Designing Forma – A Cross-Platform PDF Editor
Project Overview
Forma is a complete PDF editor powered by AI at your fingertips. With tools to edit, autofill, and export documents effortlessly, Forma makes paperwork management a breeze.
Platforms:
Users can securely store their files in the cloud and access them across all their devices – whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, Desktop, and Android devices.
Problem Statement
When I joined the project, Forma was an ambitious idea in need of structure and direction. As the only designer in a team of 40+ people, I was responsible for creating the UX/UI, building a reusable design system, and ensuring a seamless experience across platforms. From establishing the app’s initial design on iOS to adapting it for Android, tablets, and desktop, my work laid the foundation for Forma’s polished and user-friendly interface.
Working as the sole designer in such a large team meant balancing creative execution with collaboration and clear communication. Every screen, component, and flow passed through my hands, making it one of the most rewarding challenges of my career.
Project Overview
Forma is a complete PDF editor powered by AI at your fingertips. With tools to edit, autofill, and export documents effortlessly, Forma makes paperwork management a breeze.
Platforms:
Users can securely store their files in the cloud and access them across all their devices – whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, Desktop, and Android devices.
Problem Statement
When I joined the project, Forma was an ambitious idea in need of structure and direction. As the only designer in a team of 40+ people, I was responsible for creating the UX/UI, building a reusable design system, and ensuring a seamless experience across platforms. From establishing the app’s initial design on iOS to adapting it for Android, tablets, and desktop, my work laid the foundation for Forma’s polished and user-friendly interface.
Working as the sole designer in such a large team meant balancing creative execution with collaboration and clear communication. Every screen, component, and flow passed through my hands, making it one of the most rewarding challenges of my career.
Examples of dark mode and tablet
Core Components and Styles
Custom set of unique icons, designed specifically for Forma
Adapting the design for Android was a significant challenge. Unlike iOS, the Android platform required a completely new design system due to its modular structure and different user expectations. I collaborated closely with the Android development team, using their expertise to tailor designs. Hallway testing with Android users ensured the components felt natural and intuitive.
The design system included a broad range of reusable components and styles, ensuring consistency and scalability across platforms. Given the system's size, I’m presenting only a selection of the key elements to highlight its impact and versatility.
To ensure consistency across platforms, I created a reusable design system that included typography, buttons, icons, and color palettes. This system not only supported light and dark modes but also streamlined the development process, allowing new features to be added efficiently. It became the central foundation for all design work across iOS, Android, and beyond.
Designing for Android
Designing for iOS
iOS was where the design process began. My goal was to create an intuitive and polished user experience that felt native to Apple’s ecosystem while showcasing Forma’s unique value. I started by focusing on the core user flows.
The design process involved:
- Wireframing and Prototyping: I created low-fidelity wireframes to map out user journeys, refining these into high-fidelity prototypes.
- User Testing: Although formal research wasn't possible, I relied on feedback from early testers and hallway usability tests to validate the designs.
- Collaboration: I worked closely with the iOS development team to ensure the designs adhered to Apple’s guidelines while optimizing performance and interactions.
Building a Scalable Design System
