Establishing a Cohesive Design System for Consistency Across Projects

Project type: Design System

I led the development of a cohesive design system to ensure visual consistency across multiple projects. This included creating a centralized library of reusable components, patterns, and styles, and documenting a unified design language that streamlined workflows and reduced inefficiencies caused by starting from scratch on each new project.

2 months & ongoing

As lead designer, I defined the design system's visual standards, collaborated with another UX designer, and worked closely with developers to integrate existing components into the new system. I was also responsible for documenting and managing the system for future use.

2 UX/UI Designers

Adobe XD, Teams, Google docs, Microsoft Excel

Audit & Integration:
We conducted a thorough audit of existing components and patterns, collaborating with developers to integrate them into the new system.

Documentation & Systemization:
We created a shared library in Adobe XD, documenting each component’s purpose and usage to ensure consistency and easy access for future projects.

Efficiency:
By reusing established components, we reduced the need for redesigning and ensured quicker, more consistent design updates.

Documented Design Style Guide

Each new project required building components from scratch, which led to inconsistencies and wasted time. This redundancy resulted in a fragmented user experience across the website.

We created a centralized design system that served as a single source of truth for components, patterns, and styles, ensuring consistency and efficiency across projects.

Streamlined Processes:
The design system enabled faster, more efficient redesigns and project scalability.

Increased Efficiency:
Designers spent less time on visual tweaks, focusing more on complex problems and functionality.

Consistency:
A unified design language ensured visual coherence across all projects, improving user experience.

Faster Turnaround:
The system reduced the time spent recreating components, leading to faster implementation and quicker project completion.

Documentation:
Each component was thoroughly documented with clear usage guidelines, including dos and don’ts, to ensure correct application and consistent implementation across teams.

Improved Consistency:
Reduced design inconsistencies and ensured a cohesive user experience.

Faster Development:
Streamlined workflows led to faster design and development cycles.

Scalability:
The design system allowed for easier scaling of new projects without compromising quality.

Challenge: Overcoming initial resistance to the new system.
Solution: Organized onboarding sessions to demonstrate the system’s benefits and ease of use.

Challenge: Integrating existing components with the new system.
Solution: Conducted a thorough audit to align old components with the new standards.

Continuous Improvement:
Iteratively enhance the design system based on feedback and emerging trends.

Expansion:
Expand the system to include more advanced components and patterns as new projects arise.

In summary, the project led to more efficient workflows, improved design consistency, and a scalable framework that will support future growth and innovation.