Elevating your project handoff game
As a designer, we often emphasize design and research, but the significance of a robust handoff process is sometimes overlooked. A proper design handoff distinguishes a good designer from a great one, so let’s tidy up our files! How can engineers and clients grasp your design intentions without proper explanation?
Here’s a suggested to-do list with helpful resources and links for your next design, ensuring it’s clean, engineer and client-friendly, and free from confusion and ambiguity.
Organize Your Figma Files:
- Clean up the clutter and file structure.
- Clean up the file structure.
- Break up sections based on flows.
- Each flow should be a row, and screens flow to the right.
Naming Conventions:
- Label frames for easy reference.
- Here are 2 possible plugins you can run to help you auto-rename frames/screens in Figma:
- Rename It: Keeping track of layers and frames in Figma can be tough even for seasoned designers. The plugin Rename It is a solid solution to this nagging problem.
2. Frame Renamer: This popular plugin renames frames based on the content of a specified text layer within them, making it easy to organize your project. You can find it here: https://www.figma.com/community/plugin/1218557653669496067/frame-renamer
Annotations Are Key:
- Leave notes explaining screen connections.
- Use AutoFlow plugin to help you make screen connections also
- Clarify any complex interactions.
Empty States Matter:
- Account for real-world scenarios.
- If applicable, set up designs for realistic edge cases.
- Double check that you’ve designed for long names and the edge case of user having no initial data/NUX.
Design System Ready:
- Ensure the design system is up-to-date.
- Ready it for a seamless handoff.
For an extra boost, check out this Instagram reel [link] I stumbled upon. It shares some nifty Figma plugins that can enhance annotations and make final presentations and handoff even smoother.
