Leading a design system team
UI Design | Digital Strategy | Component Design | Figma Prototypes
Business: INTO University Partnerships LLP
Deliverable: Design system, digital components, governance guidelines
Objective
To implement a design system from scratch based on existing product UI style guides. The new system had to include and support four live INTO brand identities that represent different products and services.
Approach
My approach was to build on existing product UI style guides which I had originally authoured. I knew the key UI component groups for the INTO live products which gave me a basis for common UI components across the B2B and B2C brands. I conducted an analysis of these common and unique components and produced an estimate on total design resource time to build a new design system which I presented to the INTO stakeholders.
Following my design estimate sign off the common UI assets were gathered and refined into reusable design patterns following the atomic methodology. This design process followed a plan that I created for the new design system structure and design production schedule. Using Figma libraries each component was built out by myself and the in-house design team to produce component groups that formed the design system patterns.
I led the design team monitoring progress as we created the UI components in Figma. Using an iterative design and production process as the UI design components were completed they were tested to ensure accessibility, usability and brand consistency. Any required design changes were implemented and documented as the design system evolved.
ZeroHeight was used to apply indexing, usability, accessibility and usage guidance for designers, developers, testers, contractors and the wider business. I also authored a governance system to give clear guidance on the design system use within the business.
Outcome
The new design system was launched to the business with four product areas with common UI components and design patterns. The INTO design system gives a consistent look and feel to the INTO website group and app to strengthen the INTO brand.
The INTO design system continues expansion and development today. The design system allows the company to implement global design changes and quickly bring new products to market.
Looking for a freelance lead UI/UX designer in Brighton, Sussex, London or remote? Get in touch to discuss how I can support your next design project.