Aalto University Design System

Aalto University is a community of doers solving grand societal problems, so there are a lot of

great stories to tell and awesome achievements to show off. The people at Aalto want to create

exciting digital touchpoints to showcase their work but have been lacking the tools to do so.

Taiste joined forces with Aalto University Communications to deliver a toolbox – a design system –

to ensure that these touchpoints can be easily created, are of the highest quality, and feel

inherently like Aalto.

Aalto has hundreds, if not thousands, of creators and editors with a wide range of needs, ideas,

and messages. In the academic environment, freedom is very important and the new system

should allow that while keeping the core and the customer experience unified. The goal is that the

creators could focus on what’s important, their interesting content.

The core principles driving the Aalto design system implementation are modularity and

adaptability. Different contexts and environments in the design system may be integrated at

varying levels. The users could choose to use complete modules or templates or opt-in only for

individual elements like design tokens or single UI components. This approach allows creative

freedom while ensuring that Aalto’s visual identity, accessibility standards, and user-friendliness

are upheld.

Aalto’s values: natural, inclusive, confident, and progressive were key principles for the design

system. They guide the system to emphasize accessibility, green coding, and flexibility.

The project began with a pre-study to define the requirements. This was based on qualitative

research conducted through interviews.

It was determined that the core principles driving the Aalto design system are modularity and

adaptability. Various contexts and environments may be integrated into the design system at

different levels. Users have the flexibility to choose complete modules or templates or opt for

individual elements such as design tokens or single UI components, allowing them to craft their

user interfaces. This approach ensures creative freedom while upholding Aalto’s visual identity,

accessibility standards, and user-friendliness."

We opted for a technology-agnostic approach to make the system accessible to all parties. Figma

library, Storybook, and website guidelines were included for different users: those building the

system and those using it. To ensure effective guarding, guidance, and updates, we implemented

a governance model. The Aalto design system not only aligns with all WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility

standards but also supports environmental sustainability goals through the use of green coding

practices.