Design System Playbook
Customized design system implementation strategy for a large scientific supply company.
Role
As Solutions Lead, I defined the playbook structure and final deliverable, organized the work into a clear schedule, maintained stakeholder alignment throughout the project, and directed team members in developing key sections of the content.
The Challenge
The client was building a design system but needed a clear implementation strategy to ensure successful adoption across the organization. Designers were skeptical, and non-designers didn't understand the value or how it affected their work.
Understanding the Organization
I worked with research to conduct stakeholder interviews across the organization. This discovery process allowed us to gauge design system awareness, understand team structures and roles, and identify pain points both within the design team and cross-functionally.
Mapping the Landscape
I led my team in planning a series of workshops to explore individual roles, design and development processes, and the various platforms in use. We prioritized where a design system would have the greatest impact and identified potential implementation challenges.
Creating the Playbook
Structured a comprehensive guide that included:
- Clear definitions of design systems and their value to specific teams and roles
- A breakdown of design system elements beyond components—including principles and guidelines with key term definitions
- Short and long-term goals tailored to their organization
- Detailed governance framework covering roles, development process, education, and communication strategies
Aligning the Organization
The project culminated in a company-wide presentation of the playbook to build shared understanding and buy-in across all departments.
Outcome
The presentation built organization-wide alignment, leading the client to move forward with implementation. The playbook's success established a reusable framework that we applied to design system adoption projects with other enterprise clients.