In a landscape where seamless digital experiences are essential, the Goldman Sachs Design System stands out as a beacon of creativity and dependability.
Introduced to bring together client interactions across various platforms, this design system focuses on user-friendly design and effective collaboration. It ensures that developers and designers can work smoothly together.
By emphasizing accessibility and user-centric principles, it not only enhances usability but also sets a new standard in the financial tech industry.
Understand the Engineering Principles Behind the Goldman Sachs Design System
The Goldman Sachs Design System, launched in February 2020 as part of the OneGS initiative, embodies a commitment to creating a unified client experience across both desktop and mobile platforms. This system is not just about aesthetics; it’s deeply rooted in engineering principles that prioritize intuitive design and consistency. The main goal here is to ensure that both developers and designers can work seamlessly together, creating a cohesive environment that enhances usability and reduces confusion.
At the core of the system is the idea that well-defined APIs are essential for the components. They should be user-friendly so that anyone can easily understand how to use them without needing extensive training. This allows developers to spend more time creating features instead of figuring out how to interact with each component. The move towards more intuitive and consistent APIs has made a significant impact, ensuring that components work well together while still fulfilling their individual functions within the system.
Define Intuitive and Consistent APIs for Components
When it comes to APIs, clarity is key. The initial iteration of the UI Toolkit faced challenges due to inconsistent principles and vocabularies, which led to mismatches in user experience and API usage. The term 'color,' for instance, was overloaded with various meanings, causing silent failures that could trip up even the most seasoned developers. To tackle this, the Design System team refactored the 'color' property into three distinct attributes: Action Type, Status and Color, effectively eliminating confusion. This restructuring not only made the APIs easier to learn but also reduced the inherent risk of misuse. Now, developers can quickly understand how to implement components without constantly referring to documentation, as the prop usage reflects the components’ purposes clearly.
Unite Design and Development with Shared Terminology
Bridging the gap between design and development is another cornerstone of the Goldman Sachs Design System. By collaborating closely, designers and developers established a shared terminology that enhances communication and understanding. This means that terms like Color, Emphasis, Size and Placement have been systematically defined and categorized, leading to a more unified approach across the board. As a result, when designers discuss a component with developers, everyone is on the same page, reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation or errors. This collaborative effort has not only improved the quality of the output but has also sped up the time it takes to bring features to market.
Apply Software Engineering Best Practices
Integrating best practices from software engineering has been essential in developing the Design System. The team turned to reliable resources like the Little Manual of API Design and Clean Code principles to refine their approach. This strategy ensured that every decision regarding component design and API structure was rooted in solid engineering principles. They prioritized creating APIs that are straightforward, easy to understand and designed to reduce the chances of misuse, which greatly enhances the developer experience. By being thorough and detail-oriented, Goldman Sachs has created an environment where technical choices align with business goals, resulting in greater efficiency and improved quality within the design system.
Explore Key Features of the Goldman Sachs Design System
The Goldman Sachs Design System, even though it’s no longer publicly accessible, offers several impressive features that have earned it a strong reputation among designers. The primary goal of the system is to provide a seamless and unified experience for users, whether they’re using the platform on a desktop or a mobile device. This design approach is evident in the UI Toolkit, which acts as a solid foundation for both designers and developers. The components in this toolkit not only help simplify workflows but also maintain a consistent design language across different applications.
Alongside the UI Toolkit, the design system places a strong emphasis on accessibility and cross-browser compatibility. This focus ensures that all users, no matter their abilities or the devices they're using, can engage with the products without any issues. By prioritizing accessibility, Goldman Sachs has set a benchmark in the industry that promotes inclusivity and improves the overall user experience.
Leverage the UI Toolkit’s Component Library
One of the most impressive aspects of the Goldman Sachs Design System is its UI Toolkit, which is essentially a treasure trove of components. This library contains over 60 JavaScript components that are ready to use, making it easier for developers to build applications without starting from scratch. Each component is designed with a specific purpose in mind, allowing teams to maintain a consistent visual and functional identity across their products. Whether you need a button, a checkbox or a text field, you can trust that these components have been thoughtfully designed and tested. This not only speeds up development but also enhances the overall quality of the user experience.
Utilize Accessibility and Cross-Browser Support
Accessibility plays a key role in modern design and the Goldman Sachs Design System truly reflects this principle. It follows best practices to make sure all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate its tools and interfaces with ease. This emphasis on accessibility is more than just a checklist; it shows a real dedication to creating products that everyone can use. Plus, with support across different browsers, users can count on a consistent experience no matter which one they choose. This reliability is vital for building trust and satisfaction among users, especially since many switch between various devices and browsers regularly.
Understand Color, Emphasis, Size and Placement Features
A thoughtfully crafted product goes beyond just its appearance; it also focuses on effective communication. The Goldman Sachs Design System truly shines in this regard by offering clear guidelines for color usage, emphasis, size and placement. It’s not just about picking colors; it’s about understanding how they can convey different meanings across various components. For example, the same color can indicate action priorities in buttons or represent status in alerts and badges. This intentional design minimizes confusion for developers and ensures that users clearly grasp the information presented to them. By organizing elements like emphasis and size, the design system enables teams to make informed decisions that improve both usability and visual appeal.
Access and Update the Goldman Sachs Design System Resources
As of mid-2024, the Goldman Sachs Design System has been removed from public access, which can be a bit of a blow for those who relied on it for their design projects. However, there's still a way to tap into some of its valuable resources. The good news is that older materials are available through the Web Archive, which means you can still access a wealth of information that was once readily available. This can include everything from design guidelines to component libraries that were pivotal in developing user interfaces within the financial sector.
When you visit the Web Archive, you can search for specific pages from the Goldman Sachs Design System and discover snapshots of the content as it appeared before it was taken down. While it might not be as easy as going to the original site, it's a goldmine for anyone looking to reference design patterns or best practices that were part of this extensive system.
Find Archived Materials via Web Archive
The Web Archive serves as a digital time capsule, preserving the Goldman Sachs Design System for those who still want to explore its features. By simply entering the URL of the design system in the Wayback Machine, you can retrieve past versions of the site. This makes it possible to dive back into the details of the system, from its accessibility guidelines to its specific component usages, which were particularly well-regarded in the fintech community.
While the interface may not be as intuitive as it used to be, the archive still has plenty of valuable information to help you maintain design standards or spark ideas for new projects. Just take some time to browse through the snapshots to find the version that fits your needs best, since there are multiple captures from various points in time.
Explore Open-Source Figma Kits and Design Files
Another avenue to explore is the open-source Figma kits associated with the Goldman Sachs Design System. While the main design system is no longer accessible, these kits remain a helpful resource for UI/UX designers. They include essential components and design patterns that can be integrated into your projects. The Foundation UI Kit, Components UI Kit and Design Patterns & Layout UI Kit are particularly useful.
These Figma resources not only showcase the system's commitment to inclusive design but also allow designers to create visually appealing and functional products. By using these kits, you can ensure that your designs align with the previously established principles of Goldman Sachs, even if the full system is no longer at your fingertips.
Stay Informed About Access Updates and Alternatives
Keeping an eye on updates regarding access to the Goldman Sachs Design System is essential. While it has been removed from public view, there are discussions in the design community about potential alternatives or new resources that could fill the gap left by its absence. This could include new design systems emerging from other financial institutions or tech companies that offer similar functionalities and resources.
Staying active in design forums, following industry leaders on LinkedIn or subscribing to design system newsletters can keep you informed. This way, you can share insights and resources with your peers while discovering innovative techniques that are advancing design in the financial sector. Even though the Goldman Sachs Design System may have scaled back, the landscape of design systems is always evolving, providing plenty of opportunities to learn and adapt.
Implement Best Practices for Using the Goldman Sachs Design System
To really tap into the potential of the Goldman Sachs Design System, it's important to follow best practices to enhance both efficiency and effectiveness. The collaborative approach in design and development can greatly improve the overall user experience. By prioritizing communication and standardization, teams can establish a smooth workflow that benefits everyone, from designers and developers to the users themselves.
One of the standout features of the Goldman Sachs Design System is the way it emphasizes collaboration. It’s not just about designing pretty interfaces; it’s about ensuring that the design resonates with the technical feasibility of the components being built. By fostering strong partnerships between business stakeholders and development teams, everyone can contribute insights that lead to a more intuitive and functional product. This collaboration also helps in identifying potential roadblocks early in the process, allowing for smoother transitions from design to implementation.
Collaborate Across Business and Development Teams
Effective collaboration is key to creating successful design systems. When designers and developers work together, they can develop a shared language that bridges aesthetics and functionality. This common terminology is important because it ensures that when a designer talks about a "button," everyone understands not just its appearance but also how it behaves and interacts within the application. Having this unified language reduces misunderstandings and speeds up decision-making, which helps get products to market more quickly.
Working closely with business teams is just as important. They provide essential perspectives on user needs and market trends that can shape the design process. By holding regular meetings, brainstorming sessions and feedback loops, we foster an environment where everyone's ideas are appreciated. This teamwork leads to a more unified product that aligns with user expectations and business goals, paving the way for a successful launch of the design system.
Refactor and Extend Component APIs Thoughtfully
As the design system evolves, so too must the component APIs. Thoughtful refactoring of these APIs is essential to maintain clarity and usability. The Goldman Sachs Design System's approach to breaking down the 'color' property into more distinct categories exemplifies how careful restructuring can simplify interactions for both designers and developers. By categorizing actions, statuses and standard colors, it’s easier for users to understand how to implement these properties correctly without constant reference to documentation.
Extending APIs should also be approached with caution. It’s tempting to add new features or properties quickly, but each addition should be considered in the context of the overall design philosophy. A well-structured API that remains true to its core principles will be easier to learn and use. Ensuring that the APIs are intuitive makes it easier for developers to adopt and implement them, reducing the likelihood of errors and fostering a more robust development environment.
Measure Developer Experience and Component Quality
Measuring developer experience and component quality is essential for keeping a design system effective. Regular feedback from developers can pinpoint challenges and highlight areas for improvement, ensuring the system evolves to genuinely meet user needs. This might include tracking how smoothly developers can integrate components into their projects or collecting their thoughts on the clarity of the API documentation.
Quality assessments should also extend to the components themselves. Regularly evaluating how well components perform in real-world scenarios can uncover issues that may not be evident in a testing environment. This kind of continuous improvement mindset is vital for a design system that aims to be both functional and user-friendly. By championing a culture of measurement and feedback, the Goldman Sachs Design System can not only meet current needs but also adapt to future challenges effectively.
Conclusion
The Goldman Sachs Design System marks a major step forward in delivering a seamless and user-friendly experience on both desktop and mobile platforms.
By emphasizing intuitive design principles, clear API structures and effective collaboration between design and development teams, the system has set a benchmark for quality and accessibility in the financial sector.
Even though it’s not accessible to the public anymore, you can still find valuable resources through the Web Archive and open-source Figma kits. This means that designers and developers can continue to benefit from the insights and practices that this well-rounded system offered.
As the landscape of design systems continues to evolve, the principles established by Goldman Sachs will serve as a guiding framework for future innovations in user experience.