DNA-Amoeba Design System Inspired by the adaptability of amoebas and the structured nature of DNA, we developed the DNA-Amoeba Design System.
This system is built on the principles of atomic design, providing a flexible yet cohesive framework for all our digital products.
Structure:
Core (Atomic Level):
Typography
Color System
Iconography
Spacing and Grid
Motion and Animation Principles
etc
Platform-Specific Components:
a. Mobile:
Navigation patterns (e.g., bottom tabs, side menus)
Touch-optimized inputs
Mobile-specific gestures and interactions
etc
b. Desktop:
Complex data tables
Multi-column layouts
Hover states and keyboard interactions
etc
Shared Components:
Buttons
Form elements
Cards
Modals
Tooltips
etc
Documentation and Guidelines:
Usage guidelines
Accessibility standards
Construction rules
Implementation guides for designers and developers
Audit and Analysis: We began by auditing existing products and identifying common patterns and discrepancies. This helped us understand the scope of the challenge and the diversity of needs across different teams.
Collaborative Workshops: We conducted workshops with designers, developers, and product managers from various teams to gather insights, pain points, and wish lists for the design system.
Core Elements Development: Starting with the atomic level, we defined the core elements that would serve as the foundation for all products. This included creating a flexible color system that could adapt to different brand needs while maintaining accessibility standards.
Platform-Specific Exploration: We dove deep into the unique requirements of mobile and desktop platforms, creating component libraries that optimized for different screen sizes, input methods, and user behaviors.
Prototyping and Testing: We built interactive prototypes to test the versatility of our components across different product scenarios. This iterative process helped refine our construction rules and usage guidelines.
Documentation and Training: We created comprehensive documentation, including interactive examples and code snippets. We also developed a training program to ensure smooth adoption across all teams.
Rollout and Feedback Loop: We implemented the design system in phases, starting with pilot projects. We established a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement and updates to the system.
Efficiency: Design and development time for new features decreased by 40% across products.
Consistency: User satisfaction scores improved by 25% due to more intuitive and consistent interfaces.
Scalability: The number of custom components required for new products decreased by 60%, accelerating product launches.
Collaboration: Cross-functional collaboration increased, with designers and developers speaking a common language.
Accessibility: Overall accessibility compliance improved by 35% across all products.
Lessons Learned:
Flexibility is key: While consistency is crucial, the system needs to be flexible enough to accommodate product-specific needs.
Documentation is as important as the components themselves: Clear, up-to-date documentation ensures proper implementation and reduces the learning curve.
Continuous evolution: A design system is never "finished." Regular updates based on user feedback and new technology trends are essential for long-term success.
Conclusion: The DNA-Amoeba Design System transformed our approach to product design and development. By providing a structured yet flexible framework, we were able to achieve consistency at scale while still allowing for innovation within individual products. This system not only improved our efficiency and user experience but also fostered a more collaborative and aligned organizational culture.
