A medical device company may have multiple business divisions and device types all working in silos, creating the potential for multiple, seemingly disconnected graphical user interface (GUI) designs and user experiences. Aligning these with a single source of design plans, behaviors and guidelines (i.e., a design system), while taking accessibility and inclusivity into consideration, will aid in creating simpler user workflows and cohesive user interface (UI) experiences. However, it can be difficult to know where to start when establishing a design system and why you should establish one in the first place. In this article, we will discuss top considerations when developing design systems and their key benefits.
Anatomy of a graphical user interface design system
A design system is a library of reusable GUI elements, code and guidance that serves designers and developers in understanding and implementing specific GUI elements. A GUI design system often comprises style guides, component libraries and pattern libraries. A style guide defines visual treatments (e.g., color usage, typography) with guidelines and behaviors of UI components and patterns. This guide provides consistent visual language that can be easily enforced throughout products (e.g., spacing of layouts, positioning of components and ensuring accessibility of components and patterns). Component libraries contain all UI elements that make up a digital product, including clear explanations for the element and how it is typically used. It defines the recommended default state of the component and the subsequent changes in appearance per state change. This library might also include code snippets for each element. The pattern library contains UI elements or templates including groupings of components (e.g., a card pattern that utilizes a header component, icon, body text, link and call to action (CTA) button).
Through thorough documentation, design systems stipulate how teams must design products for a seamless user experience across various device types.
The Benefits of Developing Design Systems for Medical Products (emergobyul.com)
The Benefits of Developing Design Systems for Medical Products
Emergo by UL human factors specialists share considerations when developing medical products and outline benefits for establishing design systems.
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