As creative problem solvers, we often find ourselves waist-deep in a sea of ideas, grasping for clarity amid the maelstrom. When it comes to crafting and implementing design systems, our team wades through murky waters, scavenging for hidden treasures—a process whereby we collect design artifacts from scattered sources, usually the design work of our colleagues. Each piece we salvage is meticulously polished and prepared for use by other designers in their work.

Efficiency is key. One way to create quality and velocity in our work is by creating design systems–the thoughtful philosophy of the how and why of brand-specific style and design elements which make actual product design more streamlined. Design systems aren't just about tidying up; they're about aerodynamic processes that save valuable time and resources, and ultimately, deliver better products.

‍What is a Design System?

A design system is a toolkit that simplifies workflows, fosters collaboration, and ultimately, elevates the user experience. At its core, a design system is more than just a library of assets or a simple style guide. It is essentially a way of thinking, or set of principles–a guiding mindset for why we do things the way we do them. For example, rounded corners on boxes might be part of your branding, but the design system would further elaborate that the rounded corners are preferred because they are more approachable and friendly and therefore communicate important brand identity and voice.

With a clearly defined design system, any product designer should be able to pick up the elements and quickly design new solutions that fit comfortably within the carefully crafted product. A design system allows the "look and feel" of a brand to remain consistent even among a whole team of designers and engineers. Users are more likely to quickly understand what’s being communicated and positively associate it with a brand. It’s all about repeating patterns that create that familiarity within a brand that provides trust with any business.

‍What a Design System is NOT

A design system is not a static set of rules that must be ruthlessly adhered to. Rather, it's a living, breathing entity that evolves alongside the creative process. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about stifling creativity, but rather providing a framework for innovation to thrive.

‍The Cost of Chaos

Without a solid design system in place, disorder ensues. Projects spiral out of control, deadlines are missed, and resources are squandered. It's a costly endeavor that leads to what designers often refer to as "design debt"—a backlog of inefficiencies that accumulate over time. With a design system, however, no one starts from scratch when new projects need to be created. The well-thought-out foundational elements are there as building blocks for the desired product.

‍Saving Time and Money

A clear design system is like meal-prepping on Sunday so you can put together a tasty weeknight meal in no time. All of the ingredients are ready to go, so when you approach a new project on a deadline, you can quickly put together something that tastes delicious and stays on track with your business goals (or your macros for you meal preppers!). Further, you save time and money by not starting from scratch (or having to eat at a restaurant). The hard work of thinking through the nuts and bolts has already been completed. Now it’s time to put it all together. 

‍Implementing a Design System

Ready to build quality and velocity into your own business practices? Contact the designers at Midwestern, and let us guide you through the process. The time investment up front on a great design system will almost certainly pay off in the long run.

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