Design Systems WTF Why aren’t people contributing to the design system?
Oct 31, 2024
Discover why contributions to design systems may be stalled, as insights reveal factors beyond governance at play. Learn about the hurdles designers face and how fears of complexity can deter participation. Explore the dynamics of federations and guilds, using the Spotify model to illustrate accountability in design roles. Delve into the advantages of centralized versus hybrid models for managing contributions. Finally, uncover strategies for fostering a vibrant community and encouraging various levels of designer engagement.
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Contribution Challenges
- Design system contribution issues often stem from fear and perceived complexity.
- Contributors may feel intimidated by the specialized knowledge of a dedicated team.
Federated Model Challenges
- Federated design system models, where everyone contributes, can become messy.
- Lack of a centralized team makes it difficult to maintain consistency and progress.
Federated Model Experience
- Michelle Chin worked on a federated design system due to limited resources.
- The ideal of shared contribution proved unrealistic as team members lacked sufficient time.