Seizing the Opportunity

When VMware introduced its innovative "Take 3" program, I saw more than just a chance to try something new. Take 3 allows VMware employees switch things up. Employees can take a break from their current role for up to three months and try something totally different within the company.It’s a change of scene without leaving the building! I saw a golden opportunity to expand my horizons and make a lasting impact. As a content strategist with a passion for user experience, I jumped at the chance to dive into the world of UX design and contribute to the groundbreaking Clarity design system.

The Clarity Vision

Clarity isn't just another design system—it's an open-source powerhouse that bridges the gap between UX guidelines, HTML/CSS frameworks, and Angular components. It's the secret sauce that enables both designers and developers to create cohesive, user-friendly interfaces. And I had the chance to help shape it from the ground up.

My Mission: Crafting the Blueprint

As a UX Strategist on the Clarity project, I took on the crucial task of authoring the style guide for UI components. This wasn't just about writing—it was about creating a roadmap for designers to navigate the complex world of user interface design. My role involved:

• Decoding the DNA of design assets
• Crafting clear, actionable guidelines for each UI element
• Mapping out content patterns that resonate with users
• Defining the behavior of interactive components
• Curating a collection of do's and don'ts to guide best practices

Skills in Action

This project was a playground for my diverse skill set:

1. Adaptability: I seamlessly shifted gears from content strategy to UX writing, proving my versatility
2. Technical Writing: I translated complex design concepts into crystal-clear guidelines that both newbies and SME's could follow.
3. UX Design Principles: My content strategy background gave me a unique lens to view user experience, infusing the guidelines with practical insights.
4. Landscape Analysis and Research: I dove deep into industry standards and design templates, emerging with a treasure trove of knowledge to inform our guidelines.
5. Cross-functional Collaboration: I became the bridge between designers and developers, ensuring our guidelines spoke both languages fluently.
6. Project Initiation: As one of the early birds on the project, I helped set the tone and direction for what would become a major design resource.

Milestones and Impact

1. Authored the inaugural draft of the Clarity style guide—the cornerstone of VMware's design future.
2. Played a pivotal role in launching an open-source design resource that would benefit the entire tech community.
3. Brought my experience with IBM's Carbon Design System to the table, infusing Clarity with industry-leading practices.
4. Pioneered a new approach that blended content strategy with UX design, setting a new standard for design system documentation.

Personal Growth and Revelation

This journey with Clarity was more than just a project—it was a transformative experience:

• I gained an insider's view of the intricate workings behind UI elements, satisfying my inner tech geek.
• My dormant coding skills awakened, reconnecting me with my engineering roots.
• I earned my stripes as one of the trailblazers of a design system that would go on to make waves in the industry.
• Most importantly, I discovered a new facet of my professional identity—one that seamlessly blends content, design, and technology.

By grabbing this opportunity with both hands, I not only expanded my skill set but also positioned myself at the forefront of UX strategy and design system development. This experience proves that with the right mindset, every challenge is an opportunity to grow, innovate, and leave a lasting mark on the digital landscape.