Ask HN: Best way for a developer to learn design?
I've been a developer for several years now, but trying to learn the basics and fundamentals of designing web apps. Any recommendations or resources you'd suggest?
https://www.dailyui.co/ is a great resource.
Dissecting and replicating other designers' work gets you a long way when it comes to learning.
Design is a craft and a thought process. As such, picking it is not beyond any determined individual's reach.
... But if I were going to recommend a place to start I think you need to start small... begin by going to dribbble.com or awwwards.com and look around... get a sense for what you like, and more importantly, try to figure out why you like it. After you get an idea and take notes on the subject... try to fiddle around with copying the things that you like => personal blogs are amazing for this.
As a developer you should understand many of the principles that will get you to a good design: reducing complexity, intensional organization, being of service to the user, iterating your way to better designs, getting feedback/ testing your work.
Last tip: get some skin in the game. Charge someone for design work... nothing lights a fire under your ass like having your reputation on the line ;)
- Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability
- The Design of Everyday Things: Donald Norman
If you want be a really good designer, he recommends 4 more books: https://www.collectoral.com/collection/101397753425638859326...
You might also want to watch his video on design for startups: https://blog.ycombinator.com/design-for-startups-by-garry-ta...