It can be said we’re living in an age where simplicity is beyond crucial, it’s expected. Our user experiences are demanding or for a startup expect a line up of customers going the opposite direction. Building a startup means building a product that can be understood easily and quickly reducing barriers to entry. If you’re like many of us that means putting on a designer hat that just doesn’t fit—for those Canva might be a helping hand.
The “amazingly simple graphic design” program, are words that make us weary. Design is complex and takes years to master, it’s hardly simple, but we don’t think Canva a lot like Squarespace Logo is not meant to replace the designer, rather give appreciation for the craft. At the same time give those with limited resources the chance to experience design instead of hide in fear of it.
Canva supports the process using a clever drag and drop interface, beginning with a project selection phase (business card, Facebook cover, or card for instance). Dimensions are pre-generated for your workspace or custom entries can be inputted for your own needs. After which you’re exposed to a library of fonts, pictures, layouts and tools to build out a design. Templates that have already been created are also a click away to either inspire or utilize for end goals.
The application is as expected simple to use, not a mess of unknowns that would be common with a robust design application. For seasoned designers Canva shouldn’t be something to fear or throw stones at but using another focus can be a tool to use outside of InDesign or Illustrator similar to Sketch for Photoshop. While many new design products aid the web designer Canva helps the graphic designer.
For the freelance designer that is moving up on budgets Canva can be a resource to direct those clients that can no longer afford your skills. While the beginner starting out it can help in the learning process to build your tools of design. And while professionals may squirm at the idea, we should remember design is a method and craft, but everyone needs a place to start.