design + code
Designing a Unified System at Betpawa
Introduction
Betpawa is a dynamic online betting platform focused on delivering an engaging user experience across various markets. During my 8-month tenure as a Product Designer, I was tasked with creating a design system aimed at improving design consistency and streamlining the development process.
Context and Challenges
Before the implementation of the design system, Betpawa faced several challenges:
- Inconsistent Branding: Various products exhibited a lack of cohesion in visual design, which diluted brand identity.
- Inefficient Workflows: Designers and developers often struggled with aligning their work, leading to delays and confusion.
- User Experience Issues: A lack of standardized components resulted in an inconsistent user experience, affecting user satisfaction and engagement.
My Contributions
To address these challenges, I led the creation of a comprehensive design system in Figma:
- Research and Gathering Requirements: I conducted workshops with cross-functional teams to gather insights on their needs and pain points. This involved brainstorming sessions and user feedback analysis.
- Key Components: The design system included typography guidelines, color palettes, button styles, form elements, and iconography. I ensured that each component was documented with usage guidelines and accessibility considerations.
- Iteration: Throughout the process, I gathered feedback from team members, allowing for multiple iterations to refine the components based on real-world application.
Collaborative Efforts
One of the most impactful aspects of my role was flying out to Estonia to evaluate the development team:
- Objectives of the Visit: The purpose was to assess the developers' performance, ensuring they had the resources and knowledge to implement the design system effectively.
- Assessment Criteria: I conducted one-on-one sessions to discuss their experiences and challenges. This allowed me to provide targeted feedback and recommendations, fostering a collaborative environment.
Impact
While the tangible results of the design system implementation will be realized over time, I believe it laid the groundwork for future successes:
- Enhanced Collaboration: The design system fostered better communication between designers and developers, reducing friction and improving efficiency.
- Potential for Increased User Satisfaction: Standardizing UI elements has the potential to create a more cohesive user experience, ultimately leading to higher user engagement and retention.
Reflections and Learnings
My time at Betpawa taught me invaluable lessons:
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working with developers coming from the perspective of a designer and a full-stack developer myself helped to give honest feedback to my CEO about their workflows and efficiencies
- Design System Philosophy: I gained insights into the importance of a design system as a living document that evolves with the product.
Conclusion
My experience at Betpawa has significantly shaped my approach to product design. The skills I honed and the relationships I built will influence my future projects, as I continue to advocate for cohesive design practices in dynamic environments.