Engineering Design Systems: UI Component Libraries and… Legos?
As a software company, it's important to continually look for ways to improve your development process and the user experience of your products. One effective way to do this is by implementing a UI component library.
A UI component library is a software toolkit created by Front End Engineers that codifies the Design System into reusable and configurable UI components. These UI components can then be easily wired up by multiple teams when building fully-featured or more complex User Interfaces.
One way to think about a UI component library is like a set of Legos. For example, think of each UI Component as a foundational Lego used to build/compose the more complex Star Wars Death Star Lego Set pictured below. Each individual Lego piece has it own set of reusable attributes used to assemble the larger Lego set.
But why exactly is a UI component library so valuable for a software company? Here are some key facts and figures to consider:
Save time and resources: According to a study by NNGroup, it takes an average of four times longer to design and build a custom UI element than it does to use an existing one. This means that by using a UI component library, you can save significant time and resources on development.
Improve the user experience: According to another study by NNGroup, users prefer consistent interfaces and are more efficient at completing tasks when using them. This means that by using a UI component library to ensure consistency across your products, you can improve the user experience and make it easier for users to navigate and interact with your software.
Reduce maintenance costs: A UI component library allows you to update and maintain a single set of components rather than having to update multiple copies of the same elements across different products. This can lead to significant cost savings in the long run, as you won't have to spend as much time and resources on maintenance.
Improve the consistency of your brand: A well-designed UI component library can help to create a cohesive brand experience for users across all of your products. This is especially important for companies with multiple products or features, as it helps to build trust and loyalty with users.
In conclusion, a UI component library is an invaluable tool for any software company. By using a collection of reusable user interface elements, you can save time and resources, improve the user experience, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the consistency of your brand. These benefits are supported by solid research and can help your company achieve its goals more efficiently and effectively.