Design System Audit
Role
UI Designer
Agency
FCB Chicago
Software
Figma
I played a key role in overhauling the Cox Communications Design System. We inherited a system with significant usability and scalability issues. My work focused on re-aligning it with brand standards, addressing critical accessibility concerns, and creating crucial documentation. This project was an exercise in problem-solving under tight constraints, resulting in a more cohesive, accessible, and user-friendly system for the entire organization.
Challenges | Successes |
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01| My Role & Process
As a dedicated design system designer, I partnered with one other designer for a six-month period to address these challenges. My process was rooted in a methodical audit and strategic problem-solving.
Comprehensive Audit: I started with an in-depth audit to assess the system's alignment with brand standards and identify key usability and scalability gaps.
Brand Re-alignment: My priority was to correct inconsistencies. I built out new icon libraries, ensured the color palettes were accurate for each sub-brand, and created dedicated asset libraries for logos and imagery.
Creative Problem-Solving: With the mandate not to create new components, I focused on finding innovative workarounds. This involved heavily altering existing components to fit new use cases, such as redesigning the card component to be dynamic and versatile across different pages.
Enhancing Accessibility: I made it a core goal to address critical accessibility issues in color, typography, and component UX. This involved reviewing palettes for contrast and improving component usability to reduce cognitive load.
02 | Impact & Results
My contributions resulted in a more robust and professional design system that directly improved the workflow for other designers and the quality of the final product.
Improved Designer Efficiency: I reorganized pages and components, creating intuitive jump links and overview pages that made the system significantly easier to navigate, saving designers valuable time.
Increased Accessibility: The project's biggest win was a successful re-alignment with accessibility standards, laying a critical foundation for more inclusive design across the organization’s digital products.
Scalable Component Solutions: I created flexible component solutions, most notably with the redesigned card, which addressed a major usability bottleneck and provided a reusable asset for future projects.
