Scalable design system adopted accross global teams

Skills

Design systems, tooling analysis, accessibility, process design, collaboration with engineering

Spec

Figma Sketch, Abstract, Miro, Usability hub, react

Platform

Cloud based web application, using React.

Team

Worked accross UX team, writers, engineers, designs

Summary

I led the start of the creation of CastleUI, a design system for Moody’s Maxsight that replaced Sketch/Abstract workflows with a scalable Figma library. The system unified components, improved accessibility, and supported PassFort’s role as Moody’s hub for KYC product integration. My work set up contribution processes, documentation, and a coded library aligned with engineering, laying the foundations for adoption by a new global design team.

Components libary after adoption and hand off to entire UX team of over 30 people.

Challenges

1

Components had to be completely rebuilt rather than migrated.

1

Components had to be completely rebuilt rather than migrated.

2

Redesign opportunities were limited, requiring incremental improvements.

2

Redesign opportunities were limited, requiring incremental improvements.

3

Figma released major updates shortly after launch, forcing quick adaptation.

3

Figma released major updates shortly after launch, forcing quick adaptation.

4

Moody’s acquisition introduced new brand alignment requirements.

4

Moody’s acquisition introduced new brand alignment requirements.

Research and process

I conducted a tooling analysis comparing Sketch/Abstract with Figma and recommended migrating to Figma for its stronger prototyping, auditing, and accessibility features. From there, I rebuilt the design library from the ground up, converting existing patterns and gradually introducing greater consistency across the product. To support collaboration, I authored contribution process documents that set out peer review and testing requirements for new components, as well as mandatory AAA accessibility compliance. I also created a dedicated Figma contribution area to manage versioning and update records. Finally, I partnered closely with engineering to establish a coded component library, ensuring full alignment between design and development.

Release

Released CastleUI internally as the single source of truth for design. Updated the library to leverage new Figma features such as properties and aligned it with Moody’s brand changes after acquisition.

File component from live library.

Check box and radio components from live library.

Findings and results


1

Many designers successfully created and extended components within the system.

1

Many designers successfully created and extended components within the system.

1

Many designers successfully created and extended components within the system.

2

Accessibility and consistency across the platform were significantly improved.

2

Accessibility and consistency across the platform were significantly improved.

2

Accessibility and consistency across the platform were significantly improved.

3

A coded library was successfully established with engineering, ensuring parity between design and dev.

3

A coded library was successfully established with engineering, ensuring parity between design and dev.

3

A coded library was successfully established with engineering, ensuring parity between design and dev.

4

Deprecated components were maintained during rollout, smoothing the transition from older patterns and preventing disruption to live product teams.

4

Deprecated components were maintained during rollout, smoothing the transition from older patterns and preventing disruption to live product teams.

4

Deprecated components were maintained during rollout, smoothing the transition from older patterns and preventing disruption to live product teams.

5

The process and library were successfully handed over to a new global UX team of 30+, who continue to evolve it.

5

The process and library were successfully handed over to a new global UX team of 30+, who continue to evolve it.

5

The process and library were successfully handed over to a new global UX team of 30+, who continue to evolve it.

Available - UK Based

Available - UK Based