Posts Tagged ‘ErwinDeGier’
[DevoxxUS2017] What Developers Should Know About Design by Erwin de Gier
At DevoxxUS2017, Erwin de Gier, a Software Architect at Sogeti, shared practical insights into design principles for developers, emphasizing their role in enhancing communication and product appeal. With a background in open-source technology and agile methodologies, Erwin highlighted how developers can make informed design decisions when designers are unavailable. His session, rich with actionable advice, focused on proportions, composition, and color, empowering developers to create visually appealing interfaces. This post explores the core themes of Erwin’s presentation, offering guidance for developers navigating design challenges.
Mastering Proportions and Composition
Erwin de Gier opened by addressing the importance of proportions in design, particularly when developers must create features like forms or buttons without a designer’s input. He advocated using fixed proportions, such as the golden ratio, to create balanced layouts. Erwin demonstrated how to structure interfaces using proportional boxes, ensuring visual harmony. His practical examples, drawn from his experience at Sogeti, illustrated how consistent proportions enhance user experience, making interfaces intuitive and aesthetically pleasing.
Strategic Use of Color and Typography
Transitioning to color and typography, Erwin emphasized consistency as a cornerstone of effective design. He recommended limiting color palettes to one or two primary colors, complemented by neutral tones like gray, white, or black, to maintain brand recognition. Using a brand color quiz, Erwin illustrated how colors like WhatsApp’s green shape user perception. For typography, he advised using proven font combinations, such as serif and sans-serif pairs, with a minimum size of 16 points for web readability. These principles, he noted, ensure designs remain accessible and professional.