DESIGN
10 MINS
The surprising significance of side projects
Akansha Sharma, UX Design Manager at Canvs, talks about how passion projects have influenced her growth as a designer and the unexpected benefits that come from taking on these fun, personal quests.
At any given time, I have a side project going on.
Whether it's about micro-interactions, playing around with UI components, or exploring variables in Figma, there’s always something that I’m tinkering with. Sometimes, I’ll switch it up and try making illustrations in Figma.
At other times, I try to create fun prototypes, just to see where my creativity takes me.
At any given time, I have a side project going on.
Whether it's about micro-interactions, playing around with UI components, or exploring variables in Figma, there’s always something that I’m tinkering with. Sometimes, I’ll switch it up and try making illustrations in Figma.
At other times, I try to create fun prototypes, just to see where my creativity takes me.
"These side projects are my way to learn by doing, especially when I’m excited enough to work on them in my own time."
"These side projects are my way to learn by doing, especially when I’m excited enough to work on them in my own time."
Side projects also serve as a great way for you to unwind and take a break from the daily grind. If you’ve been thinking about picking up a side project, remember that these don’t have to be massive undertakings—they can be small, fun experiments that keep you engaged.
The key is to keep it easygoing and stress-free. You definitely don’t want your side project to turn into just another task on your to-do list or another source of stress.
I keep a running list of side projects I want to try in Figma, Spline, and Framer.
A lot of my inspiration comes from my surroundings or childhood memories. For example, I once tried designing *Dangerous Dave* in Figma, one of my favorite games to play with my dad and siblings after school.
Side projects also serve as a great way for you to unwind and take a break from the daily grind. If you’ve been thinking about picking up a side project, remember that these don’t have to be massive undertakings—they can be small, fun experiments that keep you engaged.
The key is to keep it easygoing and stress-free. You definitely don’t want your side project to turn into just another task on your to-do list or another source of stress.
I keep a running list of side projects I want to try in Figma, Spline, and Framer.
A lot of my inspiration comes from my surroundings or childhood memories. For example, I once tried designing *Dangerous Dave* in Figma, one of my favorite games to play with my dad and siblings after school.
A few side projects I’ve worked on
A few side projects I’ve worked on
When picking a side project, it’s best to aim for a balance between passion and learning. I choose projects that not just excite me, but also challenge me to grow and learn something new. The idea is to not be afraid to take on ambitious ideas because the real value is in the process, not just the end result.
It’s always good to hear about the side projects that other designers have worked on, so here’s a breakdown of a few that I’m particularly proud of:
When picking a side project, it’s best to aim for a balance between passion and learning. I choose projects that not just excite me, but also challenge me to grow and learn something new. The idea is to not be afraid to take on ambitious ideas because the real value is in the process, not just the end result.
It’s always good to hear about the side projects that other designers have worked on, so here’s a breakdown of a few that I’m particularly proud of:
Nebula UI Design System
Nebula UI Design System
Nebula is a toolkit with vibrant colors, dynamic shadows, exquisite buttons, input fields, badges, and iconic icons. It started as a small experiment in Figma to help understand variables better, but it grew into a full-fledged design system. Working on it not only gave me a deeper understanding of variables, but was also eye-opening with firsthand insights on how design systems work and the value they bring to the design process.
Nebula is a toolkit with vibrant colors, dynamic shadows, exquisite buttons, input fields, badges, and iconic icons. It started as a small experiment in Figma to help understand variables better, but it grew into a full-fledged design system. Working on it not only gave me a deeper understanding of variables, but was also eye-opening with firsthand insights on how design systems work and the value they bring to the design process.
This project helped improve my skills in building scalable, efficient design workflows and even helped land interviews—including the one that got me hired at Canvs!
This project helped improve my skills in building scalable, efficient design workflows and even helped land interviews—including the one that got me hired at Canvs!
Dangerous Dave recreation in Figma
Dangerous Dave recreation in Figma
This file offers a comprehensive look at the iconic UI of "Dangerous Dave” The recreation was born purely from nostalgia—Dangerous Dave was a childhood favourite. Working on this was an experiment in game design, UI recreation, and, to some extent, storytelling through design.
This file offers a comprehensive look at the iconic UI of "Dangerous Dave” The recreation was born purely from nostalgia—Dangerous Dave was a childhood favourite. Working on this was an experiment in game design, UI recreation, and, to some extent, storytelling through design.
More a personal journey than anything else—working on this allowed me to connect with my childhood while pushing my design skills in a new direction.
More a personal journey than anything else—working on this allowed me to connect with my childhood while pushing my design skills in a new direction.
Micro-interaction prototypes in Figma
Micro-interaction prototypes in Figma
I’ve always been captivated by how small details, like micro-interactions, can drastically enhance the overall user experience. That’s why I often dive into creating micro-interaction prototypes in Figma. I created a file which has 16 component sets for loading animations.
Working on them helped me learn how subtle animations and smooth transitions can completely change the way a user feels while interacting with a product.
I’ve always been captivated by how small details, like micro-interactions, can drastically enhance the overall user experience. That’s why I often dive into creating micro-interaction prototypes in Figma. I created a file which has 16 component sets for loading animations.
Working on them helped me learn how subtle animations and smooth transitions can completely change the way a user feels while interacting with a product.
Figma has become my go-to tool for experimenting with different interaction styles. It allows me to create prototypes and test concepts quickly, without constraints.
Having the freedom to play around, explore new techniques, and refine those small details that often go unnoticed is stimulating. It's amazing how even a simple hover effect, button animation or a loading animation can elevate the entire interface and make it feel more polished and engaging.
A few of my other side projects include prototyping with variables and retro interface prototype.
Figma has become my go-to tool for experimenting with different interaction styles. It allows me to create prototypes and test concepts quickly, without constraints.
Having the freedom to play around, explore new techniques, and refine those small details that often go unnoticed is stimulating. It's amazing how even a simple hover effect, button animation or a loading animation can elevate the entire interface and make it feel more polished and engaging.
A few of my other side projects include prototyping with variables and retro interface prototype.
How side projects can benefit you
How side projects can benefit you
They help you level up your design game
They help you level up your design game
One of the best things about working on side projects is that they make learning new skills and staying on top of design trends easier—and a lot more fun.
Take *Nebula UI* for instance. What started as a fun experiment for me ended up reshaping my understanding of design systems and how they streamline workflows. It became a hands-on crash course in scalability and efficiency, teaching me lessons I never could have absorbed just by reading or watching tutorials.
Side projects also help you stay current with the latest design trends. In a field that’s always evolving, these personal projects give you a chance to explore new tools, techniques, and styles in a low-pressure environment. You get to figure out what works and what doesn’t before applying it to your professional work. It’s a way to stay fresh, relevant, and always growing as a designer.
One of the best things about working on side projects is that they make learning new skills and staying on top of design trends easier—and a lot more fun.
Take *Nebula UI* for instance. What started as a fun experiment for me ended up reshaping my understanding of design systems and how they streamline workflows. It became a hands-on crash course in scalability and efficiency, teaching me lessons I never could have absorbed just by reading or watching tutorials.
Side projects also help you stay current with the latest design trends. In a field that’s always evolving, these personal projects give you a chance to explore new tools, techniques, and styles in a low-pressure environment. You get to figure out what works and what doesn’t before applying it to your professional work. It’s a way to stay fresh, relevant, and always growing as a designer.
They keep you motivated
They keep you motivated
My creativity comes out the most when I am working on a side project, and it could be similar for you. Since there are no restrictions or deadlines, you can try out different styles, mix and match trends, and see where your imagination takes you.
My creativity comes out the most when I am working on a side project, and it could be similar for you. Since there are no restrictions or deadlines, you can try out different styles, mix and match trends, and see where your imagination takes you.
"You have the luxury of failing, learning from mistakes, and starting over if you want to."
"You have the luxury of failing, learning from mistakes, and starting over if you want to."
There’s no pressure to get it right the first time or to make it look perfect or worry about whether it’s too simple or silly. As long as you’re enjoying the process and finding it challenging, that’s all that matters.
For me, these personal projects are a reminder that work can be fun, design can be a form of play, and learning doesn’t always have to be serious or structured.
There’s no pressure to get it right the first time or to make it look perfect or worry about whether it’s too simple or silly. As long as you’re enjoying the process and finding it challenging, that’s all that matters.
For me, these personal projects are a reminder that work can be fun, design can be a form of play, and learning doesn’t always have to be serious or structured.
They help you land interviews
They help you land interviews
If you're a self-taught designer like me, side projects can be a game-changer for your career growth. When I started designing in my second year of engineering, I focused on learning the basics and applying them to small problem statements.
This approach helped me in two important ways:
It taught me how to use Figma efficiently
And it gave me a portfolio of projects that showcased my skills
Even though those early projects weren’t perfect, they were enough to land interviews and secure my first internship. In fact, the *Nebula UI* design system I created played a key role in getting me my interview with Canvs.
If you're a self-taught designer like me, side projects can be a game-changer for your career growth. When I started designing in my second year of engineering, I focused on learning the basics and applying them to small problem statements.
This approach helped me in two important ways:
It taught me how to use Figma efficiently
And it gave me a portfolio of projects that showcased my skills
Even though those early projects weren’t perfect, they were enough to land interviews and secure my first internship. In fact, the *Nebula UI* design system I created played a key role in getting me my interview with Canvs.
Creating side projects while working at Canvs
Creating side projects while working at Canvs
At Canvs, side projects aren’t considered just a hobby—in fact, they're very much a part of the company’s culture.
People have the freedom to experiment with ideas and explore new trends. Developing skills outside of daily work is highly valued, which goes a long way in nourishing the creative spark and keeping it alive.
At Canvs, side projects aren’t considered just a hobby—in fact, they're very much a part of the company’s culture.
People have the freedom to experiment with ideas and explore new trends. Developing skills outside of daily work is highly valued, which goes a long way in nourishing the creative spark and keeping it alive.
Encouraged to follow my interests
Encouraged to follow my interests
As a designer, it's easy to fall into the trap of work feeling repetitive or monotonous. That’s why it’s essential to do something creative that reignites passion and keeps the mind engaged.
Luckily, Canvs understands this need for creativity and actively encourages us to take on side projects that go beyond our usual work tasks.
They recognise the immense value that side projects bring—not only to us as individuals but also to the work we do for the company.
As a designer, it's easy to fall into the trap of work feeling repetitive or monotonous. That’s why it’s essential to do something creative that reignites passion and keeps the mind engaged.
Luckily, Canvs understands this need for creativity and actively encourages us to take on side projects that go beyond our usual work tasks.
They recognise the immense value that side projects bring—not only to us as individuals but also to the work we do for the company.
Incubating in a culture of curiosity
What I love about Canvs is that there’s a culture of curiosity and exploration embedded in the work environment. Everyone is encouraged to keep learning, trying new things, and pushing boundaries.
It’s not just talking the talk either—Canvs genuinely supports our side projects by offering feedback, resources, or simply showing involved interest.
This kind of support makes it easier to take risks, dive into new ideas, and feel empowered to experiment. It creates an atmosphere where you're not just allowed but inspired to grow beyond your day-to-day work.
What I love about Canvs is that there’s a culture of curiosity and exploration embedded in the work environment. Everyone is encouraged to keep learning, trying new things, and pushing boundaries.
It’s not just talking the talk either—Canvs genuinely supports our side projects by offering feedback, resources, or simply showing involved interest.
This kind of support makes it easier to take risks, dive into new ideas, and feel empowered to experiment. It creates an atmosphere where you're not just allowed but inspired to grow beyond your day-to-day work.
Being inspired and finding the next idea
Being inspired and finding the next idea
What really sparks creativity is seeing how designers push the boundaries through their side projects. It’s amazing to witness the open-source design systems and tools that benefit the entire design community. These projects demonstrate not just technical skill but a deep desire to give back.
What really sparks creativity is seeing how designers push the boundaries through their side projects. It’s amazing to witness the open-source design systems and tools that benefit the entire design community. These projects demonstrate not just technical skill but a deep desire to give back.
"In my side projects too, I aim to turn personal learning into work that inspires or helps others in design."
"In my side projects too, I aim to turn personal learning into work that inspires or helps others in design."
Here are some resources I keep coming back to for inspiration and to pick up a thing or two.
Here are some resources I keep coming back to for inspiration and to pick up a thing or two.
Plugins
Plugins
EightShapes: This plugin provides detailed component design specifications for components, interfaces, and frames. It’s incredibly useful for design-dev handoffs, auditing in-progress designs, and critiquing with teammates. It simplifies the documentation process, and I’ve used it multiple times during design handoffs with great success.
Figr: Figr allows you to quickly generate a design system within minutes, making it perfect for getting started with designs in a short time frame. It’s excellent for efficient design work and has been a great tool for speeding up my workflow.
EightShapes: This plugin provides detailed component design specifications for components, interfaces, and frames. It’s incredibly useful for design-dev handoffs, auditing in-progress designs, and critiquing with teammates. It simplifies the documentation process, and I’ve used it multiple times during design handoffs with great success.
Figr: Figr allows you to quickly generate a design system within minutes, making it perfect for getting started with designs in a short time frame. It’s excellent for efficient design work and has been a great tool for speeding up my workflow.
Design Systems
Design Systems
Untitled UI: This is a UI kit in Figma, and a personal favourite of mine. It comes with a large set of components, all within auto layout, which makes it incredibly easy to use. I’ve used it several times and find it adaptable, making design work faster and more efficient.
Salesforce Lightning Design System: I really appreciate the thorough documentation of this design system. It’s specifically built for dashboards and is my go-to reference when working on dashboard designs. The clarity of the guidelines is something I always admire.
Untitled UI: This is a UI kit in Figma, and a personal favourite of mine. It comes with a large set of components, all within auto layout, which makes it incredibly easy to use. I’ve used it several times and find it adaptable, making design work faster and more efficient.
Salesforce Lightning Design System: I really appreciate the thorough documentation of this design system. It’s specifically built for dashboards and is my go-to reference when working on dashboard designs. The clarity of the guidelines is something I always admire.
People/Company
People/Company
Apple: Every designer, whether focused on iOS or Android, should follow Apple on Figma. They’ve shared a variety of design systems and UI kits with the community, showcasing the thought process behind their seamless UI. It’s always inspiring to see how they approach user experience.
Vijay Verma: He’s a well-known figure in the design community and for good reason. His work, be it designs, illustrations, or plugins, is incredibly creative and talented. Vijay has been a personal inspiration from the very start of my design journey.
Apple: Every designer, whether focused on iOS or Android, should follow Apple on Figma. They’ve shared a variety of design systems and UI kits with the community, showcasing the thought process behind their seamless UI. It’s always inspiring to see how they approach user experience.
Vijay Verma: He’s a well-known figure in the design community and for good reason. His work, be it designs, illustrations, or plugins, is incredibly creative and talented. Vijay has been a personal inspiration from the very start of my design journey.
Designing success, one side project at a time
In the design world, side projects carry more weight than you might think. Designers often use them to gauge each other’s skills and creativity as they reflect your passion and your ability to explore outside the usual work.
In the design world, side projects carry more weight than you might think. Designers often use them to gauge each other’s skills and creativity as they reflect your passion and your ability to explore outside the usual work.
They show how you experiment, think, and what excites you when no one’s watching.
In many ways, they reveal more about you as a designer than client work could, because they’re personal, unrestricted, and showcase what truly drives you.
For me, these explorations have been invaluable. They help me stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry, whether by sharpening new skills or simply providing a creative outlet—they keep my passion for design alive and thriving.
If you’re not already working on one, now’s the perfect time to start—it might just open doors you never expected.
They show how you experiment, think, and what excites you when no one’s watching.
In many ways, they reveal more about you as a designer than client work could, because they’re personal, unrestricted, and showcase what truly drives you.
For me, these explorations have been invaluable. They help me stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry, whether by sharpening new skills or simply providing a creative outlet—they keep my passion for design alive and thriving.
If you’re not already working on one, now’s the perfect time to start—it might just open doors you never expected.
Canvs is an interface design and engineering studio based in Mumbai, India. We are group design partners to some of India’s market leaders in Banking and Finance and have been around since 2016.