Creating a global design system: How a universal design system can revolutionize design

Brad Frost, a prominent figure in the design community and creator of the atomic design methodology, proposed the concept of a universal, neutral design system that could be shared globally among companies to streamline the design process. This idea aims to alleviate the repetitive work faced by designers and developers who create individual design systems for each company by suggesting a single, customizable design library. While the concept has sparked discussions and mixed reactions, with some seeing potential benefits in efficiency and others voicing concerns over feasibility and added complexity, it highlights a significant pain point in digital product design. Critics argue that the proposal may come too late given the rise of no-code platforms and AI-generated websites, but advocates believe it could simplify and improve design processes if approached and implemented thoughtfully. The debate underscores the importance of exploring multiple solutions to address the challenges of maintaining and creating efficient design systems.