Project Scope
This project focused on the development of a unified design system for Bromcom Computers plc, cloud-based Management Information Systems (MIS) and finance software for schools, colleges, local authorities, and multi-academy trusts. As the Lead UX/UI Designer, I was responsible for driving the design strategy, tool selection, and implementation. The goal was to create a comprehensive design system to improve efficiency, reduce inconsistencies across platforms, and enhance collaboration between designers and developers.
Design Process
The process began with a detailed analysis of the existing product ecosystem through competitive research, internal audits, and stakeholder interviews. These investigations highlighted several challenges, including inconsistent UI components, redundant development efforts, and the lack of shared documentation. Based on these findings, we set out to design a centralised, scalable, and reusable system rooted in atomic design principles.
We audited existing screens and defined core UI elements, focusing on buttons, input fields, form components, layout grids, and visual language. Moodboards were created to align the design direction with brand identity and competitor insights. A comprehensive component library was developed in Figma and Sketch, with consistent styling for typography, colour schemes, spacing, and iconography. Storybook was integrated to provide interactive documentation, ensuring developers could access and implement the components effectively. Throughout the project, I collaborated closely with the development team to ensure the system remained practical and usable across engineering environments.
Results
The new design system had a measurable impact on both design and development processes. Development time was significantly reduced, as teams could now reuse components rather than build them from scratch. Visual consistency across the product suite improved, as confirmed by post-launch audits. Developers reported higher satisfaction with the process due to the availability of well-documented, pre-built components. Ultimately, the system enabled more cohesive product experiences and strengthened the design-development workflow across Bromcom’s digital platforms.
