Supercharge your design documentation with a free Figma template!
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
- Welcome to the Design Deck Template
- Importance of a Source of Truth Design Deck
2. Setting Up the Design Deck
- Creating a Source of Truth in Figma
- Using Figma for Design Presentations
3. Designing the Presentation
- The Cover
- Project Summary
- Team Members
- Relevant Documents
- Project Milestones
4. Problem and Opportunities
- Key How Might We Statement
- Personas
- Business Impact
- Project Objective
5. Product and Design Decisions
- In Scope and Not in Scope
- Success Metrics
- Product Goals
- Design Principles
- Key Decisions Made
6. Research and Discovery
- Core User Needs
- Key Research Insights
- Survey Results
7. Showcase and Mock-ups
- Title Screens
- Mock-ups for Desktop and Mobile Designs
8. Conclusion
- Importance of Sharing Design Deck
- Free Design Deck Template
- Book a Mentoring Session
Introduction
Welcome to the Design Deck Template! In this article, we will be discussing the importance of having a source of truth design deck and providing You with a free template that you can use in Figma. As someone working in a team that collaborates cross-functionally and with individuals from various departments, having a source of truth that consolidates all design-related information is incredibly valuable. This documentation not only helps team members get up to speed on the project but also enables them to understand the design decisions made, the project's objectives, the research conducted, and ultimately, the final design. Additionally, a source of truth serves as a repository of evidence to support your design decisions, making it easier to back up your choices when challenged.
Setting Up the Design Deck
To Create your source of truth design deck, we recommend using Figma. While Google Slides may have been a popular choice in the past, Figma offers greater creative freedom and is more closely integrated with your design files. You can easily switch between slides and your design canvas, streamlining the presentation-making process.
Once you've chosen Figma as your tool of choice, it's time to set up the design deck. Start by creating a new page within your existing Figma file and paste the design deck template provided. This ensures that your design deck and all associated designs are housed within one file for easy access.
Designing the Presentation
Now that you have the template set up, it's time to start customizing the design deck to fit your project's needs. Let's walk through the different sections of the template and how you can personalize them.
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The Cover: Update the cover with your project's name and feel free to rename the design deck according to your company's terminology.
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Project Summary: This slide serves as a TL;DR of your project. Replace the template text and screens with your own designs, highlighting the key aspects of your project.
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Team Members: Use this section to showcase the team members involved in the project. It's an excellent opportunity to recognize and spotlight their contributions.
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Relevant Documents: Include links to any relevant documentation like PRD documents, research findings, ERD documents, timelines, milestones, roadmaps, etc. Make sure to organize and link these resources for easy access.
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Project Milestones: Provide an overview of the project milestones and their associated dates. This slide helps viewers understand the project's timeline and progress.
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Problem and Opportunities: Start this section with a key "How Might We" statement that captures the core challenge you're addressing within the project's scope. Add slides for personas, showcasing different user types. Adjust the number of persona slides according to your project's needs. Illustrations from platforms like Blush.design can be used to enhance the personas' visual representation.
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Business Impact: Highlight the business impact of the project, showcasing the value it brings to the company.
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Project Objective: If your project comprises multiple workstreams, mention the overall project objective and link it to the respective workstreams. This helps viewers understand the Context of the source of truth document.
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Product and Design Decisions: In this crucial section, list what is in scope and what is not. You can also assign priority levels (P0, P1, P2) to individual items. Additionally, mention when you plan to consider the "not in scope" items, e.g., future iterations or low-priority tasks.
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Success Metrics: Outline the metrics used to measure the project's success. Customize this section by including the three most relevant metrics for your project.
Conclusion
Having a well-structured and comprehensive source of truth design deck is essential for any project, whether you're working in a cross-functional team or need to provide evidence for your design decisions. By using the provided design deck template in Figma, you can easily create an informative and visually appealing presentation that highlights your project's key aspects. Don't hesitate to share a screenshot with us if you use the template, and remember to book a mentoring session if you need further guidance on presenting your designs or organizing your work. Get started today and ensure that your design process is backed by a reliable source of truth design deck.
Highlights
- Learn about the importance of a source of truth design deck
- Create a comprehensive source of truth using Figma
- Customize the design deck template to fit your project's needs
- Showcase team members and relevant documents
- Capture project milestones and problem statements
- Document product and design decisions
- Highlight research and discovery outcomes
- Present mock-ups and showcase key screens
- Utilize the provided template for a streamlined design deck workflow
- Book a mentoring session for further guidance and support
FAQ
Q: Can I use the design deck template in a different design tool other than Figma?
A: While the template is specifically designed for use in Figma, you can adapt it to other design tools. However, please note that the template's interactive features may not be fully compatible with other platforms.
Q: How can I share my design deck with others outside of Figma?
A: You can share your design deck by exporting it as a PDF or image file. This allows you to easily distribute the presentation to stakeholders who do not have access to Figma.
Q: How frequently should I update the design deck throughout the project?
A: It's good practice to update the design deck periodically to ensure it remains a reliable source of truth. Consider updating it after key milestones, design iterations, or when significant changes are made to the project.
Q: Can I add more sections or slides to the design deck template?
A: Absolutely! The template provided is a starting point, but feel free to expand upon it based on your project's unique requirements. Add sections, rearrange slides, and customize the content to best serve your needs.
Q: Are there any limitations to the number of team members or personas I can include in the design deck?
A: There are no specific limitations on the number of team members or personas you can include. Be mindful of maintaining clarity and focus, and include the most relevant individuals and personas that directly impact the project.
Q: Can I use my own illustrations and mock-ups in the design deck?
A: Yes, definitely! While the template provides some illustrations and mock-ups, you are encouraged to use your own visuals that best represent your project. Customization allows you to create a design deck that truly reflects your unique project.
Q: Is the design deck template suitable for both small and large-Scale projects?
A: Yes, the design deck template can be tailored to suit projects of varying scopes. Whether you're working on a small-scale project or a large-scale initiative, the template provides a solid foundation for organizing your design-related information.
Q: Can I share my customized design deck template with others?
A: Yes, you can share your customized design deck template with others, provided that it aligns with your company's policies and guidelines. Sharing your modified template can inspire and assist fellow designers in creating their own design decks.