From Photoshop to Design Systems: My Journey as a Designer
A Journey from Curiosity to Expertise
My design odyssey commenced at the age of 13, coinciding with the era when the internet transformed from a mere novelty to an integral part of our lives. My fascination with technology and software, including tools like Photoshop and Macromediaβs offerings (no, not you Flash), sparked my enduring curiosity.
From navigating diverse roles such as Branding Designer, traditional Art Director, to eventually settling into the realm of Product Designer, my journey led me to discover my true design home in the realm of Design Systems.
βI owe much of my design prowess to incredible mentors who have guided and inspired me throughout my career.β
Throughout my career, Iβve had the privilege of remarkable mentors. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping me into the designer I am today.
The Evolution: From Brand-Focused Design to Product Design
In my early days as a brand-focused designer, I delved into the meticulous world of style guides. These guides became my trusted companions, aiding me in bringing ideas to life in a harmonious and cohesive manner. The art of designing and defining how a brand should manifest in various scenarios became a passion.
Transitioning into the realm of product design was a natural progression. Here, my focus shifted towards introducing systems that not only facilitate the creation and design of products but also empower designers to tackle significant challenges and deliver impactful solutions.
The Significance of Mentorship
Reflecting on my journey, mentorship has played a pivotal role. The guidance and support provided by mentors, both in the past and present, continue to be invaluable. Even as a seasoned designer, having mentors to offer support and advice remains an essential aspect of my professional growth.
Guidance for Aspiring Design System Learners
For those venturing into the world of design systems, a fundamental principle is to find joy in helping people. Design systems are, at their core, about guiding, supporting, and empowering individuals across various roles β designers, engineers, product professionals β in crafting solutions to their unique challenges.
Avoid the temptation to reinvent the wheel. In todayβs landscape, numerous excellent solutions and tools are available to streamline your work. For instance:
- Tokens Studio: A comprehensive solution for all your design token needs, crafted by the team behind Jan Six.
- Stark: An indispensable tool for ensuring accessibility across all design aspects.
- The Component Gallery: A vast repository of design system inspiration to fuel your creative endeavors.
- UnStyled Component Library: A creation by Silvia BormΓΌller and Mr. Biscuit, offering a wealth of design components without predefined styles.
FAQs
Q: How did mentorship shape your design journey? Mentorship has been a
cornerstone of my design journey. The wisdom and guidance imparted by mentors have been instrumental in my growth, both as a designer and an individual.
Q: What advice do you have for new design system learners?
Find fulfillment in helping others. Design systems are fundamentally about guiding and supporting your peers. Additionally, leverage existing solutions and tools rather than reinventing the wheel to enhance efficiency in your work.
Q: How do you balance creativity and structure in design systems?
Achieving a balance between creativity and structure in design systems is an ongoing process. It involves allowing for creative exploration within defined frameworks to ensure consistency and usability across various applications.
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Authored by: [Niamh]
This collaborative research-driven exploration required [1] day of dedication and [2 to 3] hours of meticulous crafting.
Connect with me on Twitter: [@niamh_dcreator]
Thank you for your interest.
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