Interview by ITX Aaron Usiskin
In the early days, I did a website for Claritin, and we customized it to every allergy type; we sure didn’t call it composable.
Composable User Experience (UX) is a design approach that emphasizes the creation of modular and reusable components to build dynamic and adaptable user interfaces. This approach is rooted in composability, which involves breaking down complex systems into smaller, independent parts that can be combined and arranged in various ways. Composable UX is gaining popularity as it addresses the need for flexibility and scalability in modern design practices.
One of the critical benefits of composable UX is its ability to streamline the design and development process. By creating a library of modular components, designers and developers can quickly assemble and iterate on interfaces, saving time and resources. This approach fosters collaboration and consistency across different parts of a product or application.
The modular nature of composable UX also promotes reusability. Designers can create a set of well-defined components that can be used across various screens, devices, or even different projects. This enhances efficiency and ensures a cohesive user experience throughout the entire application.
Furthermore, composable UX aligns well with the principles of design systems. Design systems provide a centralized repository of design elements, patterns, and guidelines, which can be easily leveraged in a composable UX framework. This results in a more cohesive and branded user interface, as teams can refer to and adhere to a shared design language.
Another advantage of composable UX is its adaptability to different devices and screen sizes. As the digital landscape continues to evolve with the emergence of new devices, composable design allows for creating responsive and scalable interfaces. Components can be arranged and styled differently based on the device or platform, providing a seamless experience across various contexts.
However, implementing composable UX requires careful planning and a well-defined system of design principles. Establishing clear guidelines for component naming, structure, and styling is essential to ensure consistency. Additionally, teams must communicate effectively to maintain a shared understanding of the design system and its components.
In summary, composable UX is a design approach emphasizing modularity and reusability, providing a more efficient and scalable way to create user interfaces. This approach aligns with the principles of design systems and fosters collaboration while ensuring a consistent and adaptable user experience across different platforms and devices.