SPRING DESIGN SYSTEM

Building a Design System for better adaptability

Creating a design system that was both simple and effective seemed like an ambitious task, but it even one use knew had the potential to change the way we worked. The goal was clear: to build a system so consistent that it might could serve as a starting point for any new project, no matter the scope or requirements.

My Role

Design System Lead

Timeline

6 Months

Challenges

Challenges That Slowed Us Down

But, as we began to dig deeper into the challenge, we quickly realized that we were facing a set of significant obstacles.

The first was switching between different types and color systems— an effort that was both tedious and time-consuming every time we started a new project. Then there was the challenge of creating a reusable architecture of tokens. We needed something that would be easy to understand and work with, something that wouldn't become overwhelming as projects grew in complexity. Finally, the components themselves were often inconsistent. What worked for one project might not fit the needs of another, leading to confusion and unnecessary back-and-forth.

Design System Challenges
Approach

Simplicity Over Complexity

We knew we had to rethink the way we approached design systems. Rather than starting with an overcomplicated solution, we decided to build something simple yet robust. We aimed for a token architecture that was reusable, efficient, and intuitive for everyone involved. We spent time understanding the basic needs of each project, tailoring the system to make sure it was adaptable for any scenario.

Research & Ideation
Learning from the Best
The next step was to brainstorm the architecture itself.

We researched and analyzed several existing design systems, learning from their successes and mistakes. Ultimately, we made a conscious decision to keep things as simple as possible.

Our aim was to create a system anyone could understand, even someone who had no prior experience with design systems. We didn't want it to feel like an intimidating, high-maintenance structure. We wanted ease of use to be at the heart of everything.
So, we got started into it
Design System Research & Ideation
Design System Research & Ideation
Flow refining and Brainstorming

Building the System – An Iterative Approach

Flow Refining Dashboard
As we began building, we took an iterative approach. Instead of trying to get everything perfect from the start, we focused on testing the components we created along the way. This allowed us to gather feedback early and improve the system before it became too complex.

In the beginning, our enthusiasm led us to create a wide range of components. But as the list grew, we started realizing that we were getting sidetracked from our original goal—keeping the system lean and user-friendly. The temptation to overcomplicate things was strong, but we reminded ourselves that simplicity was the key.
After a few rounds of testing with different teams, we finally began to see the results of our work. We had built something that allowed the team to seamlessly switch between themes, brands, and other key elements with ease. The basic components we'd covered were solid, and we had a system that was flexible and easy to adopt.

Finally we got a tangible product which is being used by teams
Impact
Faster, Smarter, and More Efficient
The impact was clear. What used to take weeks of work was now done in a fraction of the time. The efficiency boost was noticeable across the board, and the team felt empowered by the new system. What had been a source of frustration and delay before became a tool that streamlined our process and gave us more time to focus on the bigger picture.

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