5 Lessons I’ve Learned So Far About Design Systems as a Placement Product Designer at Matillion

Starting my journey as a Product Designer, I had no idea that design systems would be at the heart of everything I’d do. I quickly learned they’re more than just a collection of reusable components—they’re the foundation for scalable designs, seamless collaboration, and consistent user experiences. Working primarily on a design system at Matillion has sharpened my technical skills and shaped how I think about collaboration, creativity, and the overall user experience.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Consistency is the foundation

I believe most of us have used apps where nothing seems to match – button styles are all over the place, fonts don’t align, and you’re left wondering, “Did they even test this?”. That’s where design systems shine.

A well-built design system ensures everything looks and feels consistent, giving users a sense of trust and familiarity. For designers, it’s like having a clear roadmap – no guesswork, no mismatched elements. Just clean, reliable design!

My first contribution to our design system was conducting an audit. I identified inconsistencies in colour usage and typography. For instance, there were cases where our primary colour was used in three slightly different shades across components! Addressing these discrepancies ensured a unified look and built trust in the system for both users and designers.

For me, working with a design system has highlighted the importance of details. Every pixel, every padding value, and every hover state contributes to a seamless user experience. Consistency isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building trust.

Takeaway: Consistency isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an experience where users don’t have to think twice. It lets designers focus on solving bigger problems.

2. Efficiency is the name of the game

Remember that feeling on the first day on the job when you're thrown into the deep end? That was me (not literally thrown in the deep end), facing a massive design system with countless components, naming conventions, and rules to learn. It felt like learning a new language, and I was worried I'd never be fluent. But as I started to explore the system, I discovered it was a well-organized documentation hub. With each component I learned and each rule I understood, my confidence grew. I realised that the design system wasn't just a tool; it was a roadmap to efficient and effective design.

Using tools like Token Studio to create and map colour and typography tokens across the design system saved hours of manual work. This is especially useful when we need to update our brand’s colour palette, for instance. Token Studio allows us to apply changes system-wide in minutes, maintaining visual consistency and avoiding the painstaking task of updating every individual element.

Instead of designing components from scratch, designers can focus on solving user problems and creating new flows. The design system provides all the tools needed to work smarter and faster. By crafting reusable components, defining standards, and documenting guidelines, I help eliminate the guesswork. Questions like, “Should this border be 1px or 2px? Or should the background colour be #F1F1F1 or #F2F2F2?” are answered before they’re even asked, freeing designers and developers to tackle the bigger, more impactful challenges.

Understanding the system inside and out is crucial to using it effectively. And contrary to the belief that design systems stifle creativity, they actually enable the team to make meaningful contributions. Each new insight, improvement and addition helps the system grow stronger and more versatile, making it a true asset for everyone.

Takeaway: A well-designed system doesn’t just save time, it unlocks creativity and empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly.

3. Collaboration becomes effortless

One of the most rewarding aspects of working on a design system is how it unifies teams. When I started my career as a product designer, I imagined endless back-and-forth over designs that didn’t translate well into code. With a shared design system, we were speaking the same language from day one. For example, when I collaborate with developers, I can refer to specific components or tokens from the design system, and they know exactly what it means and what to build. Design System is like a translator for designers and developers, keeping everyone aligned and the workflow smooth. This shared framework ensures the final product aligns with the design vision.

Takeaway: When everyone uses the same design system, it’s not just efficient, it’s empowering.

4. Creativity thrives within boundaries

One of the most fulfilling aspects of working on a design system is designing the framework itself.

At first, I thought a design system would feel restrictive, like colouring inside the lines. But here’s the twist: those boundaries actually spark creativity.

I experienced this firsthand when creating a table component from scratch. The challenge was to make it flexible enough for different use cases, while ensuring consistency with the rest of the system. I designed variations for headers, cell alignments, and hover states, all while adhering to the design system’s rules. These constraints pushed me to think strategically about adaptability and usability. It also taught me to look closely at seemingly minor details like spacing and alignment. None of this was to be overlooked.

Working on a design system means thinking strategically about how components can adapt to different needs while staying true to the brand. It requires constant problem-solving, creative thinking, and paying attention to even seemingly tiny little details. And when the system works, it enables other designers to push boundaries without breaking consistency. It’s a mix of strategy and artistry – balancing flexibility with consistency. 

This work has reshaped my idea of creativity. It’s not just about designing a flashy interface but about creating tools that empower other designers and developers to work more efficiently, while delivering a cohesive user experience.

Takeaway: Building a design system is a creative challenge that combines strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of user needs.

5. Design systems are always evolving

One of the most exciting (and challenging) aspects of working on a design system is that it’s never truly finished. As products grow and user and business needs change, the design system must adapt. New components are added, old ones are refined, and feedback from the team keeps it relevant. I have seen this play into reality. 

Working on a design system has taught me that it’s an ongoing process – one that requires care, collaboration, and a little bit of patience. But when you see it all come together, it’s so worth it.

Takeaway: A design system is a living, breathing entity. Treat it like a product, not a static library.

Conclusion: Building Systems = Building Skills

Working on a design system as a new product designer has been a transformative experience. It’s taught me the power of consistency, the efficiency of collaboration, and the creative potential of constraints.

As I continue to grow as a designer, I’m eager to explore the evolving landscape of design systems.