Design Systems • DesignOps
DesignOps at C&A
Year
2022 - Present
Client
C&A
Role
Team Lead Product Design Manager
Duration
Ongoing
Overview
Led the establishment of DesignOps at C&A, creating a scalable and efficient design ecosystem that empowers teams to deliver consistent, high-quality digital experiences across all platforms. This initiative transformed fragmented design practices into a cohesive, systematic approach to design execution.
Challenge
Prior to DesignOps implementation, C&A faced significant challenges with fragmented design practices, inconsistent workflows, and limited collaboration between teams. The growing complexity of digital products demanded a centralized approach to design operations.
Key Findings & Outcomes
Research Findings
- ✔Design inconsistencies were causing significant delays in product development
- ✔Teams needed standardized tools and processes for better collaboration
- ✔Accessibility compliance was not systematically implemented
- ✔Design knowledge sharing was informal and inconsistent
Key Enhancements
- ✔Centralized design system with reusable components
- ✔Streamlined design-to-development workflow
- ✔Integrated accessibility standards into design process
- ✔Established design community and knowledge sharing
Key Learnings
- ✅Importance of systematic approach to design operations
- ✅Value of structured governance in maintaining consistency
- ✅Impact of automated workflows on team efficiency
- ✅Benefits of fostering a strong design community
About
We are C&A Product Design team, we help craft digital experiences on the website & mobile application.
Mission
Our mission is to create innovative, user-centered products that solve real-world problems and improve people's lives. We strive to design products that are both beautiful and functional, and that exceed our customers' expectations.
Vision
We envision a future where our products seamlessly integrate into people's lives, enhancing their experiences and making them shop productively. We aim to be a company that sets the standard for excellence in design, and that is known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction.
Design Principles
Be inclusive
Our designs are created in a way that everyone feels welcome, seen and represented. They are always accessible – meaning inclusion is reflected in every aspect of our designs, letting all users identify with C&A.
Choose to inspire
An invitation to explore and connect: Our designs tell inspiring stories. We offer an emotional connection and memorable experience. We dare to try out new things, providing interactive, conversational and – of course – engaging designs.
Consistency is key
Excellent design is cohesive, letting users recognize the C&A brand functionally, visually & verbally. Consistency enables everyone to transfer knowledge to new situations and focus attention on important aspects of a task.
Think lightweight
Less is more – our designs are always straightforward and focused on the essentials. They are naturally gravitating toward content and minimizing cognitive load, for an overall neat and effortless experience.
Make data-driven decisions
Data provides objective metrics to measure the success of design changes. Whether it's tracking conversion rates, user retention, or other key performance indicators (KPIs), data allows us to assess the impact of our work objectively.
Results
90% adoption rate of Design System across product teams
50% reduction in design-to-development handoff time
95% of new designs meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards
Established quarterly design workshops with 80% participation
Created 100+ documented design best practices
Launched successful design mentorship program
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