The latest articles on DEV Community by Will Thomas (@will_thomas). https://dev.to/will_thomas https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F3241983%2F9ea9f977-de66-4e89-901c-947195c9cc85.png https://dev.to/will_thomas en Will Thomas Tue, 03 Jun 2025 20:40:37 +0000 https://dev.to/will_thomas/hello-devto-discovering-flexible-visual-systems-483g https://dev.to/will_thomas/hello-devto-discovering-flexible-visual-systems-483g <h2> Hey everyone! 👋 </h2> <p>New to dev.to and loving the vibes already. I'm on this exciting journey exploring the intersection of code and design.</p> <h2> Recent rabbit hole: Martin Lorenz </h2> <p>Just discovered Martin Lorenz's work on <strong><a href="https://flexiblevisualsystems.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer">flexible visual systems</a></strong> and I'm completely fascinated. Feels like a beautiful approach to creating meaningful design systems in an age where AI can pump out content so quickly.</p> <p>Inspired by his approach, I built this little prototype:<br> <a href="https://codepen.io/spaghettifunction/pen/myJEoYo" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://codepen.io/spaghettifunction/pen/myJEoYo</a></p> <p>It's a grid system where each cell responds to mouse interaction while influencing its neighbors. Nothing groundbreaking, but it felt magical watching those simple rules create complex, beautiful behaviors.</p> <h2> What I'm loving about this approach </h2> <ul> <li> <strong>Systematic thinking</strong> meets creative expression</li> <li> <strong>Simple rules</strong> creating complex emergent behavior </li> <li> <strong>Interactive design</strong> that feels alive, not static</li> </ul> <h2> I'm curious... </h2> <p>For those familiar with generative/systematic design:</p> <ul> <li>Who else should I be exploring? </li> <li>Any favorite examples of flexible visual systems?</li> <li>What draws you to this intersection of code + design?</li> </ul> <p>Still very much learning and would love to hear your thoughts! </p> designpatterns designsystem codepen newbie