My Career Path to Design Systems: A Non-Linear Journey
A Personal Reflection
My foray into the world of design traces back to my early days in grade school. The initiation happened through my involvement with the high school newspaper, where I found myself designing ads, crafting cartoons, and constructing page layouts. Interestingly, my initial career aspiration was journalism, leading me on a path that involved changing majors multiple times during my 4.5 years at North Carolina State University.
Eventually, I landed a degree in Technology, Design, and Engineering Education with a focus on Graphic Communication, having curated my own curriculum. The pivotal moment came during my senior year when I secured a graphic design internship, officially steering my course into the realm of design.
Discovering Design Systems: A Serendipitous Journey
My introduction to design systems was somewhat serendipitous. While working at Fidelity Investments, my team was in transition, and I found myself assisting other teams in the interim. It was during this period that a project emerged, bringing EightShapes on board to establish a design system for the business unit I was part of. As I delved into this work, I discovered the allure of design systems.
βDesign systems allowed me to navigate both the intricate details and overarching strategies of the organization.β
Design systems provided an avenue to engage at both the micro and macro levels of the organization β contributing to project-level experiences while influencing higher-order strategies. Eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible, I ensured the renewal of my contract. What started as a project confined to a single business unit evolved into a company-wide initiative, leading me to transition into a full-time role, dedicating the majority of my day to the Providence Design System.
The Influence of Mentorship: A Guiding Force
Mentorship, in its diverse forms, has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. Adhering to the belief that βif you feel like youβre the smartest person in the room, then youβre in the wrong room,β I actively sought out challenges and perspectives that would fortify my understanding of design and the world. Formal and informal mentors have each played a unique role in shaping my trajectory.
Guidance for Design System Enthusiasts: Lessons Learned
For those venturing into the realm of design systems, itβs crucial to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Organizations vary, and a proficient design systems practitioner should adapt their knowledge to address specific challenges while advocating for necessary changes in the future. As aptly put by Lauren LoPrete,
βDesign systems are culture change disguised as a UI kit.β
Embrace the perpetual learning journey. Stay open to new knowledge, challenge your own perspectives, and discern when to stand firm as a subject matter expert and when to allow others to take the lead.
Considering a career in design systems?
Iβve penned down some insights that might offer valuable perspectives: [βThoughts to Consider When Pursuing a Career in Design Systemsβ]
FAQs
Q: How did mentorship contribute to your growth?
Mentorship, both formal and informal, has played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional growth. It provided diverse perspectives, challenged my thinking, and served as a guiding force in navigating challenges.
Q: What advice do you have for those considering a career in design systems?
Recognize the uniqueness of each organizational context. Adapt your skills to address specific challenges, and be a catalyst for positive change. Embrace continuous learning, challenge your perspectives, and discern when to lead and when to collaborate.
Q: How do you balance micro-level details with overarching design strategies in a design system?
Design systems offer the unique opportunity to navigate both intricate details and broader organizational strategies. It involves contributing to project-level experiences while influencing higher-order strategies, creating a dynamic balance between the micro and macro levels of design.
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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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