Deconstructing Toasts

A designer who knows how to code would want to use this resource to:

1. Learn how to implement custom toast notifications in React without relying on external libraries.
2. Understand the intricacies of managing state and animations for UI components.
3. Gain insights into using React hooks like useState, useCallback, useContext, and useRef effectively.
4. Explore best practices for creating reusable and accessible UI components.
5. Improve their React skills and expand their knowledge of front-end development techniques.

Deconstructing Toasts: A Valuable Resource for Code-Savvy Designers

Kelly Harrop's article "Deconstructing Toasts" is an excellent resource for designers who code, particularly those working with React. This comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into creating custom toast notifications from scratch, providing valuable insights into both design and development aspects.

Why It's Valuable:

1. Practical Implementation: The article walks through the entire process of building a toast component, from initial setup to final implementation. This hands-on approach allows readers to immediately apply what they've learned to their own projects.

2. React Hooks Mastery: By exploring the use of various React hooks (useState, useCallback, useContext, and useRef), the article helps designers strengthen their React skills and understand state management in a real-world context.

3. Animation Techniques: The guide covers how to create smooth animations for the toast component, teaching designers how to enhance user experience through subtle UI movements.

4. Accessibility Considerations: The article touches on important accessibility features, such as accounting for users who prefer reduced motion, demonstrating how to create inclusive designs.

5. CSS/SCSS Skills: The included SCSS modules provide a great example of how to structure and style components effectively, helping designers improve their CSS skills.

6. Problem-Solving Approach: By presenting challenges (like resetting timers) and then solving them, the article teaches valuable problem-solving skills that are essential for any designer who codes.

7. Alternative to Libraries: While acknowledging the existence of libraries for toast notifications, this guide empowers designers to create custom solutions, giving them more control and understanding of their code.

8. Code Optimization: The article discusses performance considerations, such as using useCallback and useRef, which is crucial knowledge for creating efficient React applications.

For designers looking to bridge the gap between design and development, this resource offers a perfect blend of visual considerations and technical implementation. It's an invaluable tool for those wanting to enhance their React skills, create more interactive UI components, and gain a deeper understanding of front-end development practices.

To use this resource:

1. Read through the article from start to finish to understand the concept and implementation of toast notifications.
2. Follow along with the code examples provided in each section.
3. Copy and adapt the provided code snippets into your own React project.
4. Experiment with the CodeSandbox demo to see the toast component in action.
5. Use the SCSS modules provided to style your own toast notifications.
6. Refer back to specific sections when implementing similar functionality in your projects.
7. Share the article with other developers who might find it helpful.