The Challenge
When I joined Omnipresent in February 2022, there was only 1 Product Designer and the platform was largely created by engineers across multiple squads. To create a design system that meets the needs of the business, you need to have a deep understanding of the business's goals, values, and target audience. This requires research and collaboration with different stakeholders within the business.
Design systems can be complex and can encompass a wide range of design elements, including typography, colour schemes, icons, and more. Defining the scope of the design system is essential to ensure that you are creating a system that is manageable and achievable within the given timeframe and resources. My strategy was to hire a dedicated resource in product design as well as form a great partnership with engineering to ensure the initiative is a success. I have seen many organisations fail in their implementation of a Design System due to a lack of understanding and prioritisation by the business.
One of the primary objectives of a design system is to ensure consistency across all design elements. This requires creating guidelines and rules that are easy to follow and enforce, as well as conducting regular audits to ensure that all design elements are consistent with the established guidelines.
One of the primary objectives of a design system is to ensure consistency across all design elements. This requires creating guidelines and rules that are easy to follow and enforce, as well as conducting regular audits to ensure that all design elements are consistent with the established guidelines.
Creating a design system is just the first step. Ensuring that it is adopted and used by everyone within the business can be challenging. This requires effective communication, training, and ongoing support to ensure that everyone understands the importance of the design system and how to use it effectively. Although this is an ongoing challenge requiring the right leadership and partnership, I managed these engagements and aligned with stakeholders in Marketing, Engineering and Customer Success.
Research
Through research we heard that our product experience and visual design is affecting the way we sell and promote Omnipresent.
The Past State OmniPlatform 1.0 (existing until Nov 2022)
Platform Audit
I led a platform audit conducted by all product designers across every area of the platform. Here are the findings of the audit:
The system refresh (released Nov 2022)
Accessibility
Revised colour palette and contrast now meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 Level AA. Typography adheres to the same guidelines for size and colour usage.
Phased approach
In the future
In Summary
The Omnipresent Design System Refresh will enable in the short-term…
1. Increased developer productivity due to reusable elements & a more flexible structure
2. Improved customer perception of our service due to higher visual quality and standardised components and expected experiences across the product
3. Better alignment with the brand and vision
In the longer-term we will also…
4. Improve the experience for our customers (intuitive navigation, more efficient to use)