UI Kit for Designers: Benefits, Features, and Elements — Skillbox

Contents:

• What is a UI kit?
• Main functions and tasks of a UI kit
• Components of a UI kit

What is a UI kit?

A UI kit is a pre-prepared set of graphic components, which can be presented in a source file format, such as PSD or Sketch. The way this system works is that one designer develops a set of elements and then either shares them with the public or sells them. In turn, another designer can download this set and use it in creating their interface.

Consequently, many designers don't need to spend time creating all the components from scratch. Instead, they use existing buttons, forms, and fields, modifying them to create an interface that maintains a similar visual style and functional logic.

Designers develop user interface kits for various types of projects, including online stores, multimedia applications, news portals, and other web and mobile applications.

By working with projects created by other designers, we begin to pay attention to significant details and develop our own perceptions. The combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge becomes a powerful means of personal growth. Taking the UX Design course is a great way to see this for yourself and become a true professional in your field.

Key Functions and Tasks of a UI Kit

Creating a UI kit isn't always justified for every single project. Let's look at the key tasks it helps solve.

Standardizing Processes for a Large-Scale Project

The product under development requires a structured approach: all new pages must be consistent with existing ones. A UI kit plays a vital role in ensuring a unified style and consistent interface solutions, which significantly simplifies the work of frontend developers and saves time.

Creating a Knowledge Base

In situations where several designers and developers are working on a project simultaneously, and new members are regularly joining the team, the process of knowledge transfer becomes more complex. Experienced specialists are aware of how various elements should function and look, but newcomers often need additional guidance. To avoid distracting team veterans with constant explanations, newcomers can turn to a special set of resources – a kit.

Speeding Up

A UI kit includes basic component files, which significantly reduces the need for the designer to create elements from scratch or search for similar elements in different project layers. He uses this set of tools like an artist who selects the necessary elements from a single palette.

When it comes to a complex project that is constantly being improved and in the development of which a large team is involved, such as an online store, having a UI kit becomes essential. On the contrary, if you are creating a small product, such as a one-page website, and working with a limited team, you can do without using a kit.

Constituent Components of a UI Kit

The composition of the kit's elements is determined by the designer's goal when developing it. For example, a UI kit will differ for an online store, a corporate website, a blog, or a music player. Let's take a closer look at the most common options.

The panel can be located horizontally or vertically, you can also use a drop-down menu, and an additional block that appears on hover is provided for text explanations. Don't forget about the hamburger icon.

Everything that the user will need to fill out includes a registration form, a feedback form, and an order form.

If you're creating a landing page, it might include only contact information, while an online store might replicate the navigation menu.

The dashboard displays key metrics for the site, including the number of subscribers, the latest photos from Instagram*, weather information, exchange rates and other important data.

Interface elements such as buttons, input fields, and other basic components.

Methods of presenting news and articles.

Filter functions, catalog, product page, various display methods, as well as products that may be similar, and those you have viewed recently.

As a rule, interface developers present a UI kit in a presentation format. Such materials often demonstrate examples of completed pages created from various components. In fact, a UI kit is a standalone product that can be both sold and purchased. Specialized trading platforms exist for this purpose, such as Designmodo Market, UI8, Creative Market, and many others.

Is it possible to create a universal UI kit that could be used in various projects? In theory, yes, such an idea has merit. However, in practice, UI kits are most often developed taking into account the specifics of each individual project, which means adapting them to unique business goals and brand visual characteristics.

There are many platforms where you can find UI kits for free, such as Freebiesbug and Graphic Burger. This is especially useful for beginning designers, as ready-made elements can be integrated into their interfaces. In addition, such resources can inspire the development of unique solutions and contribute to the improvement of the overall visual culture.