On Theme: Design Systems in Depth
I’m a design system consumer now: lessons from the other side, with Beau Ulrey — #07
Mar 3, 2025
Beau Ulrey, who leads a design team at Oracle Health, shares unique insights from his experiences in both creating and consuming design systems. He discusses the balancing act between speed and stability in development. The conversation delves into the integration of design systems with AI, challenges in onboarding new team members, and the importance of cross-team empathy. Beau also reflects on the tension between design and product teams, highlighting the necessity for better collaboration and communication.
43:58
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding business values enhances design decisions, leading to the creation of impactful design systems and fostering collaboration.
- Empathy and consistent communication between design system and product teams are essential to address frustrations and improve overall workflow.
Deep dives
Understanding Design Systems and Their Business Impact
Designers who grasp the business context are often more effective in their roles, as seen in the podcast conversation. The guest, Beau Ulrey, emphasizes that understanding business values informs design decisions, aiding in the creation of impactful design systems. As he transitioned from working directly on design systems to consuming them, he gained insights into their structure and usability, allowing him to generate a more meaningful impact in his current position. This shift highlights the importance of viewing design systems not as isolated components but as integral to overall business strategy.
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