone colors in the palette has become a staple to my desired theme, but I wanted a more stimulating color presence. I also found a fun way throughout designing the work on how to hone in on a retro style that the typography and shape building naturally lent itself to.
Lo-fi Wireframe
Taking my inspiration from research and knowledge of typographic techniques, I created the lo-fi wireframe to focus on how the type could help speak to the front and back side of the flashcard without feeling disjointed. Cohesiveness was key in the creation of this project, both in terms of front and back and the entire set as a whole. I wanted to play into the seamless aspect of scrolling through these cards, so a design that could play into the flow of the cards was vital.
Med-fi Wireframe
Moving forward to the med-fi wireframe, refinement of the major details was the next step. I knew I wanted to follow the retro aesthetic throughout the front and back, which would be accented by the color palette and font. This next step was really about how elements should be placed around the art-boards for the most cohesive solution. For example, the overlying top and bottom borders which acted as a frame, as well as elements that played into the connectivity of the card flow.
Final Design
The final design retained most of the original idea and elements from the wireframes. However I went for a more subdued look with the type and the result was a lot cleaner and better spaced in comparison. The flow of elements from one screen to another varied slightly but the original idea was mostly carried through.
Navigation Map
Understanding how I wanted the user to navigate this application proved to be one of the more challenging aspects. Understanding the inner workings of Adobe XD will always leave you curious about the process of the application. I knew I wanted it to be quick and simple, which fits the theme, while also keeping it engaging.
Prototyping
Building the application in XD proved challenging at first, but utilizing the built in tools of the character styles and naming practices helped make the process easier. This also helped with playing with typographic spacing, font, etc. Making sure the tone remained consistent using shortcuts for style presets. After designing all the cards fronts and backs, syncing up wires for testing and prototyping occurred. Pulling the wires from card to card could be tiring work at times, but the understanding I gained from doing it is completely worthwhile. Understanding how to set up a flow from a home page, and making sure each button takes the user to the desired screen was an entire learning curve in itself.
Knowledge Gained
Over the course of creating these flashcards, I have come to understand XD not just as a prototyping software, but a creative designing software as well. Digging into just how easy it makes it for a designer to remain consistent when juggling multiple elements throughout a project like this. I have also realized another side to graphic design in terms of a potential career and avenue that still has a lot to teach me, but one I continue to grow in.
Thank you!
