Design systems

Scaling design through systems, documentation, and inclusive foundations

As a Senior Designer on the Booking.com Design System team, my focus was on translating complexity and enabling designers to do their best work using our components, tooling, and learning materials. I worked alongside UX designers, engineers, researchers, writers, and accessibility specialists, and in close contact with the UX community in general.

Contributions

Early Contribution
Before a dedicated Design System team existed, I helped shape initial components while on the SEO team, building and trialing them on landing pages. I also participated in workshops to discuss and decide which components and A/B tests should be run for a more unified Booking.com experience.

Component Patterns
Defined behavioural rules for complex components such as sort & filter indicators: single vs. multi-select logic, label patterns, placement options. Partnered with engineering to spec edge cases. → Reduced ambiguity and inconsistent implementations across teams.

Sort and filter indicator exploration: problem framing, recommended behaviour, and design options.

Tooling Research
Led a time & motion study to validate our Figma plugin (Verify Design) for improvements and broader adoption. Measured time-to-complete, error rates, and correction confidence. → Research findings shaped tooling roadmap and informed leadership decisions.

Research tracker capturing component deviations observed across participants.

Documentation
Created a process and system to revamp our UX foundations documentation across disciplines into a unified structure. Easier for users to digest depending on their needs, and easier for colleagues to maintain and update. → Faster onboarding and stronger shared understanding across teams.

Accessibility
Audited core components with accessibility and DEI partners. Strengthened our components for better contrasts, language, and focus behaviour. Facilitated workshops and discussions on responsible design practices, helping work prioritization on inclusive features for travellers and accommodation partners. → More inclusive foundations baked into the system.

Impact

• Reduced ambiguity in complex component implementations across teams
• Research findings that shaped tooling roadmap and leadership decisions
• Unified documentation structure enabling faster onboarding and easier maintenance
• Stronger inclusive foundations for travellers and accommodation partners