On Theme: Design Systems in Depth cover image

On Theme: Design Systems in Depth

Shipping new ways of working to a classic organization with the One UPS system, with Marcela Rodriguez Joos — #13

Apr 14, 2025
Marcela Rodriguez Joos leads the design system at UPS and plays a crucial role in the One UPS project, aiming to unify the brand's digital experience. In the discussion, she shares how a pivotal moment from the CEO sparked this transformation. The team successfully shortened development timelines from years to months and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in a large organization. Marcela also highlights the journey of cultural shifts, the value of storytelling in leadership, and shares spicy insights on implementing design systems.
54:05

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The One UPS project has significantly reduced product development timelines from years to just months, enhancing efficiency and speed of implementation.
  • Collaboration across various departments has been crucial for the design system's success, fostering innovation and a cohesive approach to design practices.

Deep dives

Accelerated Design System Progress

The discussion highlights the significant advancements made in the design system at UPS, showcasing over 15 successful implementations of new experiences. This progress allows for applications that previously took one to two years to launch to now be completed in as little as six months. The introduction of a cohesive design system has markedly improved the speed and efficiency of product releases, with UPS's Basic Shipping application already available on their website. This swift turnaround reflects a fundamental shift towards a more innovative and responsive organizational culture.

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