NEOGOV Design Systems Phase 1
Problem, Outcome, Process, Conclusion
Product experiences had started to diverge. Individual solutions were outpacing open source production methods resulting in inconsistent and unstructured user experiences. How do we converge user interfaces and provide the perception of a single end user experience?
This phase laid a strong foundation for growth in standardization and uncovered architectural flaws in our software that proved invaluable to research conducted during the next phase. Despite setbacks, I delivered a functional component library for the design organization and launched a pilot program with the support of a full product suite. This study highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration, executive sponsorship, and the value in adaptability to overcome challenges.
Workshops
Through UX audits and workshops with engineering partners, we identified North Star examples for what would later become the Novi Design System. This included:
- Ongoing industry analysis
- Executive presentations to show ROI and gain sponsorship
- Quarterly presentations to technology leadership
- Creating partnerships to install interim stakeholders and develop pilot programs
Audits
Standardization of user experiences
An evaluation of our approach to design delivery was essential. I developed workshops, exercises, conducted training sessions, and led the establishment of a design strategy with clear objectives toward systems output.
Product audits generated artifacts that were used in workshops, enabling us to compare and address inconsistent user experiences. Early successes included standardizing color, typography, scale, and other foundational elements, eventually culminating in a structural redesign of every fundamental UX component across the portfolio.
Documentation
In the first phase of documentation, we used a combination of Figma and Zeroheight to navigate information security constraints and deployment challenges. This approach enabled us to provide the best possible experience for everyone using the system across the organization.
Cross-functional Systems Strategy
With the standardization efforts complete, I collaborated with the Technology team to align on architecture and implementation strategy. We decided to rebuild much of the engineering library at the atomic level and to version-control the variations we identified in existing components. Additionally, we developed an open and transparent beta process using subsystems across the products, providing the checks and balances needed to minimize risk.