Design Systems Podcast
119. Rethinking Design Consistency: Debating Tokens vs. Components with ADPs Alice Preisler
Oct 1, 2024
Alice Preisler, Product Owner of Design System at ADP, dives into the debate on whether design systems should start with components. She proposes focusing on documentation and design tokens instead. Alice shares her vision for using a linting tool to maintain design consistency and foster creativity within constraints. The conversation explores the complexities of localization, the necessity of solid documentation, and balancing speed with consistent design quality. It's an engaging discussion that challenges traditional notions and emphasizes structured workflows.
32:00
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Quick takeaways
- Focusing on strong foundational design principles and documentation can enhance the maturity and effectiveness of design systems.
- Utilizing design tokens and better tooling bridges the gap between design and engineering, fostering collaboration for efficient product development.
Deep dives
Understanding ADP's Ecosystem and Design System
ADP has evolved from a payroll company to a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) provider, managing not just payments but also employee hire and management processes. This shift necessitates a robust design system that integrates with various software services, allowing both employees and managers to access their financial data seamlessly across multiple platforms. The ecosystem is multifaceted, catering to a diverse customer base that includes both small businesses and large enterprises across numerous countries. Localization is vital, requiring adaptations for different languages and cultural contexts as ADP continues to expand globally.
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