Designing Paragon: A Scalable Design System for a Global Platform
As Lead Product Designer at edX, I transformed Paragon from a basic library into a scalable design system for millions of users worldwide. This delivered consistent, accessible UIs, boosted efficiency, fostered collaboration, and expanded edX’s global reach.
The Challenge
As edX grew, there were inconsistencies in UI design, scalability challenges, and difficulties in maintaining accessibility compliance. I was tasked with revamping our basic component library into a true design system.
My role started as UI designer, and has grown into design system lead.
Actions Taken
Drove Transformation
In the beginning, I designed a large number of reusable, responsive components, with best practices, usage guidelines, and adherence to WCAG AA accessibility standards.
I contributed to the development of our design system principles, governance, and contribution guidelines.
As I worked, I integrated new brand styles, ensuring a cohesive visual identity, and alignment to the new marketing brand launch.
Led the Design System
When we experienced turnover, I stepped up to lead our new design system, advocate for its use, and plan for the future.
As the new lead, I conducted user interviews with design system users and partnered with the lead engineer and community to create a roadmap for the year.
In 2023, I led a workshop at the annual Open edX Conference, held at MIT, which included international designers, engineers, and project managers. We set out again to plan for the next year.
Results
Organizational Impact
The Paragon Design System supported a massive scale of over 55,000,000 users, 50,000 courses, and dozens of countries, languages, companies, and universities.
It continues to provide significant benefits with minimal ongoing resources.
Professional Growth
By demonstrating leadership, driving strategy, and mentoring peers on best practice, I was promoted to Senior Product Designer,
Critical Mass is Key: Once a design system meets core needs, it continues to deliver value with less frequent updates.
Leadership is a necessity: Whether you have a dedicated design system team or not, you’ve got to have design system SMEs on the UX team to guide best practice and contribute to strategy.