How to build scalable design systems that unite designers and developers

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When seamless collaboration between designers and developers is paramount, Parisa Bazl , Head of UX at Commvault, has developed a framework for creating scalable design systems that drive efficiency and innovation.

"Design systems are the backbone of successful UX processes, but scaling them effectively is the real challenge," Parisa said in an interview with Nathan Isaacs for #InsightsUnlocked recorded live at the UXDX conference in New York City where she gave a talk on the topic. 

During the episode, she summarizes her approach to bridging the gap between designers and developers by introducing an object-oriented development framework to Commvault’s design system. This method, she explains, is pivotal in organizing patterns and components, thereby reducing the need for constant guidance.

“And it’s helped reduce some of the hand holding that was historically required when it came to just sort of making baseline updates to our core pages,” she said.

Parisa doesn't shy away from addressing the hurdles faced by design teams, particularly in large enterprises. "Design teams are typically out-resourced by everyone else," she notes, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear standards to empower teams to work independently.

The conversation touches on starting with key example pages or user flows and drilling down on those without necessarily thinking about the design system. "You have to write the book before you put it in the library," she advises. 

“Just look at the use case that’s in front of you and then when you’re done with those, you abstract those into patterns, such as when someone is creating a new object or when they are deleting something,” she said. “And you start to bucket those things into those different categories so that you have that reference when you go and take on your next use case.”

Resistance to new design systems is a common issue, and Parisa offers practical solutions, especially with developers. "When you start to speak their language, it takes away some of the mystery around design to make it easier for them to understand and so they are more willing to adopt it," she explains.

And with designers, she said, the framework “frees us up to have more time to look at the people aspect of technology.” “So it’s not necessarily ‘How are we designing?’ but rather, ‘What are we designing, and why?’”

While the plan works to bridge the gap between design and development, Parisa said it also can be applied to teams working on different aspects of the same product suite.

The role of AI in design is another hot topic that Parisa shares her thoughts on. While she acknowledges the potential for AI to automate design decisions, she emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human insight. "Technology is first and foremost about people. The software is just a delivery mechanism for their experience."

Parisa also champions diversity in tech, sharing her involvement in programs that train underprivileged youths in technical skills. "Diverse viewpoints are essential in technology design," she asserts.

Listen to the full episode to hear more of their conversation.