Building a UI component library isn’t just a time-saver—it’s an essential tool for keeping a brand consistent across projects. For many companies, particularly those with complex design needs, a UI library becomes the backbone of the design system, ensuring that every detail from buttons to layouts remains cohesive. At Wizardly, we’re committed to helping brands like Ketryx maintain a strong visual identity through carefully crafted UI components that make design consistency not only possible but easy.
The Temptation to Break the Design System: A Designer’s Perspective
As a designer, I understand the temptation to go off-script. Sometimes, we want to push boundaries and try something creative, especially when the design feels repetitive or when unexpected content arrives. That urge to take “creative liberties” can seem harmless at first—it can even feel like a refreshing change. But in reality, each small deviation can become a larger issue down the line, leading to a fragmented design system and inconsistent user experiences.
When those liberties are taken just before launch, they often snowball into significant challenges. What seems like a small tweak can lead to increased maintenance, inconsistencies across pages, and more time spent “fixing” issues down the line. This is where a UI component library proves invaluable, ensuring that every piece of the design puzzle remains cohesive, even as content and project needs evolve.
Building a UI Component Library for Ketryx
For our client Ketryx, a company that relies on both detailed data visualizations and a high degree of design consistency, we created a comprehensive UI component library to support every part of their digital presence. The Ketryx UI library includes everything a robust design system needs:
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Buttons and Input Fields: From primary call-to-action buttons to subtle form fields, we ensured that each element adhered to the brand’s visual guidelines and usability standards.
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Colors and Typography: Every shade, gradient, and font choice was intentional, supporting readability and consistency across all digital channels.
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Layouts and Spacing: Structured layouts, grid systems, and responsive spacing options were built into the library to accommodate various screen sizes and content types.
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Data Visualization Components: Since Ketryx handles complex data, we created dedicated components for data visualization. These were crafted to maintain both aesthetic and functional standards, allowing Ketryx to present complex information in a digestible, on-brand format.
Why a UI Component Library is Key for Brand Growth
A well-built UI component library is designed with growth in mind. As brands evolve and their digital presence expands, a UI library acts as a reference and resource for every design and development team member. Here’s why it’s crucial for growth:
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Faster Development Cycles: When each component is predefined, developers can quickly access and implement UI elements, eliminating the need to create elements from scratch. This speeds up development and reduces time-to-market.
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Reduced Design Drift: With consistent components, there’s less chance for the design to drift over time. The UI library prevents designers from “straying” from brand standards, ensuring that every page looks and feels cohesive.
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Easy Maintenance and Updates: When updates are needed, the library allows for efficient changes. Teams can adjust a component once and see the changes applied everywhere that component is used, simplifying maintenance and version control.
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Scalability: As the company grows, the UI component library provides a foundation that can expand with it. New features, pages, or modules can be added while retaining a consistent look and feel.
Ready to Level Up Your Brand with a Dedicated Library?
Building a UI component library might seem like a time-intensive process, but it’s an investment that pays off. A thoughtfully designed UI library saves development time, prevents design inconsistencies, and supports brand growth. Whether you’re launching a new website or maintaining an existing one, a component library can keep your brand cohesive, even as content and requirements change.
Curious about how a dedicated component library can enhance your brand? Let’s talk design systems and explore how to build one that grows with your company. Chat with co-owners Meg and Josh at Wizardly.
