The Design System Dilemma: Start Over or Update?

Introduction

Apple's Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) represent a comprehensive set of design principles and standards. These act as the North Star, guiding the development of user interfaces for Apple products and maintaining consistency, intuitiveness, and aesthetics across Apple products.  

This is an example of a design system, which helps build a seamless user experience across all products. It's a collection of reusable components, guided by clear standards, that can be assembled together to build any number of applications.

But what happens when a company needs to create a design system from scratch versus updating an existing one?

This not only impacts the design process but also the user experience. This blog explores the intricacies of building a design system from the ground up compared to refreshing an existing one, examining the benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with each approach.

The Role Of Design Systems In Experience Design

Design systems play a critical role in experience design by promoting consistency and efficiency. By establishing a shared language and set of principles, design systems help teams create experiences that feel cohesive and reliable, no matter where or how users engage with the product.

Building a Design System From Scratch

Building a design system from scratch offers the unique advantage of starting with a clean slate. This approach allows teams to establish design principles, components, and patterns without the constraints of existing legacy systems. With no pre-existing elements to work around, designers can create an organized, scalable system that is perfectly aligned with the company’s current and future needs.

• Research And Discovery - Begin with thorough research to understand user needs, business goals, and existing design challenges. This phase is crucial for setting the foundation of your design system, ensuring it is user-centered and business-aligned.
• Define Design Principles - Establish the core design principles that will guide the creation of your system. These principles should reflect the brand’s values and vision, serving as the north star for all design decisions.
• Component Creation - Develop a library of reusable components, such as buttons, forms, and navigation elements, that can be used across various products. Each component should be designed to be flexible yet consistent, allowing for easy customization while maintaining a cohesive look and feel.
• Documentation - Create comprehensive documentation that outlines the usage guidelines, design patterns, and coding standards for each component. This documentation is essential for ensuring that all team members understand how to use the system effectively.
• Testing And Iteration - Once the initial components are created, test them in real-world scenarios to ensure they perform as expected. Gather feedback from users and stakeholders, and iterate on the components to refine the design system.

Challenges Of Building A Design System From Scratch

While the benefits of a clean slate are clear, building a design system from scratch also comes with its challenges. It requires significant resources and upfront investment, both in terms of time and money. The process can be overwhelming, especially for smaller teams or organizations with limited resources. Additionally, without a pre-existing system to build upon, there’s a risk of over-engineering or creating a system that is too rigid or complex.

Microsoft's Fluent 2 Design System

Microsoft Fluent 2 is a groundbreaking design system that prioritizes human-centered design and inclusivity. It aims to create intuitive, enjoyable, and accessible experiences for all users. By focusing on these principles, Fluent 2 is helping create a new era of user interfaces.

Updating An Existing Design System

When updating an existing design system, the first step is to evaluate the current state of the system. This involves identifying outdated components, addressing inconsistencies, and assessing how well the system meets the needs of users and stakeholders. By conducting a thorough audit, teams can determine which aspects of the system need to be improved, which can be retained, and which should be retired.

Best Practices For Updating A Design System

• Prioritize Updates - Focus on the most critical components and patterns that are causing pain points for users or creating inconsistencies in the design. Prioritizing updates ensures that the most impactful changes are made first. This can be done post a thorough UX audit.
• Incorporate New Design Trends - Design trends evolve over time, and it’s essential to incorporate new best practices and aesthetics into the design system. This keeps the system relevant and ensures that products remain competitive in the marketplace.
• Maintain Consistency - While updating components, it’s crucial to maintain consistency with the existing system. This involves ensuring that new components align with the established design principles and patterns, providing a seamless experience for users.
• Communicate Changes - Any updates to the design system should be communicated clearly to all team members. This includes updating documentation, providing training or workshops, and ensuring that everyone understands how to implement the changes effectively.

Benefits Of Leveraging An Existing Design System

Updating an existing design system can be more efficient than building one from scratch. Since the foundation is already in place, teams can focus on refining and improving the system rather than starting from zero. This approach allows for quicker implementation and can be less resource-intensive, making it a practical choice for organizations looking to optimize their design processes without a complete overhaul.

How Axelerant Partnered With OHCHR Update Their Design System

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a critical entity within the United Nations, responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. Given its complexity and global reach, maintaining a consistent and user-friendly digital presence is paramount. 

Axelerant partnered with OHCHR to standardize and structure its existing UI component library into a cohesive digital design system. The project aimed to address communication challenges among various stakeholders and streamline the maintenance of design components, ultimately enhancing the organization's digital interface.

Conclusion

Creating or updating a design system is a critical task that impacts the overall experience design of a product. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing system, the key is approaching the process with a clear understanding of your users’ needs and your organization’s goals.

At the end of the day, the choice between building from scratch or updating comes down to your specific needs and circumstances. By carefully considering the benefits and challenges of each approach, you can make an informed decision that will lead to a cohesive and effective design system, ultimately enhancing the user experience across all touchpoints. 

Need additional guidance on making an informed decision? Talk to our experts and get started.