In my tenure at Google, my leadership and contributions were pivotal to the Material Design project. As the head of a skilled team of visual designers, we conceptualized and implemented this innovative design system.
It was originally called “Quantum Paper”
Material Design, originally known as Quantum Paper, is a design system that aims to create a user interface that resembles magic paper - a paper-like interface with advanced physics and emotive elements. As a visual design manager of the Android system, I led the design effort from an Android perspective and participated in the creation of the concept for Material Design. My team and I also led the implementation of the design in Android version L.
The process of creating the Material Design concept involved defining the properties and behaviors of "magic paper" in the interface, including weight, dimension, structure, gravity, and the evolution of the Google Now card concept. Once the implementation was complete, we compiled all available information to create the Material Design Guidelines, which allow designers to easily build Android apps by following the specifications.
This was the largest and most complex project I have ever been a part of, involving more than 30 designers, five stakeholders, and design reviews from the VP to SVP level. It required us to bring the concept elements of Material Design to life as a shippable product in the Android system.
The Dawn of Design Language
The inception of the UX visual design language was a significant turning point in the evolution of digital design. Its emergence can be traced back to the early days of graphical user interfaces, where the need for intuitive and visually coherent interfaces became increasingly evident. First, We focused on establishing what Google stands for by introducing strong visual design language.
Introduced in 2014, Material Design brought together principles from graphic design, motion design, and interaction design to create a unified design system. It provided a coherent set of guidelines, principles, and components that could be applied across different platforms and devices. After nine years after its inception - Material design has become the golden standard of how a visual design system should be.
Shaping the Digital Landscape: My Journey through Design Systems
From 2006, I've been deeply involved in the development of design systems and visual design languages, a skill I've honed over the years and across major tech companies.
My journey began at Sony, where I crafted the UXP, a design system that aimed to unify the look and functionality of Sony's digital ecosystem. It was a key step in demonstrating how a consistent and adaptable design language could significantly enhance user experiences across various platforms, from mobile, TV, Playstation.
At Airbnb, I helped to establish the Airbnb DLS. This ambitious project standardized the visual elements and interactions across Airbnb's platform, making it more efficient for the design and development teams and more intuitive for users.
In my work at Splunk, I created Prisma, a design system specifically tailored to the unique demands of data visualization. This task underscored the value of specialized design systems in environments dealing with complex data.
During my tenure at Reddit, I developed the Reddit Product Language (RPL). This design system was instrumental in transforming Reddit's platform into a more visually consistent and user-friendly interface.
Yet, my most significant contribution to the field is arguably Google's Material Design. As a key member of the team, I was involved in both the concept and application of this revolutionary design system. The goal of Material Design was to create a unified, flexible design system that worked seamlessly across devices and platforms. The result was a holistic system that set a new standard for coherence, scalability, and user-centricity in the industry.
Throughout my work, I've seen the transformative impact of design systems. They bring consistency and efficiency, but also encourage innovation by establishing a shared understanding and a common language for teams. Looking forward, I'm excited to keep exploring and shaping the future of design systems, leveraging the foundations laid by projects like Material Design, and pushing the frontiers of user experience design.
Navigating the Creation of Material Design: Collaboration and Communication
The successful delivery of Material Design was an orchestration of concerted efforts built upon the pillars of collaboration, leadership, and shared vision. As the Visual UI Manager, my role entailed steering this project's core UX and UI while synchronizing the diverse design requirements of various Google verticals. These included the likes of Google Chrome, Google Maps, Google Cloud, Google Play, and several app teams.
Material Design was about creating a unified and seamless user experience across all Google platforms. Achieving this meant addressing the distinctive needs of each vertical while maintaining the integrity and coherence of the overarching design language. This presented a complex yet refreshing challenge - aligning different teams towards a shared design ethos, UX goals, and frontend architecture.
To navigate this challenge, we instituted a system of cross-team product execution reviews and collaboration sessions. These platforms became the conduit for continuous dialogue, exchange of ideas, and alignment among the different teams. Here, we dissected and deliberated on everything - from the tiniest design details to the broader UX strategies and frontend architecture choices.
In these sessions, my role was multifaceted. I had to advocate for the Android perspective while also considering and integrating the needs and views of other teams. This demanded a deep understanding of each vertical's unique requirements, a firm grasp of the broader UX goals, and a diplomatic, collaborative approach.
I was responsible for articulating the UX intent and vision from the Android side, shedding light on our design considerations, choices, and constraints. More than that, I was tasked with driving consensus across the teams, a role that required effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. It was about fostering a shared understanding and collective commitment to our UX vision.
Through these collaborative processes, we managed to navigate the complexities and successfully deliver Material Design. It was a testament to the power of cross-team collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared vision. This journey reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of design, especially when it is guided by a collective commitment to creating exceptional user experiences.
This experience is a highlight of my career - a testament to the profound impact of design systems, the power of cross-functional collaboration, and the exhilarating potential of leading design at the forefront of technology.