I managed design system so they are easy to
use by designers
and developers
I have several experiences with design system. I created a design system at Macmillan Publishing, consolidated brands at RBS/Natwest and Net-A-Porter/Yoox, and updated the design system at BT/EE.
I also ensure the design system are scalable for future usage.
the experiences
The experiences
I have build design systems from the ground up. I merged multiple brands into singular systems. I also audited and scaled design systems. I ensured they are consistent and usable. I focused on making them accessible to designers and developers. Here are some companies where I have applied my design system expertise.
the challenge
The challenge
I have faced challenges: including fundamental research, auditing design assets, consolidating libraries, merging brands, developing token designs, following an Atomic Design structure, documenting the design system, and making them accessible to designers and developers.
The biggest challenge I had to face was the resistance of some designers towards design systems. They felt they were losing creative freedom over the design.
Another challenge is to ensure accessibility, scalability and easy maintenance.
the process
One example of process
Let's take my process at MacMillan Publishing as an example. I picked this case because it involved seven platforms—web, desktop, tablet, mobile, native tablet, native phone, TV, and digital boards—across multiple brands and languages. This made creating the design system particularly interesting. I reviewed the research and audited existing designs. I mapped the components, created libraries, and produced clear documentation.
The most important part was facilitating the design workshops so the designers felt involved during the whole process. I also used the workshops to educate about the benefits of a design system.
design audit
I audited the design
I gathered design assets from libraries and from real life products. –not all the apps were built using libraries. It made the project challenging. To address this, I teamed up with a designer to identify the relevant products to review. I then collected the components, patterns, and tokens needed to fill in the gaps.
mapping assets
I mapped the assets
I identified gaps and inconsistencies by mapping the assets across each device. I discovered missing or multiple versions of the same components. I resolved that issue by facilitating workshops with the design team. During these workshops, we decided how to address the gaps—whether to fill them or leave them open. I organised the assets and ensured consistency.
I mapped the assets in a table without drawing tokens, to have a global view of the assets. I also worked with the designers and developers to define the rules of engagement.
developers
I worked with developers
The involvement of developers was essential to the project. A library of design assets is much more valuable when there is an equivalent library on the developers' side. I negotiated certain aspects of the design, particularly the responsiveness of some components.
sharing libraries
I shared with designers
I created consolidated libraries with all the components and patterns. I also designed an internal website to explain the components and provide an overview of all components, patterns, and design tokens for all designers involved in the company, both present and future. I ensured that all designers - present and future - could find easily the patterns, components and templates that they need.
research
I tested the components
At MacMillan, I used fundamental research. Another example of research within design system management was with BT. I was tasked with improving the efficiency of components. I designed new versions of components and tested them. Once validated, I performed legacy testing on the components and updated them in the design system.
Old version
New version following
A/B testing
outcomes
Success and learning
The design system brought together designers and developers, facilitating a more streamlined collaboration across disciplines. It also strengthened the branding of the company’s products.
I gained a global perspective on design assets and developed a structured approach to design. I am now more adept at working with components, patterns, and tokens. It allows me to approach design with greater structure and clarity.
