Design System Approach vs. Product Strategy

Romina Kavcic

Dec 15, 2022

Why do some companies crush it with their design system while others barely give it a thought? The game-changer? The desire for an incredible product.

🚀 Product-led companies

Your business is your product.

* Have a design system.
* Prioritize user experience, speed, innovation
* Easy-to-use product means less work on support
* Prefer metrics + data analysis over subjectivity
* Gather feedback and iterate fast
* Flexible, agile org structure
* Cross-functional collaboration
* Optimized design processes

Product-led companies understand that having a design system means HIGHER speed, development velocity, and ROI.

🛠️ Product-enabled companies

The product enables you to sell your service.

* See the design (system) as a cost, not an investment 🤑
* UI kit is "enough."
* Top-down hierarchy
* A lot of decisions makers + a slow process
* Prioritize stability over speed and flexibility
* UX is important, but the design is not so much

🟡 Product-supported companies

The business can function without a product.

However, factors like industry, competition, and customer expectations can make these supplementary products increasingly vital for a business's success and customer satisfaction.

* Design system, what is that? 😅
* Siloed work environment
* Top-down hierarchy
* The pace is slower
* Lack of innovation

No matter which industry you're in, adapting fast is crucial as technological advancements happen week by week.

Published on:

Apr 24, 2023

This post was originally published on my personal Linkedin profile.

I'm Romina. I'm a Design Lead with an MBA. I advise, coach, and consult with companies on product design, design strategy & design systems. I can help you set up teams, processes, and culture.