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Creating a Root Folder
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Today we're diving into file organization, which is crucial for keeping our projects on track. Can anyone tell me why starting with a root folder is important?
It helps keep all the files in one place, making it easier to find things.
Exactly! A root folder like `ProjectName_Prototypes/` serves as the main hub for all your files. What should be included in the root folder?
We should add subfolders like assets, source wireframes, Figma files, and exports.
Correct! Organizing files into these subfolders is crucial for efficiency. Letโs remember the acronym 'A-S-F-E': Assets, Source wireframes, Figma files, and Exports. Who can tell me why these categories matter?
Because they separate different types of work, reducing clutter and confusion!
Thatโs the right idea! Now, letโs summarize. A well-structured root folder aids collaboration and efficiency.
Version Control Practices
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Now, letโs talk about version control. Why do you think version control is essential when working on design projects?
It helps us track changes and go back to previous versions if something goes wrong.
Absolutely! In Figma, you can use `File โ Show Version History` to create snapshots of your project. Can anyone give me an example of how to name a snapshot?
You could name it something like `Initial Import โ 2025-06-09`.
Perfect! This way, you can quickly reference specific versions. In Illustrator, whatโs a good naming convention for saving files?
We can use incremental numbers like `MyDesign_v1.ai`, `MyDesign_v1.1.ai`, and so on.
Exactly! By following these naming conventions, we keep things organized and clear. Letโs sum up: Version control allows for easy tracking and retrieval of past work.
Tool Preparation and Plugins
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Finally, letโs discuss tool preparation. How can preparing our tools help save time during the design process?
It allows us to access all the resources we need quickly without interruptions.
Exactly! One way to do this is by installing useful plugins. Who can name a few plugins we might consider?
We could use the Color Contrast Checker or Content Reel.
Great suggestions! Using plugins like Stark for color contrast and Content Reel for dummy content significantly boosts efficiency. Can someone share how shared libraries improve collaboration?
They provide everyone with consistent access to the same fonts and colors, so we all work with the same visual language.
Excellent point! To sum up, effective tool preparation enhances collaboration and speeds up the design process.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
File organization is critical to successfully developing digital prototypes. This section outlines the creation of a root folder and subdirectories to manage assets, wireframes, Figma files, and exports, along with best practices for version control and tool preparation.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In this section, we explore the fundamental practices for organizing your digital files effectively. A well-structured file organization system is essential for collaboration, efficiency, and maintaining a clean workflow during the design process.
Key Points:
- Creating a Root Folder: Establish a primary folder titled
ProjectName_Prototypes/where all project files will reside. Inside this folder, create several essential subdirectories: assets/: to hold images, icons, and logos.source_wireframes/: for wireframe sketches and initial designs.figma_files/: specifically for all Figma project files.-
exports/: for all final assets and prototypes exported from the design software. -
Version Control: Using version control is vital to track changes and maintain the integrity of the design process. In Figma, you can use the
Versionsfeature found underFile โ Show Version Historyto create snapshots. Each snapshot should be clearly named for easy reference, e.g.,Initial Import โ YYYY-MM-DD. For Illustrator, save incremental design files using a systematic naming convention likeMyDesign_v1.ai,MyDesign_v1.1.ai, etc. - Tool Preparation: Prepare your tools effectively by installing and configuring useful plugins. Suggested plugins for design efficiency include:
- Color Contrast Checker (Stark): To ensure accessibility in color choices.
- Content Reel: For inserting dummy text and images quickly.
- Lorem Ipsum Generator: To generate placeholder text for designs.
Additionally, set up shared libraries to streamline collaboration, ensuring everyone has access to the necessary fonts, colors, and icons.
Audio Book
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Creating a Root Folder Structure
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Create a root folder:
ProjectName_Prototypes/
โโโ assets/
โ โโโ images/
โ โโโ icons/
โ โโโ logos/
โโโ source_wireframes/
โโโ figma_files/
โโโ exports/
Detailed Explanation
To begin organizing your project effectively, you create a root folder named after your project, such as 'ProjectName_Prototypes.' Within this folder, you need to set up a clear hierarchy of subfolders. These subfolders include:
- assets/: This is where you'll store all graphic resources like images, icons, and logos. It helps maintain a neat collection of all visual assets you will use in your prototype.
- source_wireframes/: Here, you will keep your raw wireframes, which are foundational blueprints of your design.
- figma_files/: This folder is dedicated to your Figma files, where the actual design work will take place.
- exports/: Finally, the exports folder will be used to store any assets you've exported from your design tools, like images in PNG or JPG format.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the root folder as the main office of a company. Just like a company needs a well-organized office to find documents and communicate effectively, your project needs a clear folder structure. Each subfolder acts like different departments in an office: 'assets' is where creative teams (like designers) keep their materials, 'source_wireframes' is like the planning department with initial drafts, 'figma_files' is the workspace where the actual design happens, and 'exports' is where finalized products are stored.
Version Control Practices
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โ In Figma: Use Versions (File โ Show Version History) and name snapshots (e.g., โInitial Import โ 2025-06-09โ).
โ In Illustrator: Save incremental files: MyDesign_v1.ai,
MyDesign_v1.1.ai, etc.
Detailed Explanation
Maintaining version control is essential to keep track of changes and allow for easy rollbacks to previous versions if needed. In Figma, you can use the 'Versions' feature under 'File' to view the history of your document. You should also name important snapshots, for example, 'Initial Import โ 2025-06-09,' to signify what this version represents.
In Illustrator, the practice involves saving your design incrementally, such as โMyDesign_v1.aiโ for the first version and โMyDesign_v1.1.aiโ after making updates. This helps you keep a clear log of your progress and revert back to earlier versions if necessary.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine youโre writing a book. You would want to save different drafts to track changes and revert to previous versions if required. Every time you make significant updates, you could save it with a new version number. This way, if you realize a change wasnโt beneficial, you can go back to an older draft. Itโs similar to how version control works in design files.
Tool Preparation and Configuration
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โ Install and configure plugins:
โ Color Contrast Checker (Stark)
โ Content Reel (dummy text/images)
โ Lorem ipsum Generator
โ Set up shared libraries (fonts, colors, icons).
Detailed Explanation
Before diving into design, itโs crucial to ensure your tools are properly set up to enhance your workflow. This includes installing useful plugins that can aid your design process. For instance, 'Stark' is a Color Contrast Checker that helps ensure your text is legible against its background, promoting accessibility. 'Content Reel' allows you to easily drag and drop dummy text and images into your designs, speeding up the prototyping process. A 'Lorem Ipsum Generator' is also helpful for filling text spaces without worrying about the actual content.
Additionally, creating shared libraries for your projectโs fonts, colors, and icons ensures consistency across the design team, making collaboration smoother and faster.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this preparation phase as a chef getting their kitchen ready before cooking. Just like a chef gathers all necessary ingredients and tools before starting to cook a meal, you, as a designer, need to ensure that you have all plugins installed and your design tools set up properly. This way, when you start working, everything is at your fingertips, and you can focus on creating instead of scrambling to find what you need.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Root Folder: Essential for organizing all project files.
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Subdirectories: These include assets, source wireframes, Figma files, and exports.
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Version Control: Important for tracking changes and maintaining consistency.
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Tool Preparation: Involves installing useful plugins and setting up shared libraries.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
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Examples
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Example of creating a structured root folder for a design project:
ProjectName_Prototypes/with subfolders forassets/,source_wireframes/,figma_files/, andexports/. -
Example of naming convention in version control: saving a file as
MyDesign_v1.0.ai, followed byMyDesign_v1.1.aifor subsequent iterations.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
๐ต Rhymes Time
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In your root, keep files neat,
๐ Fascinating Stories
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Imagine you're a chef organizing your kitchen. The root folder is like the kitchen countertop where you place all your tools and ingredients, and the subfolders are like the cabinetsโeach filled with specific items you need for cooking delicious meals.
๐ง Other Memory Gems
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Remember A-S-F-E: Assets, Source wireframes, Figma files, Exports for easy organization.
๐ฏ Super Acronyms
R-F-O-A
- Root Folder Organizes Allโensuring all project files are structured.
Flash Cards
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Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Root Folder
Definition:
The main directory that houses all project files and subfolders.
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Term: Subdirectories
Definition:
Folders created within a root folder to organize different types of project files.
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Term: Version Control
Definition:
A system for managing changes to documents, programs, and other collections of information.