Design System Unification (Rapid7)

Created a unified design system bridging Logentries and Rapid7 practices post-acquisition. Established a shared design language, component library, and governance for cross-team collaboration.

Year: 2015-2016
Company: Rapid7
Industry: Cybersecurity
Role: Principal UX Architect

Challenge

Rapid7 acquisition of Logentries created design fragmentation with two teams using different design systems, component libraries, and standards. Product integration required unified design language enabling seamless user experience across combined platform. Creating shared design system during post-acquisition integration required navigating team dynamics and technical constraints.

Approach

System Foundation

Created unified design system bridging Logentries and Rapid7 design practices
Established shared design language, component library, and design governance
Balanced needs of both products while establishing path toward convergence

Team Integration

Facilitated collaboration between formerly separate design teams
Established shared standards and processes for design work
Created documentation supporting consistent design application

Organizational Adoption

Built design system supporting both immediate integration needs and long-term platform evolution
Established governance model ensuring system maintenance and evolution
Provided training and support enabling team adoption

Outcome

Post-acquisition integration: Design system enabled successful product integration following acquisition.

Team unification: Created common design foundation supporting merged team collaboration.

Platform consistency: Unified design language provided foundation for seamless multi-product experience.

Methods & Deliverables
Methods: Design system development, Component design, Standards documentation
Deliverables: Design System, Component library, Guidelines, Documentation

Tags: UX Design, Leadership/Org Design, Cybersecurity, Regulated industry, Post-acquisition integration, Enterprise, Ireland