The designers I manage always struggle to collaborate when they are working on the same project, and this takes a toll on the total time required to complete the project.
Developers don't have this problem because of this wonderful tool called git. Is there a "designer" alternative for git?
OR; what are the best tools out there for designers to collaborate and stay in sync; with improved productivity when compared to passing files around.
Thanks!
I usually have Google drive folder which is shared to every designer, manager and shareholder - "Project name - design" with folders such as 1_core, 2_module1, 3_module2, etc. Each document, always should have a number. Core folder is for GUI kits, instructions (IMPORTANT), fonts, images, svgs and common parts used everywhere.
If there are no instructions provided then developer will never understand a designer. GUI kits MUST BE finished first ASAP. Store all the color palette (color codes, which is primary, secondary, etc), all the font sizes, etc. ALWAYS upload PNGs and not only PSDS, managers and shareholders will not look on your PSDs and in most cases developers too. It IS NOT developer's job to know designer's tools such as PhotoShop. Just give him an image and MOST IMPORTANT - GUI kit, PNGs of each view, instructions, font size, color codes.
Newer versions are uploaded just by adding a _v2 or something at the end of file. One file name example: /2_users/2_1_profile/2_1_1_public_profile_opened_v3.png
Git can't be used for artwork (PSD), you can handle only plain text. There are many online tools for designers such as https://www.pixelapse.com
Have you looked into Sketch? You can use an app called Zeplin that works really well with Sketch that uses Github to push changes etc just like you would with code. You can see pushes and changes and revert back easily etc. Its pretty awesome!
Mev-Rael
Executive Product Leader & Mentor for High-End Influencers and Brands @ mevrael.com
Hello @jmiller,
Working with other designers can be tough, but there are tools that can make it easier. Here are some the ones I use, and ones I'm excited to use:
Figma
Figma is an online app primarily for design collaboration. It's easy to use and many people can work on the same document at the same time.
Pros:
Cons:
www.figma.com
Slack
Slack is one of the most popular team messaging apps. You can even send files, embed code, and call people. Slack has a large library of third-party plugins.
Pros:
Cons: None
www.slack.com
Sketch
Sketch is not a collaborative tool but with some of the great plugins available, you can simplify team collaboration. I use Sketch often to collaborate with developers.
Plugins for collaborating on Sketch:
GIT Sketch Plugin: A GIT client plugin that improves the review process and archives design iterations
Sketch Measure: Generate style sheets for your work with font sizes, colours, spacing, sizes, etc. for teams to work with.
www.sketchapp.com
Other tools include: