Managing platform-specific UI elements

Here's how I choose the best approach.

• Assess development time, performance impact, and visual consistency.

• Weigh tradeoffs.

The goal? Optimal user experience, always.

Choose the best approach:

➡️ Hybrid approach

Mix your UI elements with platform specific components. For example, you might adopt a native iOS calendar on iOS app, but keep the rest of the custom components. This way, our app feels native yet distinctly ours.

➡️ Platform-First design

In this case we would use only platform specific UI elements. An iOS app would follow Apple's design principles for a native experience. An Android app would use Material Design for user familiarity.

🚨 Structure libraries

Regardless of your choice, keep platform-specific elements out of your custom library. If using Figma Variables or Tokens Studio, create extra design tokens and a separate library for platform-specific styles and components.

Each approach has its advantages, and the best choice will depend on your product goals. Good luck 🙌

Read more:

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