Janum Trivedi - What makes a software product feel great
Sep 18, 2024
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Janum Trivedi, a talented designer known for his work on the Netflix iOS app and the Arc browser animation, dives into what makes software truly enjoyable. He discusses the three levels of animation and shares insights from revamping the Netflix interface. Trivedi reveals the significance of shaders and his custom animation engine, Wave. He emphasizes the blend of design and engineering, bringing a fluid experience to users while illustrating how meticulous choices enhance user engagement and retention.
High-quality design significantly impacts user experience and business metrics, as exemplified by the successful Netflix app redesign.
Creating engaging animations involves modeling physics principles to ensure fluid and appealing user interactions across different interfaces.
The increasing use of shaders in UI design opens up new creative possibilities, blending artistic expression with technical innovation for unique software experiences.
Deep dives
Impact of Craft on Business Metrics
Craft in design plays a significant role in shaping user experience and, subsequently, business metrics. A case discussed highlights that substantial improvements in core metrics were observed after a redesign project at Netflix, where the application of design craft proved to be a valuable investment. The surprising empirical data showed dramatic gains, contradicting the typical expectation of short-term losses when making substantial changes to design. This reinforces the idea that prioritizing high-quality design can lead to tangible benefits for businesses, challenging the viewpoint that design is merely a vanity exercise.
Innovative Prototyping Techniques
The conversation delves into the process of creating engaging animations, focusing on the development of a download animation for the ARC browser. The approach involved modeling the physics of the animation, akin to solving a physics problem, to ensure it felt natural across different placements on the screen. By incorporating principles from physics, such as initial velocity and gravitational fall, the animation achieved a fluid and appealing aesthetic. This innovative technique exemplifies how combining artistic vision with scientific principles can produce a delightful user experience.
Design Engineering Journey
The transition from engineering roles at Apple to more design-focused positions at Netflix and Airbnb demonstrates an evolving career path. Early experiences in UIKit and the iOS framework provided foundational insights into interaction design, leading to a unique intersection of design and engineering. At Netflix, autonomy in redesigning the iOS app allowed for creative freedom in implementing dynamic effects, culminating in a cohesive user interface. Now at Airbnb, the emphasis is on rapid prototyping and collaboration with ambitious designers that push the boundaries of interaction, which further nurtures this hybrid skill set.
Details That Enhance Software Interaction
A deep exploration of what makes software feel great revealed numerous intricacies vital to user interaction design. Elements like interruptibility of animations, maintaining momentum, and responsive feedback all contribute to a seamless user experience. By considering user expectations and muscle memory, designers can craft interactions that feel intuitive and fluid, transcending basic functionality. This meticulous attention to detail throughout the design process ensures that every interaction feels natural and engaging, making a significant difference in user satisfaction.
Exploring Shaders and New Possibilities
The use of shaders is becoming increasingly popular in UI design, providing new avenues for creativity and visual expression. Shaders allow developers to execute complex visual effects that are not confined to traditional UI constraints, empowering them to create unique visuals and interactions. The discussion emphasized the importance of making shaders more accessible through improved frameworks and tools, enabling designers to unlock their full potential. As designers continue to push the boundaries of their craft, shaders represent a frontier that merges artistic expression with technical innovation in software development.
This week’s episode is with Janum Trivedi who makes some of the most stunning prototypes in all of design. So the main goal of this conversation is to answer the question “what makes a piece of software feel great?”
