Design System Variance Requests

Design system variance requests are formal proposals for deviating from established standards when teams believe standard components or patterns do not meet their needs. Handling variance requests thoughtfully maintains system integrity while accommodating legitimate variations.

What Are Variance Requests

Variance requests propose specific deviations from design system standards. They differ from general feedback by proposing concrete alternatives rather than requesting changes. A variance request might propose using a custom component instead of the standard one, modifying styling beyond normal theming, or implementing an interaction pattern the system does not provide.

Variance requests indicate potential gaps between system capabilities and user needs. Tracking and analyzing requests reveals patterns that can inform system evolution. Frequent variance requests for similar needs suggest system improvements rather than individual exceptions.

How to Handle Variance Requests

Intake processes should capture necessary information while remaining accessible. Required information typically includes what standard the variance affects, what alternative is proposed, why the standard does not meet needs, and what scope the variance would apply to. Making submission easy encourages transparency rather than unofficial deviations.

Evaluation assesses whether the variance is necessary and appropriate. Key questions include whether standard options were fully explored, whether the need is genuinely unique or shared across teams, what consistency impact would result, and whether approving sets problematic precedent. Evaluation should be timely to avoid blocking project progress.

Communication of decisions should be clear and constructive. Approvals should specify scope and any conditions. Denials should explain reasoning and suggest alternatives. Both outcomes benefit from documentation that others can reference.

Follow-up ensures variances are implemented as approved and remain appropriate over time. Periodic review of ongoing variances may reveal that circumstances have changed or system improvements have made variances unnecessary.

Key Considerations

• Variance request volume indicates potential system-level issues
• Patterns in requests should inform roadmap prioritization
• Consistent handling prevents perception of favoritism
• Documentation creates institutional knowledge
• Feedback loops from variance handling to system improvement close the loop

Common Questions

What distinguishes variance requests from feature requests?

Variance requests propose deviating from current standards; feature requests propose adding to the system. A variance request might ask to use a custom dropdown; a feature request might ask the design system to add a new dropdown variant. Sometimes variance requests reveal feature needs that would better be addressed through system additions rather than exceptions.

How can teams reduce variance request volume?

Reducing variance requests involves addressing root causes. Expanding component flexibility through additional variants, props, or customization options addresses common needs. Improving documentation helps teams discover existing capabilities. Better understanding user contexts during component design prevents gaps. However, some variance volume is healthy; zero variances might indicate teams are not engaging or are deviating without requesting approval.

Summary

Design system variance requests propose specific deviations from established standards. Effective handling includes accessible intake, thoughtful evaluation, clear communication, and appropriate follow-up. Analyzing variance patterns provides valuable input for system improvement that reduces future variance needs.