Contents
Role
Visual Design Intern, Design System
Collaboration
Senior designers, engineers, UX researcher and managers
Timeline
4 months. Launched in Aug 2023
Tools
Figma, Mural, Jira, Confluence, Optimal Workshop
Overview
My time at RBC on the Design System team
Optimized the Design System's Icon and Logo library, in collaboration with designers, engineers and managers, achieving a 100x Figma memory reduction.
Delivered Design System documentation and met the needs for 800+ users, collaborating cross-functionally.
Took on a Product Design role, leading the redesign of the Design System website to boost Design System adoption, aligning with business needs.
Managed a 6-person design team for v6 release and performed as a Scrum Master.
My work is under NDA. This case study only shows the summary of my tasks, solutions and learnings. For more details, please contact me at staankate@gmail.com
Projects
Design System assets library has usability problems
Difficult navigation in assets library; memory overload due to inefficient component feature use; outdated documentation.
Optimized Digital Design System
Improved 250+ assets library, reducing Figma memory usage 100x. Enhanced onboarding for 800+ users and contributed to successful v6 launch.
Design System website poses user flow issues
The Design System website lacks effective onboarding, overwhelms users with information, and features inconsistent navigation.
Redesigned RBC Design System Website
Redesigned RBC Design System website to increase design system adoption by improving user flow, navigation and visuals.
The outcome
The problem
Statistics
My impact in numbers
x100
Reduction in Figma memory usage
250+
Assets library optimized
Top 1
Visited page in Design System website is Icon page
800+
Users got improved onboarding
Learnings
My key takeaways and areas for growth
Enhancing work prioritization
Recognizing the need to manage impatience with outcomes, I learned to prioritize work. Initially, I scheduled unnecessary team meetings, but improved by working with a focused group and assessing team initiatives before presenting mine.
Documentation is key
Using the "Decision log" template in focused group meetings for logo library design, I learned to promote accountability and team understanding. This documentation also aids in comprehending the design rationale for design systems end-users.
Leadership opportunities exist everywhere
Taking the initiative to manage v6 release preparation, I resolved workflow issues and boosted v6 launch. This experience showed that I can make an impact even in my temporary role.
Future steps: more visual design exercises
As a part of the team creating components for RBC designers and developers, I felt a strong responsibility for my designs, sparking a desire to further master skills for pixel-perfect results and bring value to stakeholders.
Fun!
The team that made my internship so enjoyable!
While I took genuine pleasure in staying busy designing assets for the Design System, I also had lots of fun with my exceptional team.
We love gelato and picnics!
As I said… I work hard. Jason, our Visual Design Lead, tried his best. And thanks to Eric, our Senior Interaction Designer, for the support!
Thank you!
I got to dive deep into a unique design niche – being a designer of the company's design system. I'm truly thankful for the chance to learn and grow, and my team made it all the more awesome with their guidance, support and valuable insights!
