Six Design Systems Myths
Design systems are meant to ramp up efficiency, ensure consistency, and foster collaboration between team members, not as a creativity-limiter.
(Designlabb) -- Let’s chat about design systems for a second. You know how everyone and their dog seems to be sharing their “secret sauce” for design these days? It’s like a potluck of ideas out there. But here’s the thing — we got to be careful not to take every story as gospel, you know?
I mean, just because Team A crashed and burned with a certain approach doesn’t mean it’s suddenly taboo for everyone else. And on the flip side, just because Team B hit the jackpot with some technique, it doesn’t automatically make it the holy grail of design.
Now, when it comes to design systems, I’ve noticed these stories can sometimes morph into urban legends. They start creating these invisible roadblocks, and before you know it, folks are too spooked to even dip their toes in the water.
So, in this article, we’ll walk through some of these myths. Who knows? Maybe we can clear the air and make design systems feel a little less like climbing Everest and more like a fun hike in the park.
Myth 1: Design systems are just for the big leagues
Whether you’re from a big or small organisation, design systems help keep everyone on the same page.
It helps to increase efficiency, ensure consistency, and foster collaboration amongst the team members.
Think: If you’re a small startup, it’s even more important to stay consistent.
Myth 2: Design systems should employ all the latest industry techniques
Trends are always changing and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Think: Design systems should be functional and goal-oriented, not flashy.
Myth 3: If it works for Material, it works for us
Google’s Material Design is considered the industry standard for design systems.
However, your design system should reflect your brand identity, not a copy-and-paste from others.
Think: Design a system that works best for your business in terms of conveying the right message.
Myth 4: You must build your design system from scratch
There are lots of open-source resources out there.
Use it and build on it.
Think: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Use the resources available and build on it.
Myth 5: Design systems stifle creativity
Design systems are supposed to be clarity creators, not creativity killers.
They set the foundation of thinking and direction, not leading you to an end road.
Think: Design systems are your launchpad to a breakthrough.
Myth 6: Design system designers spend all day building components
Although designers are pixel pushers, they’re strategists behind the development.
Think: Designers connect the dots, not just design for nothing.
Remember, whether you’re a solo designer or part of a massive team, a design system can be your secret weapon. It’s not about copying what the big guns are doing or starting from scratch. It’s about finding what works for you, your team, and your brand.
So, next time you hear someone spouting these myths, you can set the record straight. Design systems aren’t here to box you in. They give you a solid foundation to build on, so you can focus on what really matters: creating awesome, consistent designs that speak to your users.
I’ve just shared six myths about design systems. I‘m just one designer with one set of experiences. What about you? Maybe you’ve encountered a myth I didn’t mention? Or perhaps you’ve got a wild story about how one of these myths tried to derail your project?
Leave us a comment below or shoot me an email at alvis@designlabb.cc.
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