To Code or not to Code

Herein lies the rub. Should a Designer know how to code? How much should they know? How much matters? How much does not?

I began my career using Adobe Dreamweaver hardcoding HTML and CSS. But I'll be honest, as my work load spiked, I used the code-mode sparingly - mostly to tweak pixels and fiddle around with some Javascript. Yes, that's what happens when one is predominantly a Visual designer. 

Circa 2018. Two tools caught my eye that spoke strongly to the Visual designer in me that wants to code but cannot owing to time restrictions.

1. Bubble claims to be a Visual programming tool which obviates the need to write code. It is a true WYSIWIG (What You See Is What You Get) Editor for the web, with some logic that can be constructed using Visual blocks. The interview with Bubble founder is intriguing. Read it here. I plan to experiment with this toy soon. 

2. Supernova Studio claims to convert a design to code for Native apps. Does that mean that I can stop my obsession around the iOS HIG and Material Guidelines. I'm assuming all the best practices are available within the studio environ? Also, I get to see how the end product might actually look without engaging a developer. How does that sound?

I'd love to believe in Jason Tanz' vision of our codeless future as spelled out in Wired magazine but I reckon we've got a long road ahead for that to come to fruition.

A few other resources that i'm keeping a tab on:

1. Code free startup

2. Made without code

To key or not to key

I'll be honest. I'm a big fan of German engineering. Especially the automotive kind. My trusted Baby Benz has seen me through some fun drives and some drives where i've pined for a glass of crisp Burgundy all along.

Having leased several vehicles along the way, the options that are provided seem to vary - given availability, price points and such. One such option, I realized was a game changer: Keyless entry.

Keyless entry (left) versus keyed entry (right) 

My first vehicle came with the whole nine yards  - keyless entry and all. The next lease, somehow, I had to give up on that particular option. I had never imagined how hard it would be to move from simply pressing a button to sticking a key and twisting it all the way to get started.

Yep, you know where I'm going with this. Mental Models, Metaphors whatever. Once a user has been provided a convenience, removing that functionality or adding layers before it can be a game changer in terms of customer loyalty. Unless one is a Mercedes Benz customer, of course.

But then I have my eyes set on even grander game changers. Self driving cars. I only hope they don't force me into a keyed entry. If they do, times up buster! Unless they sport a fully loaded wine bar, of course :-).