DESIGN
Development Handoff
Prepare Design Specifications
Design specifications include detailed instructions for developers on layout, spacing, colors, typography, and interactions.
Why it's Important
Bridges the gap between design and implementation.
Reduces guesswork for developers.
Ensures consistency between the design and final product.
How to Implement
Use Design Tools: Export specs directly from tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.
Detail Measurements: Include pixel-perfect spacing, margins, and padding.
Highlight Typography: Specify font families, sizes, weights, and line heights.
Include Colors: Provide color codes in HEX, RGB, or HSL formats.
Document Interactions: Annotate hover states, transitions, and animations.
Available Workshops
Design Review Sessions: Walk through designs with the development team.
Interaction Mapping: Detail how user interactions should behave.
Typography and Color Testing: Ensure compatibility with development tools.
Handoff Checklist Review: Verify all specifications are complete.
Developer Q&A: Address any questions developers have about specs.
Deliverables
Annotated design files.
Design tokens for consistent implementation.
Documentation of interaction details.
How to Measure
Clarity and completeness of the specifications.
Developer understanding during review sessions.
Minimal discrepancies between design and implementation.
Real-World Examples
Google Material Design: Provides developers with extensive specs for seamless implementation.
Spotify
Uses detailed specs to maintain its distinct design style across platforms.
Airbnb
Developed a design system with comprehensive specs for developers.
Get It Right
Use standardized tools and templates.
Test specs with developers for clarity.
Document every interaction and visual detail.
Focus on accessibility requirements.
Regularly update specs as designs evolve.
Don't Make These Mistakes
Providing incomplete or vague specifications.
Overloading developers with unnecessary details.
Failing to annotate custom or complex interactions.
Ignoring feedback from developers during handoff.
Assuming developers can infer design intent.