The Constellation Design Framework not only provides insights into Design Strategies and Team Structures, but it also helps organizations understand how these elements come together to form Design Ecosystem Patterns. These patterns reflect how organizations can structure their design teams and align them with strategic approaches to best support their goals.
How Design Ecosystem Patterns Work:
A Design Ecosystem Pattern is a combination of a Design Strategy and a Team Structure that best aligns with an organization's priorities. These patterns ensure that design teams operate efficiently while aligning with business needs and user expectations.The Constellation Design Framework not only provides insights into
Design Ecosystem Patterns
This table below outlines ideal Design Ecosystem Patterns for companies that prioritize Efficiency, Modernization, or Effectiveness, considering small, medium, and large company sizes.
Company strategy & size
Design Strategy
Team Structure
Why this combination works
Efficiency
for a small company.
Orion
Phoenix
An embedded team structure (Phoenix) ensures efficiency by keeping designers close to product teams, while Orion fosters seamless collaboration.
Efficiency for a medium company.
Polaris
Aquila
A centralized structure (Aquila) supports efficiency through governance, while Polaris ensures clear separation between branding and product.
Efficiency for a large company.
Polaris
Aquila
or large companies, Aquila centralization optimizes workflows, and Polaris ensures structured, efficient execution of separate systems.
Modernization
for a small company.
Lyra
Draco
Draco’s flexibility supports innovation, while Lyra harmonizes team operations to ensure modernization efforts are well integrated.
Modernization for a medium company.
Andromeda
Orionis
Andromeda scales operational support, and Orionis provides hybrid adaptability, making it ideal for modernization in mid-size organizations.
Modernization for a large company.
Vega
Cygnus
Cygnus offers external innovation potential, while Vega aligns brand storytelling to support modernization strategies.
Effectiveness
for a small company.
Orion
Phoenix
Phoenix keeps teams agile and connected to product changes, while Orion maintains unity for effective cross-team collaboration.
Effectiveness for a medium company.
Vega
Draco
Draco provides dynamic adaptation, and Vega’s brand alignment ensures effectiveness in communicating consistent experiences.
Effectiveness for a large company.
Polaris
Aquila
Aquila ensures systemized design strategy execution, while Polaris maintains effectiveness by keeping branding and systems structured.
Growth for a small company.
Lyra
Draco
Draco’s flexibility allows small teams to scale quickly and adapt to new product needs, while Lyra ensures team cohesion during growth.
Growth for a medium company.
Andromeda
Orionis
Orionis provides hybrid adaptability, balancing centralized efficiency with embedded agility, while Andromeda supports operational scaling.
Growth for a large company.
Polaris
Aquila
For large organizations, Aquila ensures a structured approach to scaling teams efficiently, while Polaris maintains clarity and strategic alignment during expansion.
