Consult, build, manage and maintain
During my time at Level Access, I championed the creation and implementation of a much-needed Accessible Design System, which was treated and managed like a product. The design system addressed inconsistencies, accessibility gaps, and inefficiencies in design and development processes.
Key Actions:
Auditing Existing UI Components: I conducted thorough audits of existing components to identify gaps in accessibility and consistency. This laid the foundation for a cohesive system that adhered to accessibility standards like WCAG.
Collaboration with Experts: Close collaboration with accessibility experts, designers, and engineers ensured that each component was both functional and accessible, meeting the needs of all users.
Development of Components: I worked on creating practical, functional components—such as buttons, banners, and tabs—that developers and designers could use consistently across projects.
Process for Management and Maintenance: Recognizing that design systems need continuous management, I established a process for regular audits, version control, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure the system remained up-to-date and scalable.
Comprehensive Documentation: I documented the system extensively, providing clear guidelines and best practices for designers and developers. This ensured that the system could be used effectively and maintained over time.
Results:
By treating the design system as a product, I ensured consistent updates, smooth adoption, and ongoing accessibility compliance, ultimately creating a scalable and efficient design framework that optimized both design and development processes.