Design System Uplift
The BCE Design System was upgraded in partnership with an external design consultancy, with research and analysis informing the direction of the project. As part of the internal project team, we worked closely with stakeholders across BCE to identify challenges, prioritise improvements and establish a more sustainable approach to managing the design system. Following the successful delivery of the uplift, I was appointed Product Owner and continue to guide its ongoing evolution across the organisation.
Objective
The primary objective was to identify opportunities to improve the BCE Design System and address barriers to its effective use and maintenance. The research examined documentation, platform compatibility, governance and ownership to better understand the needs of teams using the system. The goal was to create a more accessible, sustainable and trusted resource that supports consistent design decisions across BCE products.
Research methods
To gather insights, I used a combination of research methods:
Surveys and interviews: I met with key stakeholders and users of the BCE Design System to understand their pain points and requirements.
Tool analysis: I analysed industry-leading design tools to determine the best platform for upgrading the design system.
Desktop review: In collaboration with a design consultancy, we reviewed the components used across BCE products to identify gaps, inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement.
Project backlog: Working with teams across BCE, we prioritised and defined a minimum viable product (MVP) of design components for the upgraded design system.
These methods were chosen to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues and to gather actionable insights from both internal and external perspectives.
Synthesise insights
The research revealed several key issues:
Documentation challenges: The BCE Design System documentation was difficult to update due to its location on a SharePoint site and the need for specific skillsets.
Platform compatibility: The original design files were in Sketch, a Mac-only tool, causing compatibility issues for Windows users.
Outdated design system: The BCE Design System was based on Microsoft's UI Fabric, which has since been updated to MS Fluent UI.
Lack of ownership: There was no dedicated role for managing the design system, leading to inconsistent updates and maintenance.
These findings highlighted the need for a more accessible, collaborative, and well-governed design system.
Application of research to design decisions
The findings directly influenced several key design decisions:
Transition to Figma: Based on the compatibility and collaborative features of Figma, the decision was made to upgrade the design files from Sketch to Figma. This move addressed the platform compatibility issue and made the design system more accessible to all users.
Governance framework: A comprehensive governance framework was developed to ensure consistent updates, maintain design and brand consistency, and prevent usability issues. This framework included roles and responsibilities, and processes for ongoing improvements.
Reflect
The research process provided valuable lessons:
Need for governance: A clear governance framework is essential for maintaining the integrity and usability of the design system.
Continuous improvement: Regular feedback and updates are necessary to keep the design system relevant and useful.
Importance of accessibility: Accessibility was a key consideration throughout the project. I advocated for the adoption of WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and ensured the design system provided a foundation for teams to create more accessible digital experiences.
I am proud to have led this initiative and thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the design consultancy firm to drive this project forward. The support I received from my manager, project manager, and change manager was invaluable, and I deeply appreciate their contributions. I also want to acknowledge the product and developer teams, whose feedback during the research phase were crucial.
Initially, I anticipated some hesitation in adopting the updated design system. However, it turned out to be an immediate success. The Figma-based design system allowed teams to easily access components and collaborate on designs. This successful adoption was further strengthened by an effective change management process, comprehensive training sessions, and ongoing community of practice meetings.
Following the successful delivery of the project, I was appointed Product Owner of the BCE Design System. This role allows me to continue evolving the design system, supporting teams across the organisation and ensuring it remains a valuable resource as our products and design practices mature.
