0 to 1: Building the Freedom Design System
problem
As we worked across multiple platforms, we quickly realised the need for a scalable design system to streamline our workflow. We built one from the ground up to ensure consistency and efficiency across our app and web platforms.
As we worked across multiple platforms, we quickly realised the need for a scalable design system to streamline our workflow. We built one from the ground up to ensure consistency and efficiency across our app and web platforms.
Company
GetGo Carsharing
GetGo Carsharing
PLATFORMS
Mobile app, Web, Internal tools
Mobile app, Web, Internal tools
role
Product Designer, Research, Mentor, Facilitator
Product Designer, Research, Mentor, Facilitator
RESPONSIBILITIES
UI/UX, Research, Documentation, Scrum Master
UI/UX, Research, Documentation,
Scrum Master
UI/UX, Research, Documentation,
Scrum Master
Key results
Key results
In just one quarter, we built 7 foundational styles and 27 components in Figma
In just one quarter, we built 7 foundational styles and 27 components in Figma
Developed repositories and guidelines for wider company adoption
Developed repositories and guidelines for wider company adoption
Which resulted in…
Which resulted in…
60% lesser code to build UI
60% lesser code to build UI
Removed 59 redundant color styles and 29 text styles
Removed 59 redundant color styles and 29 text styles
Increased overall efficiency for Product Design, Tech and QA
Increased overall efficiency for Product Design, Tech and QA
How it began
How it began
As the team grew, we realised that simply pulling screens from a Figma file wouldn’t scale in the long run. Seeing how other companies streamlined design with one-click variations, we took matters into our own hands and built a system that could evolve with our needs.
As the team grew, we realised that simply pulling screens from a Figma file wouldn’t scale in the long run. Seeing how other companies streamlined design with one-click variations, we took matters into our own hands and built a system that could evolve with our needs.
Process
Process
We started by auditing our entire codebase and platforms, including the GetGo app, Operator app, Website, and internal systems to identify inconsistencies and areas for improvement.
We started by auditing our entire codebase and platforms, including the GetGo app, Operator app, Website, and internal systems to identify inconsistencies and areas for improvement.
To scale efficiently, we opted for a ready-made system. Partnering with Tech, we chose Material Design 3 as our foundation and customised it to fit our needs.
To scale efficiently, we opted for a ready-made system. Partnering with Tech, we chose Material Design 3 as our foundation and customised it to fit our needs.
Next, we concentrated on experimenting with and enhancing other components to incorporate best practices and ensure they fit well with our current screens.
Next, we concentrated on experimenting with and enhancing other components to incorporate best practices and ensure they fit well with our current screens.
I collaborate closely with the Tech team to migrate the new components to the updated codebase, which also allows me to challenge myself in my role as a Scrum Master.
In addition, I led and guided two new teammates, and our collective dedication to the design system goals significantly accelerated progress, achieving key milestones that increased completion from 38% to 91% in just one quarter.
Currently, I plan our design system's roadmap and manage timelines, leading the team in preparing screens and assets for implementation whenever the Tech team has availability.
I collaborate closely with the Tech team to migrate the new components to the updated codebase, which also allows me to challenge myself in my role as a Scrum Master.
In addition, I led and guided two new teammates, and our collective dedication to the design system goals significantly accelerated progress, achieving key milestones that increased completion from 38% to 91% in just one quarter.
Currently, I plan our design system's roadmap and manage timelines, leading the team in preparing screens and assets for implementation whenever the Tech team has availability.
