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Principles of the BRGR design system

We have defined 10 principles to help people using the BRGR design system to make decisions that:

  • Enhance usability
  • Create accessible interfaces
  • Communicate effectively
  • Stay creative
  • Simplify

#1 Solve problems

Do I know what user problem(s) I’m solving? Will the features and elements I have added help solve that problem?

Solving problems An illustration showing a woman using Post-It notes and wireframes
Asking questions An illustration showing a man on a virtual call

#2 Be inquisitive

Do I have all the information I need to solve the problem(s)? Am I assuming anything about the brief, the content or the audience? Is the brief or the content good enough?

#3 Combine instinct and data

Do I have enough user data to avoid making assumptions? Am I using my instinct and creative experience in conjunction with the data?

Looking at the data An illustration showing a man looking at a line chart
Enhance content An illustration showing a man moving content on a page click here

#4 Enhance content

Am I enhancing the presentation of the content or distracting from it? Am I making the user work to find the information they need to achieve their goal?

#5 Avoid complexity

Do I need every feature or element I have added? Will they all improve the user experience? Can I strip back my design to make it completely focused on just delivering the information the user needs?

Choose simplicity An illustration showing a woman comparing two layouts and choosing most simple option
Good communication An illustration showing people on a video conference call

#6 Communicate often

Do I need early feedback before heading in a certain design direction? Will a face-to-face conversation help improve my design? Am I gathering feedback and direction from the right people (i.e. the users)?

#7 Consider all types of users

Does my design consider those with physical or cognitive impairments? Will mobile and desktop users achieve their goals, and are those goals different? Have I considered all target audience groups?

What to do:

  • Communicate in a clear, simple way
  • Design for people irrespective of their digital ability, circumstance, background, technology, or knowledge
  • Recognise that both permanent, temporary, and situational impairments can affect anyone
Consider all users An illustration showing a man in a wheelchair looking at a screen
Creativity An illustration showing a woman sketching layouts user flow

#8 Bring creativity and energy

Am I bringing creativity and energy? Am I constrained by the guidelines or am I inspired by them? Am I using motion to bring my design to life and deliver a memorable experience?

#9 Obsess about performance

How will my design impact performance? Is there a technology or technique I can use to deliver information faster, or to improve the perceived performance, for a better user experience?

Obsess about performance An illustration showing a man at a laptop
Design with context An illustration showing people on a video conference call prototyping process

#10 Design with context

What is the context of the user’s experience? What journey are they on and where are they in that journey? What specific goal are they trying to achieve at this point in the journey?