Summary
An essential part of creating a Design System is to make distribution and content flow sustainable. When the task is bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet, the challenge gets massive! How can DesignOps and Automation become a facilitator for this challenge? Join Senior Software Engineer & Designer Luca Rager from Xbox as he takes us through their innovative take on design systems. Luca will illustrate how Sketch’s flexibility and modern DesignOps automation has allowed Xbox to package, theme and easily distribute component libraries. Furthermore, how their system bridges the gap between the Xbox Design System team and the wider product teams at Xbox.
Key Insights
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Xbox's mission prioritizes inclusivity in gaming experiences for everyone.
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The Xbox design system (XDS) faced unique challenges due to the diverse products and platforms it supports.
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Flexibility and speed were key goals in developing the Xbox design system.
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Components were engineered for accessibility, featuring themes like light, dark, and high contrast.
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Clyde, an automation tool, bridges design and engineering workflows, packaging updates for rapid deployment.
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The design system is structured to support individual team customization while maintaining a cohesive library.
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Increased adoption rates of the design system are linked to improved accessibility documentation and practices.
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Collaboration between design and engineering teams is essential for efficient use of design components.
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The design system results show significant usability improvements across teams, including those outside Xbox.
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Professional development and learning are integral to the team's success and adaptability.
Notable Quotes
"I'm a software engineer and designer, a hybrid person working at Xbox."
"The most exciting aspect of this organization is the journey it has taken in recent years."
"We needed to meet endpoints like mobile and TV and desktop."
"The reality is that play is evolving and Xbox has evolved."
"As designers, we are the people that figure out solutions for people."
"Focusing on what's right for each participant in our design system helped us build better."
"Clyde runs to ensure every time a component is updated, packaging it seamlessly for teams to use."
"Ultimately, we have the right environment for you while still leveraging the same design data."
"Modern tools allow you to build very sophisticated systems, but the magic lies in the collaboration they foster."
"Our design system expanded to tons of new symbols and improved usability across the board."
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