Design System Modernization
Scalable UI Architecture
NDA Disclaimer: To comply with non-disclosure agreements, the copy and data in this case study have been adapted to a fictional agricultural theme (Synthesis Manager). The structural design, interaction patterns, and system logic remain authentic to the active standard for development.
Client: Pacific Defense
Role: Design
Evolving the design language to enhance consistency and scalability
Objective
The design team was tasked with modernizing a suite of legacy applications to improve product consistency and accelerate development. To achieve this, I identified the critical need to retire our legacy tools (Adobe XD) and architect a new, scalable system in Figma that would support the long-term growth of the product suite.
My Role & Contribution
I led the strategic migration to Figma and championed the adoption of Material 3. I was responsible for the end-to-end creation of the component library, utilizing modern features like design tokens and variables to bridge the gap between design and engineering.
System Goals & Deliverables
Consistency: Replaced static legacy files with a dynamic Figma library, utilizing Variables and Auto-Layout to create a "living" design system.
Accessibility: Integrated Material 3 principles to ensure all components met WCAG 2.1 AA standards, specifically optimizing contrast and touch targets for complex data.
Scalability: Built a tokenized architecture that supports multi-brand theming, allowing for seamless visual adaptation across different products.
Collaboration: Streamlined developer handoff by aligning Figma variables directly with code tokens, creating a shared language between product, design, and engineering.
The pre-migration interface built on Material 2, characterized by rigid containers and heavy gradients that limited data density.