AXA UK

Role

Lead Product designger

Client

AXA UK

Readtime

15 mins

Brief

As the Lead Product Designer for AXA UK, I was tasked with developing a scalable, future-proof design system for the AXA retail team, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all platforms. Alongside this, I collaborated with UX teams and stakeholders to enhance user experiences in customer-oriented projects. My work involved balancing system development with the demands of other projects, integrating user research, and aligning design decisions with both business goals and user needs. The outcome was a robust, user-centric design system that streamlined processes and elevated the overall digital experience.

Label-Tools/method

• Double diamond • Kanban • Waterfall

Sketch

AfterEffects

PremierPro

Trello

ZeroHeight

AXA UK

Role

Lead Product designger

Client

AXA UK

Readtime

15 mins

Brief

Label-Tools/method

• Double diamond • Kanban • Waterfall

Sketch

AfterEffects

PremierPro

Trello

ZeroHeight

AXA UK

Role

Lead Product designger

Client

AXA UK

Readtime

15 mins

Brief

Label-Tools/method

• Double diamond • Kanban • Waterfall

Sketch

AfterEffects

PremierPro

Trello

ZeroHeight

Challenges

The development of the AXA design system presented several significant challenges:

Working Solo on the Design System

Initial System Deficiencies:

Balancing Multiple Projects:

Stakeholder Management and Expectations:

Evolving Requirements:

These challenges necessitated a strategic approach, clear communication, and a strong focus on both short-term solutions and long-term goals. The ability to navigate these difficulties was crucial in successfully delivering a robust, future-proof design system for AXA.

Before: The previous system contained 300+ buttons

After: Buttons reduced to 30 and integrating into component sets

Approach and Decision-Making

To tackle the challenges of developing the AXA design system, a strategic and structured approach was necessary. Here’s how I navigated the project.

Adopting the Double Diamond Framework

Assessing the Existing System

Defining the Scope

Design System Architecture

Prototyping and Testing

Delivery and Implementation - Documentation and Handover

Training and Support

Continuous Collaboration

This structured approach, combined with strategic decision-making, enabled me to deliver a robust design system that not only resolved existing issues but also provided a strong foundation for AXA’s future digital initiatives.

Daily Task Kanban for projects

Design System specific Kanban

Solutions and Implementation

The solutions developed for the AXA design system were rooted in the insights gained during the discovery and development phases. Here’s how the system was implemented

Rebuilding the Design System

Prototyping and User Testing

System Documentation

Handover and Training

Customer-Oriented Projects

Defining spacial settings built into components

Wireframe structures to handle developing projects

Atomic component organisms in both desktop and mobile viewports

Expanding the Design System Across AXA

Macro-Level Design System Integration

Beyond developing the design system for AXA retail, I also focused on expanding its use across other parts of AXA, such as AXA Health. I devised a diagram mapping out how design systems could be utilised between teams, providing autonomy while maintaining a connection to a larger, macro-level design system library.

Macro-Level Design System Integration

Beyond developing the design system for AXA retail, I also focused on expanding its use across other parts of AXA, such as AXA Health. I devised a diagram mapping out how design systems could be utilised between teams, providing autonomy while maintaining a connection to a larger, macro-level design system library.

Macro-Level Design System Integration

Beyond developing the design system for AXA retail, I also focused on expanding its use across other parts of AXA, such as AXA Health. I devised a diagram mapping out how design systems could be utilised between teams, providing autonomy while maintaining a connection to a larger, macro-level design system library.

Strategic Collaboration

I conducted research and initiated meetings with Zeroheight, arranging collaborations between AXA Retail and AXA Health. This partnership was aimed at streamlining the design-to-development process, reducing duplication across different design teams, and increasing awareness of existing and in-progress components. This collaboration further reinforced the system’s scalability and its potential to unify design efforts across AXA.

The implementation of these solutions resulted in a robust design system that not only addressed the deficiencies of the previous system but also set a new standard for design consistency and efficiency at AXA. The system was scalable, adaptable, and designed to support AXA’s ongoing and future digital initiatives, ensuring long-term success and user satisfaction.

Strategic Collaboration

Conclusion

The AXA design system project was a significant undertaking that required balancing the development of a comprehensive, scalable system with the demands of customer-oriented projects.

Despite the challenges of working independently on the design system, managing evolving requirements, and navigating stakeholder expectations, the project resulted in a robust, future-proof design system that improved efficiency, consistency, and user satisfaction across AXA’s digital platforms.

The process taught valuable lessons in adaptability, the importance of communication, and the need for effective documentation and training. By incorporating feedback from team members and stakeholders, the system evolved into a powerful tool that served the needs of both technically minded users and those less familiar with design systems.

The project not only delivered immediate results but also provided a solid foundation for future innovation at AXA.

Lessons Learned and Reflections

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