Adobe MAX 2021 featured some awesome sessions and great speakers throughout the three-day conference. Here are some of my favorite insights and experiences from MAX.
Adobe XD has created some really incredible new features for their latest update. Users will now have the ability to organize assets (colors, fonts, components, etc.) into folders and groups. This will enhance the overall organization of XD files and make it easier to create separate assets for desktop and mobile experiences. Adobe is also introducing videos into the program. A user will be able to upload an MP4 into their design and have it play during the prototype. What a game-changer for all of us prototyping nerds!
During the “Build Smarter Workflows with Adobe XD and Photoshop,” instructor Rebecca Ferguson showed us how PSD files can be opened in XD without losing layer structure or compromising design. (It will be exactly the same file!) She also showed us how to use the ‘Repeat Grid’ and ‘Auto-animate’ functionalities to level up our image galleries for prototypes.
A session highlight for me was watching designer Aaron Draplin create a badge from concept to completion in about 15 minutes. I enjoyed seeing his sketches and hearing his commentary on his process.
Lastly, I enjoyed a session “Type Trends: 2022 and Beyond.” The instructors discussed three key predictions that have for the future of type:
‘Soft-serve’ and approachable serif fonts (think Chobani and MailChimp)
VAR (or variable typography) that mixes adaptable text with the movement of stretched letterforms and responsiveness
Neue Nouveau – extreme, decorative text with diagonal and angular shapes (inspired by Art Nouveau)
My big key takeaway from Adobe MAX 2021 is that collaboration is key. Adobe is creating new tools to make collaboration easy for everyone, whether the user is on-the-go, on a beach in Maui, or at their home office.
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Edited by Kelly Moynihan // Originally published on imarc.com