Design Systems in Multi‑Brand Organizations – Leveraging Consistency Across Brands
Working in a multi‑brand environment with diverse ad agencies has shown me that maintaining consistency across brands is both challenging and rewarding. I recall an engaging cross‑brand workshop where teams collaborated on modular design strategies. This experience underscored how a centralized design system can empower each brand to shine while upholding a core standard.
Overview
For companies managing multiple brands, a centralized design system balances standardization with customization to achieve consistency while preserving individual identities.
Key Strategies
- Modular Design: Build a library of flexible components that serve as the foundation for all brands.
- Flexible Theming: Use design tokens to define customizable variables that differentiate brand identities.
- Central Governance with Local Adaptation: Establish centralized guidelines while allowing local customization.
- Consistent User Experience: Maintain standardized interaction patterns to build trust across brands.
Conclusion
A centralized design system in a multi‑brand context requires balancing standardization and customization to achieve operational efficiency while celebrating unique brand identities.