design systems

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.

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:

Published on:

Apr 24, 2023

Apr 24, 2023

Updated:

Updated:

Updated:

Apr 5, 2024

Apr 5, 2024

Apr 5, 2024

This post was originally published on my personal Linkedin profile.

I'm Romina Kavcic. I coach design teams on implementing design systems, optimizing design processes, and developing design strategy.

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© 2022 - 2025 The Design System Guide by Romina Kavcic

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