Adobe tools, making them more intuitive, inclusive, and joyful across various platforms
In a significant update, Adobe has introduced Spectrum 2, the evolution of its design system that has been the backbone of its app and web experiences for the past decade. Departing from the austerity of the current Spectrum design, Spectrum 2 infuses more color to enhance Adobe tools, making them more intuitive, inclusive, and joyful across various platforms. This update is part of Adobe’s commitment to enabling “Creativity for All.”
Spectrum 2 has already made its presence felt in recent Adobe web apps, including the Firefly generative AI service, Adobe Express, and select Adobe Acrobat web experiences. The design team focused on three key areas during the development of Spectrum 2: dynamic contrast and brightness, accessibility improvements in color choices, and an attention hierarchy to prioritize essential visual elements.
I had the opportunity to discuss the motivation behind Spectrum 2 and its practical implementation with Eric Snowden, Adobe’s VP of Design, ahead of the official launch. Snowden highlighted that Adobe is now catering to a broader audience compared to a decade ago, expanding its reach to students, social content creators, small business owners, and more. This shift aligns with Adobe’s strategy to address diverse user segments.
Snowden emphasized the evolution of Adobe’s product offerings, including support for VR and a more extensive range of platforms. While Spectrum 1, created in 2013, targeted professional users and hobbyists, Spectrum 2 aims to provide accessibility and approachability from day one, ensuring that newcomers can easily navigate and succeed.
When reflecting on the original Spectrum design, characterized by a serious and austere appearance, Snowden explained that Spectrum 2 introduces approachability, brightness, fun, and whitespace without abandoning the focus on showcasing creative work. Adobe plans to introduce Spectrum 2 gradually, starting with web and iOS apps in early 2024. The rollout will extend to flagship desktop tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro, covering over 100 applications.
Despite the complexity of implementing a new design system across a vast array of applications, Adobe is confident in its ability to bring Spectrum 2 to numerous applications throughout 2024. Snowden reassured professional users that Adobe aims to maintain flexibility while enhancing the out-of-the-box experience for those learning the tools.
In conclusion, Adobe sees Spectrum 2 as an opportunity to modernize its design, making tools more user-friendly and highlighting newer features. The update aligns with Adobe’s commitment to accelerating creativity within the Creative Cloud, ensuring a balance between tradition and innovation.
