81. Embracing change with Mark Reynolds, Design System Consultant: How design and engineering roles are evolving in design systems
Aug 30, 2023
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Design systems expert, Mark Reynolds, discusses the evolving roles of design and engineering in relation to AI and technology advancements. He emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset, new skills, and the creation of specialized roles. The power of community, human creativity, and the potential dystopian future of AI-generated content are also discussed.
Design systems challenge traditional ways of working in design and engineering, promoting more efficient practices.
As design and engineering roles evolve, specialized titles like UX engineer and design technologist are emerging.
Deep dives
Design systems are an enabler for practitioners
Design systems bring about positive change in organizations by enabling practitioners to focus on customer and user needs. They enhance efficiency, productivity, and ROI, but implementing and adopting design systems require effort and understanding.
Design systems drive culture change
Design systems play a critical role in changing the culture of organizations. They challenge traditional ways of working in design and engineering, encouraging a shift towards more efficient and effective practices. By embracing design systems, practitioners can better align their work with organizational objectives.
The future of work and the role of AI
With the rise of AI, the future of work in design and engineering is changing. While there may be concerns about job redundancy and efficiency-focused cultures, the speaker believes that AI and design systems will transform roles rather than replace them. As our roles shift, nurturing new skills and embracing a change in mindset will be key to staying relevant in the industry.
Specialization and the power of titles
As design and engineering roles evolve, there is an emergence of specialized titles like UX engineer and design technologist. While titles are important for hiring purposes, they also reflect the need for expertise in specific areas. The speaker suggests that these specialized roles might eventually merge into something new as technology advances and our understanding of design and engineering expands.
Chris Strahl and Mark Reynolyds navigate the ever-changing world of design systems, exploring the idea that design and engineering roles will become more aligned in the near future.
Register here for our upcoming webinar, ‘Theming in Complex Ecosystems’ with Donnie D’Amato on August 30th.
Guest
Mark Reynolds is a design systems expert who works with enterprise organisations to set up successful design system practices. He is a consultant, educator and mentor in this space and helps elevate the benefits of design systems across the industry.
Host
Chris Strahl is co-founder and CEO of Knapsack, host of @TheDSPod, DnD DM, and occasional river guide. You can find Chris on Twitter as @chrisstrahl and on LinkedIn.
Sponsored by Knapsack, the design system platform that brings teams together. Learn more at knapsack.cloud.
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