Flag

We stand with Ukraine and our team members from Ukraine. Here are ways you can help

Become a member
Home ›› Design Strategy

Design Strategy

See All Topics
Read these first

A Brief History of Design Systems. Part 1

  • Design Strategy, Design Systems, Design Thinking, Digital Transformation, Historical Analysis

Discover the journey of design systems — from the modularity of early industrial and printing innovations to today’s digital frameworks that shape user experiences. This article reveals how design systems evolved into powerful tools for cohesive branding, efficient scaling, and unified collaboration across design and development teams. Dive into the history and future of design systems!

Article by Jim Gulsen
IDEAS IN BRIEF
A Brief History of Design Systems. Part 1
  • The article offers a historical perspective on design systems, tracing their origins from early modularity concepts in industrial design to the digital era, where they have become essential for consistent user experiences.
  • It highlights the evolution of design systems as organizations sought ways to streamline UI and UX elements, allowing teams to maintain cohesive branding while speeding up development.
  • The piece draws parallels between the development of design systems and pivotal moments in history, especially in print technology, where breakthroughs transformed access and consistency. These precedents show how modern design systems evolved into essential tools for business value.
  • It emphasizes how modern design systems empower teams to scale efficiently, fostering a shared language among designers and developers, and promoting a user-centered approach that benefits both businesses and end-users.
Read Article →
Share
Share:A Brief History of Design Systems. Part 1
16 min read

Tell us about you. Enroll in the course.

    ✕

    Join 740,000 designers, thinkers, and doers.

    Become a member

    This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Check our privacy policy and

    Accept policy