Background
As a member of the product team operating in a SCRUM environment, I undertook the challenge of crafting a comprehensive design system for a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application. Our front-end development utilized React framework, necessitating the creation of reusable components with thorough documentation. In my role as the Design System leader, I immersed myself in both the design and development processes, with a primary focus on ensuring clear behavior for each component and seamless integration with the development pipeline.
Objective
The primary objective was twofold: to establish a robust design system for the CRM application and to accommodate the unique requirement of dynamic branding, termed 'white label logic'. This demanded the creation of a system that could adapt to diverse client branding needs while maintaining consistency and usability across the application.
Approach
Design System Development: The initial phase involved designing and developing the design system from scratch. Leveraging React framework, I meticulously crafted reusable components with comprehensive documentation. Each component was meticulously tested to ensure optimal performance and behavior consistency across different contexts.
Dynamic Branding Implementation: Understanding the necessity for dynamic branding, I conducted extensive research on dynamic color palettes. This led to the introduction of a novel system for handling client branding. Clients were required to select a single color, which served as the primary brand color. Utilizing this input, the system automatically generated two levels of dynamic colors that harmonized with the client's branding. These dynamic colors were seamlessly integrated into the design system components, ensuring a cohesive brand experience across the application.
Luminosity Calculation for Optimal Contrast: A critical aspect of the design process was ensuring optimal contrast for text and other elements placed on the brand color. To achieve this, I implemented a luminosity calculation algorithm that dynamically adjusted the text and element colors based on the luminosity of the primary brand color. This not only enhanced readability but also adhered to accessibility standards, ensuring an inclusive user experience.
Outcome
The implementation of the dynamic design system yielded significant benefits for both the product team and end-users:
Enhanced Brand Flexibility: Clients were empowered to customize the CRM application according to their branding requirements, fostering a sense of ownership and brand alignment.
Streamlined Development Process: The reusable components and comprehensive documentation facilitated a streamlined development process, enabling faster iteration and deployment cycles.
Improved User Experience: The meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding contrast and readability, resulted in an enhanced user experience. Users could navigate the application with ease, regardless of the chosen brand color.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of a dynamic design system for the white-label CRM application exemplifies the intersection of design and functionality. By seamlessly integrating client branding requirements with robust design principles, we were able to create a versatile and user-centric solution that not only met the needs of our clients but also elevated the overall product experience. This case study underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in modern product design practices.