From Colors to Code: How Design Systems Bridge the Gap Between Design and Development

Blue is blue is blue, right?? To a web dev dude like myself, I used to think this way. Then I got into design.? I'm starting to realize that different shades of the same color, when used in UIs, make the UX unprofessional.? But, as a web dev dude, I need help understanding what colors are used for what purposes.? Enter design systems to the rescue!

A design system is a collection of reusable components, guided by clear standards, that can be assembled together to build any number of applications or products. It includes not only the components themselves, such as buttons, input fields, and typography styles, but also the principles, guidelines, and rules for using those components to create a consistent and cohesive user experience.

A design system especially helps with the hand-off process from SA&D (system analysis and design) stage to SI&I (system integration and implementation).?? Yeah, I have a waterfall background but I also have some SCRUM certs... Sorry, back to design systems.? There is usually insufficient communication and collaboration between the SA&D and SI&I teams that can result in misaligned expectations, knowledge gaps, and integration challenges.? A design system can help mitigate these risks.?

Some popular design systems out there are Google Material Design and Microsoft Fluent Design System.? By leveraging these design systems, project teams can benefit from the expertise and best practices of industry leaders. These design systems provide a solid foundation for creating high-quality, user-centered interfaces that deliver a consistent and delightful user experience across various applications and platforms.? Also, design systems are most than just UI kits.?

Many project teams will take one of these leading design systems and use it as a baseline to customize their own.? Why would they do this?? Below are some reasons why customization is necessary:?

1. Brand Alignment:? Each organization has its own unique brand identity, including specific colors, typography, and visual styles.? Customizing a design system allows teams to align the user interface with their brand guidelines, ensuring a consistent and recognizable brand experience across their applications.
2. Project-Specific Requirements:? Every project has its own unique goals, target audience, and functional requirements.? Customizing a design system enables teams to tailor the user interface to meet the specific needs of their project, such as adapting layouts, components, or interaction patterns to better serve their users.
3. Domain-Specific Considerations:? Different industries or domains may have specific design conventions, terminology, or regulatory requirements.? Customizing a design system allows teams to incorporate domain-specific elements, such as industry-standard icons, terminology, or compliance-related features, to ensure the user interface is appropriate for the target domain.
4. User Experience Optimization:? While design systems provide a solid foundation, each project may have unique user experience challenges or opportunities.? Customizing a design system enables teams to refine and optimize the user experience based on user research, usability testing, and feedback specific to their project.
5. Technology Integration:? Projects may use specific technologies, frameworks, or libraries that require customization of the design system components.? Customizing a design system allows teams to ensure seamless integration with their chosen technology stack, optimizing performance and maintainability.
6. Accessibility and Inclusivity:? While design systems often provide accessibility guidelines, each project may have specific accessibility requirements based on its target audience or legal obligations.? Customizing a design system allows teams to enhance accessibility features, such as contrast ratios, keyboard navigation, or assistive technology support, to ensure an inclusive user experience.

Well, there you have it!? Design systems are definitely important and helps devs dudes like me get spun up on design quickly and develop himself as a professional designer.? I just need to keep working on the right side of my brain!? ;)