Design Systems Strategy
Building scalable, accessible design systems that empower teams and transform organisations. From token architecture to governance models, I bring people together to solve real problems through design systems.
Hi, I'm Dan Donald
I'm a design systems consultant with a mixed background of code, design and product. I love bringing people together and exploring how we amplify what we do through AI
Writing
Articles on design systems, leadership, and building better products
Can we bring ethics into our work with AI?
What we can do to reset any inherent biases in LLMs
Context matters, working better with LLMs
Moving beyond prompting into getting more useful and intersting results
The hunt for the source of truth
Is it design tokens...live code...?
Paddling in the AI waters
A little while ago, I wrote “Just another AI in design systems opinion” and want to kind of thread these thoughts together (with no doubt more in future) to chart my own
Just another AI in design systems opinion
Exploring how and if AI/LLMs should be a part of our design systems
Design systems are about people, not just components
A conversation about the human side of design systems and organizational challenges.
New to design tokens and find naming difficult?
Practical guidance for approaching design token naming when you are getting started.
Pushing at the edges of themes in design systems
Exploring the complexities and opportunities when design system themes meet edge cases and platform constraints.
So much has changed and yet so little
Reflections on the evolution of design systems and what has truly changed over time.
Component tokens first, hear me out
A different perspective on design token strategy, starting with component tokens.
When you take a break, you can see things differently
The value of stepping back and gaining perspective in design systems work.
The hidden layers of design systems: asking why
Exploring the deeper questions and motivations behind design system decisions.
Design systems tips
Practical tips and insights for working with design systems.
Navigating context switching
Strategies for managing multiple contexts and maintaining focus in complex work environments.
Design systems and the waves of future change
Looking ahead at how design systems will evolve and adapt to future challenges.
An experiment with design systems content in video
Exploring different formats for sharing design systems knowledge and insights.
All kinds of design systems stuff
A roundup of various design systems topics, insights, and observations.
Open web learning sessions
Exploring collaborative learning approaches and knowledge sharing in web development.
People-first Design Systems
Thoughts on design system presentation versus practical implementation and adoption.
What I Do
AI Consultancy
Using a variety of emergent techniques, I work with teams to get the most from these new technologies responsibly.
Let's Work Together
Currently Product Design Manager at Gymshark while running a design systems consultancy. I'm seeking leadership opportunities where I can help organizations scale their design and development practices while building high-performing, diverse teams.