Design systems: the missing ingredient

First, you must learn how systems are designed

Systems are complex.

Systems rely on interconnectedness. On networks. On groups.

If you intend to design a system, you must understand how it functions.

Since code is what underlies most systems today, then you have one choice:

As a designer, you must learn code.

• Maybe not how to code
• Maybe not why this type of code vs that

Certainly, though, what code can power a system.

Then you must understand how your system works.

Finally, you can study other systems and compare to yours.

You must be knowledgeable enough to recommend intelligent solutions that make sense, given the constraints of your system.

Without this knowledge — without learning enough about your system and the code that powers it — you’re doomed to fail when attempting to persuade others on the value and feasibility of your new design.

Learn code. Understand system design. Speak their language. Earn your seat at the table. Help each other design a better system.