Design Systems Decoded: Tailoring the Perfect Fit for Small Teams and Startups

Design systems are crucial in the tech industry, particularly for small teams and startups. They serve as the backbone of product design, influencing how a product is perceived and experienced by users. For teams with limited resources, the decision between adopting an off-the-shelf design system or developing a custom solution is vital. 

From the many, many projects that DiUS has done, I have found that delaying this choice can lead to significant challenges down the road, impacting the product’s development speed, scalability, and overall user experience.

When I join a new startup client or a team with limited resources, I always feel a sense of excitement and relief when I discover they’ve had thoughtful discussions about their design system needs. It’s not just about having a system in place; it’s about understanding its role and constraints. Seeing a team that has carefully considered whether to adopt an existing system or craft their own solution tells me they’re setting themselves up for success. It shows that design isn’t an afterthought, but a core part of their product strategy from the outset. 

The Appeal of Off-the-Shelf Design Systems

An off-the-shelf design system presents an attractive option – it offers a plug-and-play solution that can dramatically speed up the design process. These systems come with a set of predefined components, templates, and guidelines, allowing teams to focus more on product development or other design issues rather than on designing each element from scratch. I’ve seen more and more design systems arrive each year, which speaks to the growing popularity of these solutions.

Off-the-shelf systems provide a foundation for consistency in design, which is crucial for building a coherent user experience. This consistency is beneficial for the end-users but also streamlines the work process for developers and designers. With a common language and set of rules in place, teams can avoid the pitfalls of misaligned designs and ensure that their product maintains a professional and cohesive look.

I have also found off-the-shelf can be a great option for very early-stage startups that need to move fast and often lack a complete understanding of their customers’ needs. They serve as a significant step up from clickable prototypes, allowing startups to quickly put a functioning product in customers’ hands. This approach enables gathering real user insights and helps validate product-market fit before investing in a more bespoke solution. By using an off-the-shelf system, startups can accelerate their journey from concept to market, gaining valuable feedback and understanding along the way. It’s a pragmatic choice that balances speed, functionality, and the need for user validation in those critical early stages of product development.

However, while these systems offer speed and efficiency, they are not without their limitations. As we explore further, it’s important to understand that the ease of initial setup with off-the-shelf systems might come with trade-offs, especially when custom requirements arise.

Limitations and Challenges of Off-the-Shelf Design Systems

Off-the-shelf design systems offer quick start benefits, but they come with inherent challenges, particularly for projects with unique visions. One of the primary limitations is the potential mismatch between the system’s offerings and the specific needs of a product. These systems, while comprehensive, are often generic. They may not align perfectly with the unique branding or functional requirements of a product, leading to a situation where the design feels ‘almost right’ but not quite tailored. There is no perfect universal solution.

Another significant challenge is scalability and adaptability. As the product evolves, the initial design system may struggle to accommodate new features or changes that stray from its core components. This can lead to a disjointed user experience as new, custom elements begin to look and feel different from the initial set. Additionally, the more a team customises the off-the-shelf system, the more they drift away from its updates and support, potentially leading to maintenance challenges in the long run. I’ve found the more you push against an off-the-shelf system, the harder it is to work with. It’s best to accept that acceleration comes at the cost of customisation and the more you customise, the more you break.

Long-term reliance on an external system can create a dependency that might not be sustainable as the product grows. Teams need to be agile, and being tied to a system that doesn’t evolve at the same pace as their product can hinder progress.

Understanding these limitations is crucial for startups to make an informed decision. The appeal of speed and efficiency needs to be weighed against the potential future costs of adapting a system that may not grow with their product. And in my experience, examining the components, flexibility and performance of different off-the-shelf solutions can be a very time-intensive process.

Custom Design Systems: A Scalable Alternative?

For startups and small teams, particularly those with only one or two designers focused primarily on new product features, creating a custom design system may seem daunting. However, this approach can offer scalability and a tailor-made solution that grows with the product.

I’ve found the main advantage of a custom design system is its flexibility – allowing teams to craft a design language that aligns perfectly with their brand identity and user experience goals. This bespoke approach means every element, from typography to color schemes, can be designed to reflect the unique qualities of the product and brand. Which is really important when you’re trying to stand out in a crowded market or cater to a specific niche audience. Custom design systems also allow for easier iterations and updates as the product evolves, ensuring that the design remains consistent yet adaptable to changing user needs and business objectives. Moreover, it can be a valuable asset in building a strong, recognizable brand identity that resonates with users and sets the product apart from competitors. While it requires more upfront investment in time and resources, a well-crafted custom design system can pay dividends in the long run by streamlining the design process, reducing decision fatigue, and creating a cohesive user experience across all touchpoints.

However, the challenge lies in the resources required. Building a design system from the ground up demands time, design expertise, and often, a level of foresight that can be challenging for a small team or a rapidly evolving startup. The development of a custom system can divert valuable resources away from product development, which is a crucial consideration for any startup operating with limited resources.

Maintaining and updating a custom design system as the product evolves is a continuous task. Without a dedicated design team, this responsibility often falls on the few available designers or even the developers, which can lead to inconsistencies and technical debt over time.

Therefore, while a custom design system offers the advantage of full control and alignment with the product’s vision, it also requires a significant investment in terms of time and effort. This investment needs to be weighed against the immediate needs and long-term strategy of the startup.