In this episode, Amy and James talk about the best methods and tools for starting a new design project. Topics include asking the right questions, doing visual research, creating mood boards and wireframes, and getting all the pieces in place.

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Show Notes

0:00 Introduction

2:18 Ask a lot of questions

• Design can be a self-diagnosed solution
• What's the true problem?

3:47 Creating a Mood Board

• Gives visual language
• Collect pictures of everything

6:49 Surround yourself with good design

• "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."

8:58 Moving away from detrimental phrases

10:10 Sponsor: Vercel

10:55 Tools within Design

• Figma
• Sketch
• Adobe XD

13:39 Framer as a prototyping tool

15:56 Sponsor: Pathwire

16:51 Tools are a poor man's excuse

• Look at something with an opportunity mindset
• It's better to start than to waste too much time debating about which tool to use.

19:00 Starting a New Project

• Mis en Place - Getting everything in its place
• Give yourself a better starting point
• Medium post about starting the Compressed.fm design

21:10 User Testing

• Collect as much information as possible within the design phase
• Iteration is King

23:26 Sponsor: ZEAL

24:16 Grab Bag Question 1: How do you get started with wireframes?

• Pen and Paper
• Invision App
• Balsamic

25:24 Grab Bag Question 2: How do I learn the standards of web design as a whole or best practices in web design?

• Design Code
• Shift Nudge
• Designing UI

26:26 Grab Bag Question 3: What are your thoughts on Using TailwindCSS for help with design?

• Important thing is to make it your own
• Beginner Tailwind - Course by Chris Sev
• Refactoring UI

28:24 Amy's Pick - CleanShot App X

29:39 Amy's Plug - SelfTeach.me YouTube Channel

30:03 James's Pick - Rocket

30:38 James's Plug - James Q Quick on YouTube

30:46 Glyphfinder