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design systems

Enterprise design systems that deliver, not just promise

Complex product portfolios, numerous teams, a wide variety of tools, and diverse challenges: we understand the realities of large organizations. Our approach to enterprise design systems combines strategic, iterative implementation with lasting impact.

Our services

Design systems aren’t a goal. They’re a tool.

Many companies are stuck: Either they have a design system that hardly anyone uses, or it’s planned but never prioritized, or a tangled mess develops that makes every migration a nightmare. We help unlock and harness the potential of a design system, without dogma, without overhead, and without the “just get it built” mentality.

Collage of design system interfaces: app navigation in light and dark themes, properties of an alert component, color variables and the library’s page list
Collage of design system interfaces: app navigation in light and dark themes, properties of an alert component, color variables and the library’s page list

How good is your design system, really? Take the test.

The 7-step maturity model for design systems shows you where you stand and what will help you grow in a targeted way and strategically develop your system. Easily assess your maturity level now.

Try it in 10 minutes

Strategically conceived, practically implemented

  1. Experience with complex enterprise structures

    We have built, implemented, and further developed design systems in large organizations, from multinational corporations to medium-sized companies.

  2. A system, not just components

    We think beyond building blocks: processes, roles, and governance are just as much a part of it as tokens and UI elements.

  3. Focus on impact, not on completeness

    A good system is never finished, but it’s always ready to use.

Here’s how we can tackle this together

Audit & Strategy

Audit & Strategy

Where do you stand? What do you really need?

  • Analysis of existing structures, tools, and roles
  • Maturity assessment and recommendations for action
  • Prioritization: What’s important, and what can wait?
  • Optional: Stakeholder mapping & quick wins

    Ideal for teams that have “something in place” but lack clarity or impact.
Setup & pilot testing

Setup & pilot testing

From concept to a ready-to-use system:

  • Building a usable MVP (components, tokens, documentation)
  • Tooling and architecture consulting
  • Joint pilot use case for validation
  • Initial processes for maintenance and collaboration

    for organizations that are just getting started or want to start over.
Enablement & adoption

Enablement & adoption

So that it’s not just built, but actually used:

  • Playbooks, guidelines, and training formats
  • Role and governance models
  • Stakeholder communication & onboarding
  • Optional: Contribution Formats & Internal Community Strategies

    for teams seeking to achieve internal effectiveness and widespread adoption.
Scaling & further development

Scaling & further development

From the first system to a strategic asset:

  • Integration into delivery and product processes
  • Maintenance processes and tooling optimization
  • Strategy for rebranding or migrations
  • Metrics and feedback loops (e.g., usage, coverage, speed)

    For companies that view their system as a long-term product.

How we’ve helped in the field of enterprise design systems

  1. Man in a “Not the User.” T-shirt explains the components of the Sartorius design system in front of a screen, with the Sartorius logo below on yellow

    A scalable design system with a community-driven approach

    To achieve a more consistent UX, Sartorius wanted to build a design system, which became the go-to tool for communication and collaboration.

    Read the Success Story
  2. Two women sitting at a wooden table with a laptop and coffee cups, listening attentively, a “Not the User.” sign in front

    Fine-tuning an established design system

    For a design system that was already in heavy use, we helped a large organization document missing patterns, optimize processes, and strengthen the organization’s ability to work with the system.

  3. Tablet showing the METRO customer account: permissions for employee Barbara Winkler under “Staff & Permissions”, with the yellow METRO logo on a blue background below

    Digital readiness for a wholesale giant

    As part of a comprehensive digital transformation initiative, we helped METRO build a UX guild and establish its first design systems.

    Read the Success Story

Practical knowledge to help with design system decisions

Article

Why so many enterprise design systems fail

Too many design systems in complex organizations fail to reach their full potential. Learn how to increase adoption, ensure quality, and accelerate your product development.

Also on this topic: Design system: the base camp for your product team The design system maturity model: 7 steps to greater structure and impact.

Let’s talk

Whether it’s optimization, implementation, or the transition from a component library to a full-fledged enterprise design system: Together, we’ll figure out which solution will help you move forward.

Nadine Pieper, senior UX consultant at UX&I, smiling with glasses and arms crossed in the office

Nadine Pieper Senior UX consultant · Berlin

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Nadine Pieper

Your call with

Nadine Pieper

Senior UX consultant

Berlin