Part 1: Welcome to Design Systems

Content Credits: Figma

Purpose of a Design System

• Design systems are essential for evolving applications and websites to meet growing audience demands.
• They help create consistent, scalable, and cohesive experiences across devices.

Objectives of this topic

1. Understand what a design system is and its components.
2. Identify problems a design system can solve.
3. Recognize when a design system is needed.
4. Key considerations for starting a design system journey.

1: What is a Design System?

Definition

• More than a style guide or component library; it's a strategic collection of design principles, UI elements, and organizational values.
• Helps in building consistent products by focusing on "what," "how," and "why."

Core Components

1. Style Guide – Standards for appearance, voice, and tone (e.g., colors, typography).
2. Component Library – Contains reusable components, templates, and interaction patterns.
3. Flexibility – Design systems vary by company needs; there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

2: Do You Need a Design System?

Case Study (Habitz App)

• Inconsistent components across screens led to confusion and inefficiency.

Benefits

1. Efficiency – Reduces time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing focus on problem-solving.
2. Scalability – Acts as a resource for new team members and aligns with developers’ needs.
3. Consistency – Builds trust and improves user experience.

Signs You Might Need a Design System

• Inconsistencies in styles and components.
• Multiple Themes (dark/light modes) or device variations.
• Redundant Work – Repeated building of similar components.
• Knowledge Sharing – Lack of shared language for product discussions.
• Onboarding – Difficulty in bringing new team members up to speed.

Challenges

• Requires time, resources, and maintenance.
• Gaining leadership buy-in can be challenging.

3: Audit Your Product

Purpose of an Audit

• Provides insights into inconsistencies, areas for improvement, and supports leadership buy-in.

Audit Steps

1. Gather All Components – Identify all design elements across screens and devices.
2. Sort and Categorize – Group similar elements (e.g., text styles, buttons) for easier analysis.
3. Identify Opportunities – Spot redundancies, accessibility issues, and inconsistencies.

Example (Habitz)

• After auditing, Habitz noticed patterns and inconsistencies, leading to discussions on potential solutions, including a design system.

4: Overview of the Design System Process

Phases of Design System Development

1. Approval – Secure leadership support.
2. Discovery – Research, audits, and brainstorming.
3. Definition – Outline solutions, roles, and goals.
4. Building – Create the design system.
5. Documentation – Clear guidelines for usage.
6. Maintenance – Ensure alignment with ongoing product needs.
7. Advocacy – Promote the design system within the organization.

Considerations

• Contributors – Identify people across teams who will build, maintain, and advocate for the system.
• Audience – Include designers, developers, and others who will interact with the system.
• Implementation – Decide on a custom or adapted system based on company needs, time, and resources.

Example (Habitz)

• Leadership at Habitz approved a design system to align with future expansion goals.

Outro

• Starting small can still bring value; design systems grow with the product.
• Further resources available for deeper insights into design system development.