Dig.It
Grant Platform for SMEs: Comprehesive UX/UI Design with a Scalable Design System
Project Overview
I was commissioned by the Industrial Development Agency to design the interface for „Dig.it,” a new grant platform that offers digitalization support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). My role involved designing a user interface aligned with WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines and the brand identities of both European Funds and Dig.it.
My Design Process
User Flow and Initial Prototyping:
- I began by mapping out the user flow based on the project brief, ensuring a logical and user-friendly navigation structure. Using Whimsical, I developed a simple prototype that allowed initial user interaction testing.
- Following this, I created a black-and-white paper prototype to further evaluate the functionality and refine the user experience.
Design System Development:
- Color Scales: Using Dig.it’s brand colors, I developed a ten-step color scale, adding neutral and communicative colors (positive, informational, and negative tones) for enhanced UX consistency.
- Typography Hierarchy: I established a text hierarchy ranging from XS to XXL, adjusting line height and letter spacing for readability. Since the chosen font, „Manrope,” had unique properties, I made specific modifications to improve readability, especially in smaller sizes.
- Visual Effects: To emphasize important interface elements, I created ambient shadows with three levels—standard, hover, and pop-up. Additionally, I incorporated gradients to simulate light diffusion across glass-like surfaces, adding subtle sophistication to the visual design.
Component Library and Scalability:
- To ensure implementation ease, I collaborated closely with developers, creating a design system based on scalable components and class structures, anticipating future iterations and project growth.
- I added all SVG icons and branding assets in a separate project page for easy access, supporting seamless project continuation on the client side. This also enables the design system’s adaptability across social media and marketing materials.
Client Collaboration and Iterative Approach:
- Throughout the design process, I maintained regular communication with stakeholders to build trust and clarify project goals. Delivering iterative design updates ensured a final product that aligns closely with client needs, thoroughly tested for usability and robustness.
By structuring the design system around a scalable, component-based approach, I delivered a user-centered, versatile platform prepared for future updates and marketing uses. This experience underscored my commitment to accessible, scalable, and visually cohesive design.