The Evolution of Design Systems: A Journey Towards Flexibility and Innovation
November 13, 2024, 3:57 pm
In the fast-paced world of digital design, adaptability is key. Companies like Chase are redefining their design systems to meet the ever-changing needs of their users. The Manhattan Design System (MDS) at Chase is a prime example of this evolution. It began as a rigid framework, designed to maintain consistency across a small team of designers. Now, it has transformed into a flexible, dynamic system that empowers teams to innovate while staying connected to a cohesive brand identity.
Initially, MDS was built on tightly controlled components. This approach worked well when the design team was small and the user experience was straightforward. It provided a clear structure, ensuring that every product looked and functioned in a specific way. This consistency was crucial for a company like Chase, where user trust is paramount. However, as the organization grew, so did the complexity of its products. New offerings like credit monitoring and travel rewards required a more adaptable design system.
The challenge was clear: how to balance flexibility with the need for a unified user experience? Chase's design team recognized that while some teams thrived under the original system, many others felt constrained. They needed room to experiment and customize their products without starting from scratch. This realization sparked a significant shift in the design philosophy.
The new approach introduced a composition-based design system. This allowed components to be deconstructed into smaller, manageable subcomponents. Teams could now rearrange, modify, and combine these elements to create unique solutions tailored to their specific needs. It was like giving designers a box of building blocks instead of a pre-assembled toy. They could create something entirely new while still adhering to the core principles of the design system.
This flexibility does not come without its challenges. Composable components require more effort to assemble and maintain. However, Chase's design team has provided curated examples to guide designers and engineers. These examples serve as a roadmap, illustrating how to construct complex components while ensuring accessibility and maintainability. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community among designers and engineers, making the design process more dynamic and less siloed.
Moreover, the introduction of a theming engine has further enhanced the system's adaptability. Teams can now modify design tokens to experiment with aesthetics, allowing for specialized branding without sacrificing consistency. This feature is particularly beneficial for new products that may not yet have established branding. It’s like giving teams a canvas to paint on, while still providing a frame to keep their artwork aligned with the overall vision.
Custom components are still an option, but the goal is to minimize their necessity. The design system now provides the tools and resources to reduce the need for custom builds. When teams do need to create something unique, they can leverage design tokens to ensure brand alignment. This balance between customizability and standardization is crucial for maintaining a cohesive user experience across diverse products.
The transition from a rigid to a flexible design system has been a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It has allowed Chase to support innovation in ways that were previously impossible. Designers and engineers are now more engaged in the process, collaborating to push the boundaries of what is possible. This evolution reflects a broader trend in the industry: design systems must be living entities, evolving to meet the needs of the organization and its users.
As Chase continues to grow, the MDS will adapt alongside it. A design system should never be static; it must evolve to serve the creative and business needs of the organization. This is the essence of a successful design system: it’s not just about rules and guidelines, but about possibilities and opportunities for innovation.
In conclusion, the evolution of design systems is a testament to the importance of flexibility in the digital age. Companies like Chase are leading the way, demonstrating that a well-crafted design system can empower teams to innovate while maintaining a cohesive brand identity. As the landscape of digital design continues to shift, organizations must embrace adaptability, ensuring their design systems are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The journey is ongoing, but the destination is clear: a future where design systems are not just frameworks, but catalysts for creativity and collaboration.
Initially, MDS was built on tightly controlled components. This approach worked well when the design team was small and the user experience was straightforward. It provided a clear structure, ensuring that every product looked and functioned in a specific way. This consistency was crucial for a company like Chase, where user trust is paramount. However, as the organization grew, so did the complexity of its products. New offerings like credit monitoring and travel rewards required a more adaptable design system.
The challenge was clear: how to balance flexibility with the need for a unified user experience? Chase's design team recognized that while some teams thrived under the original system, many others felt constrained. They needed room to experiment and customize their products without starting from scratch. This realization sparked a significant shift in the design philosophy.
The new approach introduced a composition-based design system. This allowed components to be deconstructed into smaller, manageable subcomponents. Teams could now rearrange, modify, and combine these elements to create unique solutions tailored to their specific needs. It was like giving designers a box of building blocks instead of a pre-assembled toy. They could create something entirely new while still adhering to the core principles of the design system.
This flexibility does not come without its challenges. Composable components require more effort to assemble and maintain. However, Chase's design team has provided curated examples to guide designers and engineers. These examples serve as a roadmap, illustrating how to construct complex components while ensuring accessibility and maintainability. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community among designers and engineers, making the design process more dynamic and less siloed.
Moreover, the introduction of a theming engine has further enhanced the system's adaptability. Teams can now modify design tokens to experiment with aesthetics, allowing for specialized branding without sacrificing consistency. This feature is particularly beneficial for new products that may not yet have established branding. It’s like giving teams a canvas to paint on, while still providing a frame to keep their artwork aligned with the overall vision.
Custom components are still an option, but the goal is to minimize their necessity. The design system now provides the tools and resources to reduce the need for custom builds. When teams do need to create something unique, they can leverage design tokens to ensure brand alignment. This balance between customizability and standardization is crucial for maintaining a cohesive user experience across diverse products.
The transition from a rigid to a flexible design system has been a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It has allowed Chase to support innovation in ways that were previously impossible. Designers and engineers are now more engaged in the process, collaborating to push the boundaries of what is possible. This evolution reflects a broader trend in the industry: design systems must be living entities, evolving to meet the needs of the organization and its users.
As Chase continues to grow, the MDS will adapt alongside it. A design system should never be static; it must evolve to serve the creative and business needs of the organization. This is the essence of a successful design system: it’s not just about rules and guidelines, but about possibilities and opportunities for innovation.
In conclusion, the evolution of design systems is a testament to the importance of flexibility in the digital age. Companies like Chase are leading the way, demonstrating that a well-crafted design system can empower teams to innovate while maintaining a cohesive brand identity. As the landscape of digital design continues to shift, organizations must embrace adaptability, ensuring their design systems are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The journey is ongoing, but the destination is clear: a future where design systems are not just frameworks, but catalysts for creativity and collaboration.