In part 3 of " The How, what & why of Design Systems" - When to Implement Design Systems.
Here are some specifics if you’re unsure if you should put in the time to make one. This is actually the first step in creating a design system—finding a need.
Inefficiencies
When you’re starting to get redundancies in your code because different designers are creating the same items, it might be a good time to create a design system. Your organization might have multiple websites, and they should all follow the same guidelines. Check out our guide on UI/UX design for SaaS for more on creating cohesive designs.
Growth and Scaling
When your organization has been growing a lot, and you’ve got enough people touching the design, that’s when you start to really need one. Ideally, you would want to make a design system before it’s too painful and before the output is very slow, but usually, companies only think about creating one after the fact.
Consistency Across Teams
As your team grows, maintaining consistency becomes challenging. A design system ensures that all team members are on the same page, reducing miscommunication and errors. This is crucial when multiple teams or departments are involved in the design process. For tips on maintaining consistency, see our best practices for SaaS UI/UX design.
Reducing Time and Costs
Implementing a design system can save time and money in the long run. By reusing components and guidelines, designers and developers can focus on more important tasks rather than recreating the same elements. This efficiency can lead to faster project completion and cost savings.
Enhancing Collaboration
A design system fosters better collaboration between designers and developers. With clear guidelines and reusable components, both teams can work more seamlessly together, ensuring a smoother workflow and a more cohesive final product. Learn more about fostering collaboration in our article on 4 UX design frameworks.
Future-Proofing Your Product
A well-implemented design system helps future-proof your product by making it easier to update and scale. As your product evolves, the design system provides a solid foundation for incorporating new features and changes without disrupting the overall design integrity.
By considering these factors, you can determine the right time to implement a design system and set your organization up for long-term success. For more insights, visit our design tips and explore our top UI/UX agencies to work with.