What is a design system and do I need one?

A named set of components, type scale, spacing and states that pages assemble from, rather than pages drawn one at a time. You need one once more than one person will touch the site or once it passes roughly 10 pages. Below that it is overhead. A design system is built into every project under Webflow Web Design.

What does it change day to day?

Your team adds a page without breaking the look of the site, because the blocks already exist and already behave. Changing a button style changes it everywhere instead of in thirty places. That is also what makes ongoing work cheap, which is why retainers start at $950 a month rather than a project fee, as shown on the Webflow Retainer page.

Is it a Figma thing or a Webflow thing?

Both, mirrored. Components in Figma map one to one onto Webflow components and classes, so the design file and the live site never drift apart. Keeping those two in sync is only realistic when one person builds both, and the Figma half is described on Figma Design.

How long does building one take?

It is not a separate phase, it emerges during the first few pages, then the rest of the site goes up fast. That front-loading is why a full project runs two to three months with most pages appearing near the end. The stages are on the Webflow Development page.

Can you build one on top of my existing site?

Sometimes, and honestly sometimes not. If the existing build has hundreds of one-off classes, imposing a system costs more than rebuilding the pages. The way to know is to look at it, which is what the free video review does, requested at Contact.

Who actually does the work at Macu Studio?

One person: Arnau Ros scopes, designs, builds and replies to your emails. There is no account manager, no junior bench and nothing outsourced, so the person you brief is the person who ships. Macu Studio is a Webflow Professional Partner and has worked with 50+ founders and teams this way. Read more on the About page.

How much does a Webflow project with Macu cost?

Full design and build projects start at $7,500 and most run two to three months, billed 50% up front and 50% on completion. Ongoing work is a monthly retainer instead of a quote per task, and every plan runs month to month with 30 days notice. Every figure is published on the Pricing page.

Do you also cover design, development and SEO?

Yes, all three, in one pair of hands. Webflow Web Design covers UX, wireframes and design systems, Webflow Development covers builds, CMS and integrations, and Webflow SEO covers on-page work, analytics and growth. Most clients use two of the three, and the six published case studies show how they fit together.

System Design

We focus on creating a well-organized and scalable framework that ensures all parts of the system work together seamlessly.

Part of Macu Studio's Webflow web design services. Available as a project or inside Webflow Care. See pricing.

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Want system design handled every month rather than once? The Design Partner subscription covers Webflow, Framer and brand design, and existing sites stay current on a retainer. See pricing.

What it is

What is system design?

System design is a comprehensive process that involves defining the architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specified requirements. It is a step beyond interactive design, focusing on creating a well-organized and scalable framework that ensures all parts of the system work together seamlessly. Effective system design is critical for the successful implementation of both functional and non-functional aspects of a system, taking into account the user needs identified during the interactive design phase. It typically involves outlining the system's structure, integrating software and hardware components, and may include the creation of specifications for custom components and emphasizing performance, reliability, and maintainability throughout the system’s lifecycle.

50+founders and teams shipped with

2023Webflow Conf award winner

PartnerWebflow Professional Partner

Trusted by

Andy

Benefits

What are the benefits of system design?

System design benefits

manifold impact on development process and final product

Well-designed system

robust, reliable, reduces downtime and maintenance needs

Enhances efficiency

streamlines operations, minimizes resource usage, leads to cost savings

Allows scalability

accommodates growth without system overhaul

Foresight into future needs

enables business evolution without technology limitations

Improves developer and user experience

reduces complexity, enhances system usability

Why Macu

Why choose Macu for system design

Choosing Macu for system design ensures that you're partnering with a leader known for its forward-thinking approach and meticulous attention to detail. With Macu, you harness the expertise of professionals who are not just technologists, but innovators with a passion for creating systems that are robust and future-proof. The company stands out for its commitment to delivering bespoke solutions that are not only reliable and efficient but are also tailored to enhance user satisfaction. By choosing Macu, businesses can anticipate a system design that not only meets their current needs but is flexible enough to adapt to future technological advances, ensuring a lasting investment in their technology infrastructure.