‘LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS’ BOOK REVIEW

Setting up a design system is not a small job. There are so many things to consider. You might also just wonder if you, or the company you work at (or for), actually need it? If you need to know how to get started, which approach is most suitable, or which tools fit best, then this book ‘Laying The Foundations’ will lead you the way. Here’s my full review …

Let’s start by mentioning that you have to make sure not to skip the foreword, written by Meagan Fisher Couldwell aka @owltastic, as it says a lot about what the book is all about. It actually comprises it perfectly.

What is a Design System, and how do you sell it?

Andrew starts by explaining what a design system is, what the advantages are, and how you can sell the idea of creating such system. By highlighting common problems most developers can identify with, you sow the seed of the idea. This way you can try to make them excited about how this could be solved. Andrew explains how you can make as many people as possible enthusiastic with all the ways a design system could benefit them, whether it’s designers, developers, managers from marketing or sales,…

The designs we create can shape our world in positive ways. When we design systematically, we’re able to efficiently create better experiences for our users — but design. Systems also empower us to work better together.

The book also explains why it’s important to have a design system, especially for large…