Design Systems WTF

Today we ask, “Is using a pre-built frontend library realistic?” We look into the pros and cons of leveraging frontend libraries such as MUI, Tailwind, or Ant Design for your design system. Are these libraries a shortcut to success, or do they come with hidden complexities and limitations? Tune in as we dissect the practicality, scalability, and long-term implications of adopting these pre-built solutions for your product.

Design systems should reflect what’s currently in your product, but it’s tempting to future-proof them. After all, getting the system up and running was a lot of work, so what’s the harm in adding a few new things? Future us will thank our past selves, right?

We examine that critical phase in the life of a design system: moving beyond the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Launching an MVP is just the beginning, but what comes next? Michelle and Luke discuss strategies for advocating for more resources, ensuring your work is recognized and adequately resourced, and not just seen as a “free” addition from your team. Drawing from our own experiences and those of other teams, we share practical advice on selling your design system’s ongoing value to stakeholders.

We tackle a question that often gets overlooked in the world of design systems: Is there room for fun and delight? Sure, components are the workhorses of design systems, known for their functionality and consistency, but does that mean they have to be dull? We’ll explore the possibilities of infusing a bit of charm and personality into your design system. Listen in as we discuss examples of some of the more fun design systems in action, the challenges of maintaining usability while injecting creativity, and how to strike the right balance.

We dive into the ambitious idea proposed by Brad Frost: creating a global design system for everyone to use. Imagine a world where companies don’t reinvent the wheel with every component they create, but instead, contribute to and utilize a shared set of resources. We tackle the big questions: Where do we start in building such a universal system? How do we address hesitations and resistance in the community? What are the potential risks and unseen challenges?

This special episode is our love letter to the unsung heroes of the design system world. Join us as we shine a spotlight on some incredible individuals in the field who might not be on your radar yet, but definitely should be. We'll share our personal favorites, diving into the work they're doing and where you can find their contributions. Get ready to fall in love with these design system Valentines.

In this episode, we tackle the common concern—are you being too prescriptive with your design system? We’ll discuss the fine line between guidance and rigidity, exploring how much prescription is too much. We’ll share the pitfalls of being overly prescriptive and the chaos that can ensue from excessive flexibility.

Navigating design system contributions – how do you tell someone their component is terrible? We address many design system creators' challenges: Navigating design system contributions and giving constructive feedback. How do you effectively communicate that a contributed component may not meet the standards or expectations (i.e., they’re just plain terrible)? We discuss ways to encourage improvement without demoralizing contributors. Join us as we explore best practices, real-life stories, and strategies for fostering collaboration and quality within your design system.

In this episode, we tackle the question that many ponder: Can you create a successful design system through contracted work? We explore the dynamics of working with external design teams, freelancers, or agencies to build a cohesive design system. Is it a recipe for success, or does it present unique challenges that could impact the system’s effectiveness? We uncover the pros and cons of this approach and share insights on navigating the path to a thriving design system.

We have a special edition of Design Systems WTF, this time Luke will be joined by the amazing Amy Hupe! They’ll be chatting about design systems and answering your questions. Get ready for a unique and interactive experience in this special “DSWTF Help Desk” episode. We’re opening the floor to you, our listeners! Have a burning question about design systems or anything related? Ask us, and we’ll tackle your toughest inquiries with our highly opinionated thoughts. Whether you seek career advice, design tips, or want to settle a design systems debate, we’re here to help. Tune in for a one-of-a-kind Q&A session with Luke and Amy!

Today's question: Is my career doomed if I focus on design systems? We dive deep into the world of design system careers. Is focusing on design systems a career move that can make or break your professional journey? Join us as we explore the power and potential of design systems and discuss how they can shape your career in design. Is it a stepping stone to success or a potential roadblock? Tune in to discover how design systems can be your secret weapon or a career-defining challenge.

Today's question: How accessible can a design system really make a product? We explore the potential of design systems to enhance accessibility and discuss the challenges involved in achieving this goal. Are design systems the golden ticket to a more inclusive digital world?

Today's question: Should I use tokens today? DESIGN TOKENS. The saviour of our design systems, or so it seems from the amount that people hold them up as the shining light. But what’s the deal with design tokens — when do they make sense for your company? What is going to happen to them in the future? And who do you listen to when it comes to doing them correctly?

Today's question: Will AI change design systems? We genuinely can’t believe it’s taken us three episodes to mention AI… It’s obviously a hot topic at the moment, as folks are figuring out how they can use things like GPT or Dall-e to automate or generate things within their design systems, or heck, if they even should use AI in the first place because of the ethical, legal and moral risks!

Today's question: How do you reward someone for the contributions they make? From the big questions straight into the weeds! This has been a favourite question in the last few years of figuring out how to rightly reward folks for contributing, but also how to motivate them to contribute in the first place. Are shout-outs enough? Do we need to tie rewards to the wider company rewards? Should motivation to contribute be intrinsic or extrinsic? Should we be encouraging contributions at all? Resources: Amy Hupe - You design system contribution model is doomed to fail Ethan Marcotte - You deserve a tech union Mike Monteiro - Ruined by design

Today's question: How do you make the rest of your org care about your design system? With the current climate, budgets are being slashed left, right and center. Because of this design systems are often at the top of the list for what to put on the chopping block. So how do we make the rest of the organization care about design systems? How do we show how important it is, and how do we talk about it in the language that non-design systems folks care about? Do we need to change that when we’re talking to senior leadership? How can we get the CEO to care about our design system?