Don't Build a Design System Until You See These 3 Signals

The worst design system project is one that starts too early. Wrong timing, wrong scope, wrong people and it dies in a folder somewhere, untouched. In this episode, Symon and Marcello break down the three signals that tell you you're actually ready for a design system, the two signs you're definitely not, and how to scope a version one that people will actually use. They also cover the build or buy decision, and why adoption matters more than architecture. This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on design systems. 💡 Key Topics: The 3 readiness signals: when a design system actually makes sense 2 signs you're starting too early (and will waste the investment) Build, buy, or borrow: product systems vs. web experience systems Who needs to be in the room beyond design and engineering How to scope v1 so it ships in weeks, not months The 90-day check: how to know if it's working Why the first step is always an audit 📖 Chapters: 0:06 — Series recap and what we're covering today 0:56 — The worst design system project starts too early 1:30 — Signal 1: Multiple teams making decisions independently 2:22 — Signal 2: You're scaling, rebranding, or rebuilding 3:55 — Signal 3: Recreating instead of creating 4:30 — Not ready: your brand isn't stable yet 5:33 — Not ready: no one to own it 6:09 — Build, buy, or borrow 7:49 — Web experience systems: Relume and Osmo Supply 8:27 — Who should manage the design system 9:39 — Scoping version one: start with what you rebuild every time 10:48 — The most common scoping mistake 12:05 — The 90-day check: is anyone actually using it? 12:57 — Start with an audit 13:33 — It doesn't have to be perfect. It has to exist. LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter