Systems

Design leaders create, maintain, and evolve the systems that support design teams. While sometimes we think of systems as a collection of tools (or, simply, the design system), systems underpin all aspects of design work.

Tools

Design leaders ensure teams have the right tools, including: * Design systems * Design and prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, etc.) * Documentation tools (Coda, Notion, etc.) * Research platforms (Analytics, UserTesting) * Collaboration and feedback tools (Slack, Miro) * Project management tools (Jira, Linear) * Asset management and version control

Processes

Design leaders establish clear, repeatable processes for: * Design reviews and critiques * Prioritization * Research planning and synthesis * Handoff and implementation * Quality * Knowledge sharing and documentation

Workflows

Design leaders create efficient workflows that: * Connect cross-functional partners effectively * Reduce friction in day-to-day work * Scale design impact across products * Enable consistent quality * Support rapid iteration * Facilitate clear communication

Support Systems

Design leaders build support structures that: * Guide career development * Enable skill growth * Provide mentorship opportunities * Foster knowledge sharing * Support team wellbeing * Enable continuous learning

Measurement

Design leaders implement systems to measure: * Design quality and consistency * Team efficiency and output * User satisfaction and impact * System adoption and effectiveness * Process health and bottlenecks * Resource utilization

Evolution

Design leaders ensure systems remain effective by: * Regularly assessing system health * Gathering feedback * Anticipating changing needs * Removing unnecessary complexity * Streamlining outdated processes * Introducing new capabilities thoughtfully