Constructing with Lego bricks
What precisely is a Design System and what do we want it for? Rens breaks it down: “To family and friends I typically describe it as constructing the ‘Lego bricks’ that type the spine of a product; consider enter fields or buttons for instance. We then use design tokens to specify the color or fashion of every block or button. Whereas bol used to regulate these design parts all through the group, now we centralize them. In addition to saving an amazing period of time, this manner of working ensures consistency and allows the organisation to innovate sooner.”
Not too long ago, bol applied its new visible id, presenting the right second for the Design System to shine. Rens shares enthusiastically, “Modifications on the smallest stage – like transitioning from ‘bol blue’ to a barely darker blue – have been applied into our Design System and immediately transferred all through the entire group, making it obtainable to over fifty groups. Moments like these actually spotlight the added worth of what we’re doing right here.”
Pleased with our work
Whereas Rens primarily focuses on design, Redmar applies his abilities in a very completely different area. “As Staff Lead, I set the route we’re heading in direction of, and determine which steps we must always take to get there. Whereas this position would possibly sometimes be stuffed by somebody with a design background, bol acknowledged that my expertise in data-driven work truly provides extra worth to the undertaking. It’s important to show that what we’re doing, additionally will get us the outcomes that we wish.”
To make the mandatory adjustments and add options based mostly on what’s wanted, each Rens and Redmar work carefully with designers and software program engineers inside the group. Rens: “I’m notably happy with our just lately up to date desk element. The code had gotten too difficult, making it laborious for groups to take care of and use. After assessing the wants inside the firm, we mixed completely different components and fully rebuilt the desk. I can confidently say it was our most bold undertaking up to now, but in addition our most profitable one; throughout all interfaces utilizing the Design System, this up to date element is now most generally used.”
Redmar provides, “Finishing such a giant undertaking collectively is actually satisfying. That’s why we made positive to have fun it correctly with a launch get together and cake. Wins needs to be celebrated, and fortunately, there’s loads of alternative for that at bol.”