Discover how people define reusable patterns #4839
Description
Brief
There are a few types of 'patterns' that have been referenced by people that we don't have a clear definition for. The goal for this cycle is to build consensus and push for clarity in this space.
More specifically, we want to understand what people mean by service patterns, however we anticipate that other types of patterns might be mentioned as well, including:
- AI patterns
- Mobile patterns
Given the proximity of the GOV.UK App and AI teams, we also encourage initial probing into what is meant by those two pattern types.
We need to understand exactly what these things even are before we are able to properly assess the role the Design System team could play in delivering them.
Proposed actions:
- Online desk research of definitions of service patterns
- Identify relevant stakeholders (both within GDS and beyond) working with or pushing for reusable patterns
- Have chats with them to uncover their definitions for these concepts
- Utilise guerilla style engagement with users, eg Slack channels, to get insights from broader communities
- Run a workshop with team leads to playback learnings and jointly draft working definitions
What does good look like
By the end of this cycle we will have a clear understanding of what different people mean when they speak of reusable patterns, specifically service patterns. These various definitions will provide a starting point for the team leads to hold conversations with leadership regarding the place for reusable patterns within the Design System roadmap.
Additionally, this work will also produce a list of relevant figures involved in choosing the focus on reusable patterns as a strategic direction. This directory of people will become a reference list for the team working on reusable patterns, providing quick access to experts and interested stakeholders alike.
Squad
Further context
Reusable patterns: fact finding [restricted doc]