UI UX design takes dedication and innovation. Finding the right solution and having the inspiration to do so can become an easy and manageable task. If only we would have the components to do so. And, lucky for us, with the help of a UI kit, we can do just that. With reusable components the whole process becomes easier to manage, offering us more flexibility, time, and a faster solution to our design enigmas. Just imagine using the right tools can help you build almost everything you could have desired. The process of building a design from scratch becomes long forgotten while we can interpret the task as combining the right Lego pieces in order to have the hoped outcome.
There are many things we, as UI/UX designers, consider when we are designing an app or a website. We spend a lot of time making them as user-friendly as possible while also making them look good. All while also keeping our managers happy. And especially within budget!
And often, it is easy to miss out on important details about UI/UX design. Maybe we misunderstand the platform’s vision. Or maybe we rush and make small mistakes – mistakes that take weeks to redo. Or maybe it simply might be that we don’t know how or where to start. All of these lead to postponing the platform’s launch date. And no one wants that.
But UI/UX design has evolved. And so has the way we design. More and more UI/UX designers are adopting design systems in their design process. Design systems have become such an essential part of my everyday work. And, well, from what I’ve seen around me, this is the case for other designers as well. In fact, in 2020, Forrester discovered that 65% of the companies surveyed used a design system for their apps.
So, What is a Design System?
Before explaining what is a design system is, let’s start with what is not a design system. It’s not a Pattern Library, nor is it a Style Guide – or a Figma Library. Yes, it’s a combination of all of these. But it’s much more than that.
Design systems are a collection of resources that can be used and reused across multiple designs. In other words, a design system can include components – such as icons, toggles, dividers, banners, and so on, variables and styles that can be changed according to your needs, and even documentation that can help you in your design process.
For example, the uinkits design system includes variables, a component library, a pattern library, and visual elements, including colors and icons. Each part of the design system provides documentation for using a certain component and why. But the uinkits design system doesn’t just provide you with a banner, for example. Instead, it explains when it’s best to use this banner and what you might want to add.
Without this documentation, it’s simply a library of elements and code snippets that we can easily add or remove. But a design system doesn’t just stop at just physical components. What makes a design system is precisely the components and the guidelines of how to use them – and why.
What are UI Components?
First and foremost we need to understand what UI design and what a UI Kit stands for. We can think about a UI kit as more like a supermarket where you go when you’re looking for individual ingredients for your design. The difference between a UI kit and a design system is that a design system does not only include the ingredients but also provides you with the entire cookbook – the design guidelines. A UI kit is basically a component library that can contain every element you need in order to create a design.
UI kits are composed of a large compilation of reusable elements, templates, styles, and other resources you might require in the design process. These design resources have become even more popular, with more and more UI UX designers starting to use Figma when creating product designs.
So, if you are looking to map all the elements you need when creating an app or a website, you can use a UI kit that will save you time and lead to higher productivity levels. In a UI kit, you will encounter buttons to design elements like images, graphics, and templates. The best part about UI kits is that they are responsive and organized, so you’ll be able to find everything you need quickly. This brings us to your advantages when using a UI kit.
The purpose of creating reusable components is to simplify the overall design process as it offers a faster, more reliable and more efficient means for designing faster.
Another difference between the two is that a design system gives you the ability to work together and collaborate with your team. With a design system, everyone has access to the design system and can make the necessary changes throughout the design. So, it’s easier than ever to manage the design with your team and receive the latest updates in real-time.
2. Simple design
When the design you are starting out is not that complex, you might need a UI kit. When it comes to design, a design system is usually aimed to be used in more complicated projects. But if you are designing websites or apps with minimal complexity and low design maturity, a UI kit will be just what you need.
3. Complex design
If you land a big project and the design you need to deliver is highly complex, you will need a design system that will be on your side the whole time. A design system provides every element you will need and can help you deliver changes faster than ever. A design system will ensure that every element you need is a click away.
4. Consistency
A design system or a UI kit will do wonders when it comes to keeping your design consistent. For a design to be good, it needs to be consistent. Consistency is the key that helps you deliver accessibility and a comfortable environment for your users. So, if you are in a situation where you don’t really like what color you have chosen for a certain button and you need to make that change more than once on your design, mistakes can happen. But, with a design system or a UI kit, you can be sure your changes will be applied all over the design.
Uinkits
We at uinkits understand the importance of inputs in great user experiences and creating amazing UI designs. That’s why we’ve developed a Figma UI Kit with design components that include these essential UI elements that enable you to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces effortlessly.
“You press the button, we do the rest,” – Kodak.
Inspired by this iconic tagline from Kodak, we believe in simplifying the design process for you. Our Figma UI Kit, uinkits, is a complete design system with UI components that allows you, as a UI UX designer, to create your products as quickly as pressing a button.
Our design system includes components, icons, variables, cards, buttons, and everything you need for your design process. All you have to do is take your UI design component needed, and you’re ready to use it in your designs!
