Interface Design

Creativity or Rip Off and Duplicate?

I get a kick out of the second part of the above statement – the “rip off or duplicate” part. James Scarpetta quoted that phrase in his DevCon 2018 presentation on interface design last summer – and he quoted a professional photographer sharing what he perceived as a universal truth. While there a lot of very creative design people out there, most of us are struggle with design issues and are relegated to ripping off/duplicating someone else’s design ideas. I guess we can seek solace in the old saying “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.

I like Scarpetta’s approach to the subject of design, as well …he started off with a handy list of resources you can use, then moved to the main subject: Where Do I Start?

Resources

There are plenty of resources listed in the accompanying pdf file, which you can download from here. Here’s a teaser – check them out when you have time:

• Icon Sets
  • iconapp.io
  • Flaticon
• Reference
  • Apple Design Guide
  • Invision App Blog
• Colors
  • Adobe Color
  • Coolers

Free FileMaker Example file

Don’t forget the Free FileMaker Example file! Scarpetta’s file gives concrete examples of ways to improve designs and layout using subtle changes.

The Presentation

Scarpetta moved through the presentation in a very organized (and practiced) way, making the presentation easy to watch and full of information. Watch for yourself.

Layout design in a very complex subject. If you want to learn more, click this link for a collection of posts. And “rip off or duplicate” to your hearts content. Just be sure to give credit when you do so.

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“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

~Charles Caleb Colton

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”

~Oscar Wilde