Parametric Design
This will be short and to the point. Yesterday, I tweaked the button styles on my blog. At the time I’m writing this, the buttons have multiple box shadows to create what I hope is an interesting effect. In the process of getting the shadows “correct”, I employed “parametric design”. I believe parametric design is a valuable concept for developers to know and apply, and I want to make sure it’s a part of your vocabulary.
Parametric design is the process of using adjustable parameters to modify and influence a design. In other words, we turn the values and relationships between values into functions. Then, we wire up inputs to pass new arguments to them to get immediate feedback on the outcome.
It can be very simple, like choosing a color:
Or perhaps the width and height of an item:
To something more complex, like generative art:
Parametric design is the foundation of so many dev and design tools that it’s incredibly likely you’ve encountered it without even knowing it. Wiring up inputs to provide immediate feedback can be a very satisfying way to experiment and solve problems.
It’s also a wonderful tool for non-coders. Good inputs can be a way of empowering them to solve their own problems.
Parametric design is fundamentally about exploring. Next time you’re building something and you’re not quite sure what it should be, consider wiring up some inputs and see what happens.
