Designing a better user interface system

Andrew Coyle — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:36:09 +0000

I've always envisioned creating a streamlined yet fully comprehensive user interface (UI) system—one that includes every essential component and adapts to diverse user experiences. My goal is to build a framework that's endlessly customizable without compromising on core usability, making it accessible for teams and individuals alike.

The intention behind this UI system is to share the knowledge I've gained from years of building complex SaaS flows, ranging from intricate enterprise platforms to simple consumer apps. I've had the opportunity to design across the spectrum, from small startups to some of the world’s largest tech companies.

Now, I’m pulling together all I’ve learned to design and code a component library that is not only visually appealing but also grounded in best UX practices, making it intuitive and easy to implement.

Here’s a glimpse into the components I've developed so far. If you're interested in accessing the Figma files—or eventually the React components—join the project’s email list for updates.

Forms

Basic form elements: inputs, radios, checkboxes, text areas, sliders, toggles

Selection groups

Date and time pickers, including single date and range pickers

Navigation

Vertical and horizontal navigation

Tab navigation

Dropdown navigation menu

Buttons

Various button styles and states

Alerts and Badges

Alert examples for different UI needs
Badge variations

Data Visualization

Charts and data representations, including bar chart variations in Figma

Tables

Table sizes and variants

Diverse cell types and layouts
Horizontal scrolling for tables

Lists and Pagination

Interaction-rich pagination components

Cards

Different card formats for various use cases

Progress Indicators, Modals, Accordions, and Tooltips

Essentials for content interaction and feedback

Extras

Command menu (⌘K)

Calendars

AI-driven experiments and concepts

My plan is to keep expanding and refining this library, making it straightforward for designers and developers to integrate into their projects. I’ll release the core UI system on the Figma community and write in-depth guides for each component type. In addition, I plan to offer templates for common pages and flows.

Eventually, I'll launch a premium version, a robust and customizable UI library tailored to help teams overcome design challenges efficiently. If you’re interested in following along, join the email list to receive updates when the UI system is ready. Your feedback and support mean a lot!

DEV Community: Andrew Coyle

Designing a better user interface system