Craft in Design: What it is & Why it Matters
Craft in Design: What it is & Why it Matters
In this article, the definition of craft in design is explored along with its significance. The framework of utility, usability, and craft is introduced as the three building blocks for discussing and enhancing craft in software development. At Slack, these principles are applied to ensure a high level of craft, with a focus on being a good host to enhance the customer experience. When utility, usability, and craft are combined, they result in best-in-class product experiences.
The Three Building Blocks:
- Utility: Ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively.
- Usability: Designing the software to be intuitive and easy to use for customers.
- Craft: Focusing on creating a delightful and well-crafted overall experience for users.
Transition and Voice:
- Craft is about bringing tactile elements and a responsive voice to the digital world, making software interactions more tangible.
- The software's responsiveness to user input is crucial for creating a seamless user experience.
The Five Elements in Action:
An example is provided where utility, usability, and craft converge to create a great design, such as incorporating physical components to enhance the realism of the experience, as seen in street view.
Starting Point and Approach:
- To begin, stakeholders should understand and appreciate the value of craft in design.
- Prototyping is highlighted as an effective approach at Slack for achieving a high level of craft in software development.
Craft in design is essential for elevating user experiences and creating software that is not only functional but also visually appealing and user-friendly. By integrating utility, usability, and craft, companies like Slack can deliver products that stand out in terms of quality and customer satisfaction.