The Product-FED Jam: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Implementation
In the fast-paced world of product development, turning an idea into a polished, user-friendly product is no small feat. The process often starts with a meticulously crafted design in Figma, where everyone on the team is aligned and excited about the direction. But what happens when that design is handed off to the front-end developer (FED)? Even the most disciplined FED, committed to using components from an established design system, can encounter challenges—especially when the design system isn’t fully implemented.
The Gap in Design Systems
When a design system isn’t fully realized, gaps between the Figma design and the final product are almost inevitable. These gaps leave FEDs with two primary options:
The Dilemma of Speed vs. Integrity
In practice, many FEDs will opt for the quicker, custom solution to meet deadlines. It’s not a lack of commitment or skill; it’s simply the reality of tight timelines and the pressure to deliver. However, this approach can lead to inconsistencies in the final product and undermine the integrity of the design system.
Rather than fighting this natural tendency, I propose a solution that leverages it: The Product FED Jam.
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Introducing the Product FED Jam
The Product FED Jam is a structured, collaborative session held weekly between the Tech Lead and the UX designer. The goal? To fine-tune the atomic components of the design system, ensuring they align perfectly with the Figma design.
Why the Jam Session Works:
Conclusion
The Product FED Jam isn’t just a meeting—it’s a mindset. It’s about recognizing the challenges FEDs face and providing a framework that supports both speed and integrity. By bringing together the Tech Lead and UX designer in a regular, hands-on session, we can bridge the gap between design and implementation, resulting in products that not only meet deadlines but also stay true to the original vision.
Chief Marketing Officer | Product MVP Expert | Cyber Security Enthusiast | @ GITEX DUBAI in October
4wOfer, thanks for sharing!
I make complex B2B ideas simple & beautiful.
2moOfer Sarid sign me up for one of them Jams 🙂