Problem
At General Motors, I worked within a large team (1,000+ contributors) managing updates to the infotainment UI design system. While comprehensive, the system lacked internal consistency: components were inconsistently structured, brand groupings varied across files, and naming conventions were disorderly. This disorganization made the system difficult to navigate for designers and developers alike.
Action
During a project slowdown, I proposed and led a complete reorganization of the system. I created a detailed plan and gained approval to:
· Reorder brand components alphabetically for consistency.
· Standardize multi-faceted components under unified naming and structure.
· Correct inconsistencies in formatting (capitalization, pluralization, layout).
· Track updates across 200+ pages using Excel, while maintaining governance logs and changelogs for transparency.
Despite constraints (e.g., keeping interrelated Chevy/GMC components grouped), I adapted the structure while preserving essential logic.
Result
· Successfully completed the overhaul ahead of a tight deadline.
· Improved clarity and findability across 200+ component pages.
· Earned public recognition from fellow brand designers, who praised the improved usability in sprint meetings.
· Became known internally as “the design system librarian,” a title I wear proudly.