Article summary
Open-source component libraries are not a new part of the design game. These libraries have existed for many years and have evolved in many ways. From super robust and complex to straightforward, each library offers unique solutions catering to a wide range of design needs and preferences.
In working with my most recent client, we have been utilizing Chakra UI, an open-source component library, as a way to remain nimble and efficient. With a tight budget and an even tighter timeline, using a component library has been an incredible value add for both our development team and our client.
Here, we’ll explore the benefits of incorporating a component library into your design workflow and how it can save valuable time, effort, and budget for your team and clients.
Time and Efficiency
Starting a design from scratch for every project can be time-consuming and tedious. This is especially true when your client is in its startup phase and time is crucial. This is where a component library comes to the rescue. A component library provides a wide range of ready-to-use UI components, including buttons, icons, forms, navigation bars, and color pallets.
Leveraging existing design elements and patterns, your client can start to imagine what their brand could be, as a great starting point. This also holds true for brands that have a solidified brand identity. Component libraries are uniquely flexible in that they can be adopted into an already-established brand language.
This ultimately lets your team focus on solving specific design challenges rather than spend time designing the building blocks needed to tackle said challenges. Your team can remain nimble and provide continuous value add to both the product and your stakeholders.
Consistency
A component library provides a set of pre-designed and pre-coded UI components. These components follow established design guidelines and standards, ensuring consistency throughout the entire product. By using these predefined components, teams can maintain a cohesive look and feel across different screens and interactions.
This is especially critical because no design library will cover every design element needed for any particular project. Sure, they provide a range of options, but teams will still need to create custom elements. This is where the value of a component library lies. Libraries will allow teams to mix and match components and create their own custom elements as the project calls for it. So long as you stay within the boundaries of the component library, you can design endless unique elements necessary for your project.
Streamlined Collaboration
One of the most valuable benefits of using a component library is fostering collaboration between designers and developers. Using a shared library, all team members can access and contribute to the same set of design elements.
Design teams and developers can refer to the library as a single source of truth for UI components. This promotes better communication and alignment and reduces the chances of inconsistencies. Designers can therefore collaborate seamlessly with developers, ensuring a smooth handoff and transition from Figma art boards to code.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your design journey, understanding the advantages of component libraries will empower you to create remarkable user experiences while being an immense value add to your team and clients.