Understanding component libraries

Throughout the many projects I have contributed to, I have seen websites that are engaging and beautiful but not necessarily user friendly or designed in a manner that supports content growth. When this happens, a webpage can easily become confusing, convoluted and patchwork of content that leads to user drop off. While there are various methods to streamline a website, they don’t always adapt to or account for the multiple user types that will be using their site nor short development deadlines. What is a possible solution that takes these factors into account while still meeting business goals? Component Libraries.

Component Libraries are a design gift that keeps on giving. Think of them as a company’s custom LEGO set for their websites, email campaigns and more. Component libraries contain various assets that can be used in modular forms to create templates and various design variations that fit the needs of the company.

While that seems like that is the most important benefit of them, there’s more:

•  They make scaling content and maintaining the usability of a platform easier.

  Often times content can change the overall layouts of a design and can affect how user friendly a platform is for it’s target users. Component libraries allow for content to change and have assets swapped based on their current needs without the design needing to be changed drastically.

• They are cost efficient for companies.
  Developing websites and apps not only take time but can become expensive. Designing component libraries allow for development costs to be more efficient while making the updates they need.

•  Lastly, they make website and platform updates and testing times shorter.
  Most teams are using the agile methodology in order to make updates quicker. In order to know what updates are needed, user feedback is a must. The use of component libraries allow for designs and content to be used in a way that allows for a quicker feedback, testing and design changes routine in sprints.

  On the surface, component libraries may seem as though they can limit creativity and that could not be further from the truth. Component libraries allow for creative exploration with ease because you are able to establish your design standards. In my opinion, Creativity + Design standards + Ease= Great user experience.