Should a developer know basic (or more) design? If so, why?

Design is a universal language.

As a SaaS Product Demo animation explainer video expert, I've seen firsthand how important it is for developers to have at least a basic understanding of design. I've worked with developers who have created amazing products that are technically brilliant, but they're not very user-friendly. This can lead to users getting frustrated and abandoning the product. On the other hand, I've also worked with developers who have a good understanding of design, and their products are both user-friendly and visually appealing. These products are more likely to be successful because users are more likely to use them. So, if you're a developer, I encourage you to learn about design. It's a valuable skill that will help you create better products.

In today's rapidly evolving AI landscape, it's crucial to continuously upgrade our skills and learn new ones to stay competitive against other creators and machines. I've experienced both sides, and there's no better feeling than seeing something you've built from scratch, both front end and backend, come alive in production. I might be biased, but it's a resounding yes from me.

Certainly. Developers benefit from having a basic understanding of design principles because it enhances collaboration with designers, enables them to create more user-friendly interfaces, facilitates creative problem-solving, aids in prototyping and wireframing, maintains design consistency, and empowers them to translate design mockups accurately into functional front-end interfaces, resulting in better user experiences and innovative solutions.

Absolutely. Knowing design or for that knowing the meta-principles behind it, can teach a lot to any professional. Essentially everyone is trying to convince, or pitch something to someone. Knowing Design means you can pitch it better, sell it better, create it better. What do you think @nimishg

Yes, it's a pus value to know design when you develop products. In my company, where UX and UI are so important, you save time on the project mastering design !

I think a developer just need to stay updates. All other skills are a plus.

I don’t think a developer necessarily needs to know design, but I do think it would help them be empathetic when creating a product! Design isn’t always visual, and most of the time, designers have many audiences and purposes in mind, creating a natural kind of empathy that is helpful for development too :)

It is good that developpers are learning about it for better customer experience. Even if a feature is excellent, it means nothing if it is not used smoothly and does not lead to their satisfaction. I think the value added of a developer who can do that in the design phase of implementation is really high.