Laying the Foundations
Insightful

Laying the Foundations A Book about Design Systems

This is real talk about creating design systems and digital brand guidelines. No jargon, no glossing over the hard realities, and no company hat. Just good advice, experience, and practical tips. System design is not a scary thing -- this book aims to dispel that myth. It covers what design systems are, why they are important, and how to get stakeholder buy-in to create one. It introduces you to a simple model, and two very different approaches to creating a design system. What's unique about this book is its focus on the importance of brand in design systems and creating documentation. It's a comprehensive, practical guide that's simple to follow and easy on the eye.
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Reviews

Photo of Raf
Raf@raffaele
5 stars
Dec 11, 2021

To recommend this book, you just need to be aware that Design and/or Systems topics are not boring to you. Curiosity, expertise, interest; after reading it you will surely have more to think about and ask.

+1
Photo of Nathan A
Nathan A@ztutsma
4 stars
Mar 24, 2023
Photo of Murphy Trueman
Murphy Trueman@murphytrueman
3 stars
Feb 6, 2023
Photo of Seyfeddin Başsaraç
Seyfeddin Başsaraç@seyfeddin
4 stars
Jul 28, 2022
Photo of Lupas Alexandru
Lupas Alexandru@lupas
5 stars
Apr 20, 2022
Photo of Josh Clement
Josh Clement@joshclement
3 stars
Mar 16, 2022
Photo of Stef
Stef@stef
4 stars
Jul 27, 2021
Photo of Tyler Jefford
Tyler Jefford@tjefford
4 stars
Jun 10, 2021

Highlights

Photo of JP Juinio
JP Juinio@jpjuinio

"Systems design is not only scientific and meticulous, it's the mastery of interacting with people in a sensitive and effective way. The systemn is an internal tool and our coworkers are its users. They're human, just like us, and they want to do a good job. By empathizing, reassuring, educating, remaining flexible, sharing, communicating, and staying positive we've overcome many hurdles and are excited to take on new challenges in the future.”

Quote by Linzi Berry

Photo of JP Juinio
JP Juinio@jpjuinio

The goal of a design system is to educate, not enforce. Approach the management from a teaching and collaborating perspective, not as the ruling authority

Photo of JP Juinio
JP Juinio@jpjuinio

“A jigsaw puzzle starts as a whole picture before it’s broken down into pieces. You’d have a terrible puzzle if you designed the pieces first, then later discovered they don’t fit together!”