Strengthen user bonds through atomic (component-based) design
rainbreaw
Web design continues to become exponentially more complex as technology advances. First we saw the addition of colors and tables, then CSS, then SASS, CSS3 and HTML5, then responsive design, and now, with the prevalence of so many devices of varying sizes, the atomic (or component-based) design methodology is starting to take hold.
This is a cool concept, but more that, I believe that, at its core, this methodology can help us build better user experiences and, in turn, more accessible and inclusive applications.
One of the greatest challenges to great user experiences is the idea that accessibility and usability means ugly design. The atomic design methodology is an opportunity to get us past this myth. It is a chance to really explore how beautiful the basic building blocks, or atoms, of a user experience truly are, which ultimately means creating stronger relationships with our users by inviting them into the design, rather than simply presenting it to them.
What we will cover:
We will look at what atomic design means and how it works, as well as why Drupal is well suited to this methodology. Then we will address how this translates to accessibility, and, in turn, overall user experience.
Finally, we will explore how to convince design teams — which are often under pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines while wowing stakeholders — to move towards this approach.
Who this talk is for:
Designers, themers, project managers, and anyone curious about how design and accessibility can come together to create amazing experiences.
This talk will be accessible to beginners, while containing concepts intended to challenge experienced web product creators.
What you will come away with:
- An understanding of what atomic design means, along with where to go for more information
- Ideas of how to begin implementing the atomic design methodology in your workflow
- Ideas of how to use this methodology to improve user experience and accessibility
- A guide for how to work with designers who are new to atomic design to make it fun and productive for them
- A guide for how to present atomic design to a stakeholder expecting the “wow” experience that traditional comps have always satisfied