The Figma Auto-Layout Dilemma: Weighting all the Pros and Cons
To use or not to use — that is the question
All designers have carefully examined someone’s work at least once, and admired someone’s skills of utilizing auto-layout and components in Figma.
Is this an honest judgment?
Do we really expect a lot from our fellow designers?
In this article, we’ll review the world of Figma and study that same-old question: “Do we still judge the quality of someone’s work by the perfect usage of auto-layout and components?”.
To get the answer, we need to realize the pros and cons of auto-layout and how it affects the processes of design.
Opinion 1: Auto-Layout is a Collaboration Killer
Some designers believe that auto-layout can ruin the collaboration, especially with unfamiliar team members. As a result — frustration and passive-aggressive comments. Sometimes, designers have to refuse auto-layout to avoid hardship. However, is it normal to expect designers to simplify their work to please others?
DO:
- Utilize auto-layout if needed, but be ready for feedback.
- Inform your team members about the auto-layout’s benefits and improve collaboration.
DON’T:
- Avoid auto-layout in order to please others.
- Expect your team members’ plunging into auto-layout without any guidance.
Opinion 2: The Adaptability’s Importance
Designers should be flexible and get to know new techniques, especially auto-layout. There’s no universal approach to design. Different projects work differently, and being adaptable is the key to achieve high results. All in all, by using new techniques, designers improve their skills and stay in touch with the trends of industry.
DO:
- Find and try new techniques.
- Use different approaches to find the best ones for every project.
DON’T:
- Be rigid about anything new.
- Refuse the possibilities to learn new things.
Opinion 3: Auto-Layout’s Discovery Phase
Auto-layout has the capabilities to mess up the design process. Balancing the needs of structure and flexibility during the initial phase is vital. Auto-layout can help the designers think more systematically, but it can restrain their creativity too. Keeping in mind these aspects, designers are free to use auto-layout during the discovery phase.
DO:
- Adjust the auto-layou’s usage during the elementary stage.
- Test different layouts in case to find the best.
DON’T:
- Stake only on auto-layout at the start.
- Ignore the opportunities and new approaches.
Opinion 4: The Systematic Approach’s Pros
Auto-layout is the tip for having a more systematic way of thinking. This way of thinking plays a crucial role in creating top designs. Auto-layout allows designers to concentrate on the relationships between elements and results in the creation of more holistic and well-structured projects. Moreover, auto-layout can easily identify, then solve design problems.
DO:
- Approach auto-layout for a systematic way of creation.
- Concentrate on the elements-relationships and craft the best design.
DON’T:
- Trust your vision when designing.
- Ignore the systematic approach’s pros in your design.
Opinion 5: Auto-Layout’s Restrictions
It’s true that auto-layout is a powerful tool. Nevertheless, designers should keep in mind its limitations to use it wisely. Firstly, auto-layout isn’t an equivalent to flexbox. Therefore, it probably can force designers to wrap elements in containers without any need.
DO:
- Follow the auto-layout’s restrictions.
- Coherently use auto-layout with other design tools.
DON’T:
- Consider auto-layout as the second flexbox.
- Review auto-layout as the one and only in the case of complex designs.
Opinion 6: The Significance of Teamwork
Working in a team means considering the workflow and preferences of others. Auto-layout is a valuable but not an obligatory tool for good design. The significant things for designers are to prioritize feedback and adjustments. Following them will lead to creating a cohesive team approach. Teamwork and collaboration are the crucial elements if you want to get results that meet all needs.
DO:
- Meet the halfway while using auto-layout.
- Be ready for feedback and adjustments to create teamwork.
DON’T:
- Expect team members to adapt to your workflow unquestioningly.
- Prioritize individuality over team.
Opinion 7: The Value of Maximizing Tools
Maximizing your design tools is the key for achieving the best results. As have been mentioned earlier, designers have to learn new techniques and tools to stay in touch with industry trends. To stay competitive in the industry and get great results — maximize your tools.
DO:
- Examine the process of maximizing the design tools, including auto-layout.
- Experiment with different approaches and tools .
DON’T:
- Rely on the one and only approach or tool.
- Be rigid to something new, because it will allow you to improve your design skills.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding auto-layout won’t stop due to its complexity.
Auto-layout consists of benefits for design as well as obstacles for collaboration or creativity.
All in all, finding a balance between structure and flexibility is the key. And, obviously, don’t forget to learn and communicate.
Thus, from this moment, try to consciously examine the possibilities of auto-layout and easily achieve your design goals.
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