Your Design System Needs an Enforcer

Here's something that might surprise you — your shiny new design system won't succeed without a dedicated enforcer. Laura Klein from Nielsen Norman Group points out that, sure, design systems promise consistency and efficiency, letting teams focus on solving real user problems instead of pixel-level details. They embed accessibility and expertise right into your workflows, which is a huge win. But the catch? Without someone actively making sure everyone follows the rules, chaos can creep in. Klein emphasizes that no matter how complex your system is — covering everything from typography to interaction patterns — it still needs a gatekeeper. This enforcer keeps teams aligned, updates the system, and ensures standards don't slip. So what does this actually mean for you? If you're investing in a design system, you better have a plan for who’s watching over it. Otherwise, all that effort might fall apart faster than you think. Keep an eye out — this role is crucial for turning a good system into a great one.