Consistency, Efficiency, and Scalability in Design Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Material Design, Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, and IBM Design Systems.

Sammanfattning: This research paper aims to answer the question: 'How do Material Design, Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, and IBM Design Systems compare in terms of factors contributing to Consistency, Efficiency, and Scalability?' By employing a comparative analysis, this study offers valuable insights into the design systems. Conducting a thematic analysis of an autoethnographic journal, the findings provide a comprehensive look into the dynamics of Material Design, Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, and IBM Design Systems. A thematic analysis, paired with the perspective of Activity Theory, reveals a unanimous priority towards consistency across the systems. Yet, this often comes at the expense of potentially stifling designers' creative freedom. While each system boasts unique efficiency strategies, there's an overarching concern about generic solutions that might overlook specific user needs. Their adaptability to the fast-paced tech world underscores their scalability, but evolving designs may alienate users acquainted with older interfaces. Beyond these systems, the broader design community, encompassing designers to end-users, finds its practices and trends shaped by them. Delving deeper through an autoethnographic lens, the study offers a personal touch, spotlighting the profound societal ripple effects of design choices. Ethical quandaries emerge, pondering the balance between inclusivity and unintentional biases. In conclusion, while the research illuminates critical facets of these design systems, it also emphasises the fluidity of design perceptions and the importance of reflection in both design and research practices.