Constellation Design is a framework that takes a "zoomed-out" perspective to organize and align team structures and design strategies at scale. It provides a macro-level view to help navigate the complexities of modern design ecosystems. At its core, Constellation Design focuses on understanding how design teams are structured and how to position them for innovation. This framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of design and operations within an organization. While many design organizations globally already align with aspects of this framework, this is the first time these aspects have been consolidated into a cohesive, scalable model.
Vision
To create a framework where design is seamlessly aligned with business goals and user needs at scale and across design strategy, empowering teams to innovate with clarity, scale with purpose, and deliver impactful experiences that resonate across every touchpoint.
The story behind Constellation Design
This framework was born out of a realization: that while Atomic Design, Design Thinking, Double Diamond, etc.. revolutionized how we think about the tactical aspects of design, there was no equivalent framework to address how teams align and strategize at an organizational level. As teams become larger, more distributed, and cross-functional, the need for a "big-picture" ecosystem framework became undeniable.
Just as constellations guide explorers by connecting stars into meaningful patterns, Constellation Design connects critical aspects of design; brand, systems, operations, and teams into a unified strategy. By integrating insights from design system theory, operational scalability, and organizational dynamics, this framework bridges the gap between modular interface design and overarching strategic alignment.
Why Constellation Design matters
Today, in order to produce products and services at the highest bar, design must seamlessly scale across products, platforms, and teams. Constellation Design ensures that organizations maintain alignment, cohesion, and purpose. It’s not just a framework; it’s a user and business centered design strategy that empowers designers, developers, and leaders to collaborate seamlessly.
About the author
Michael Diaz has spent over 18 years in the design industry, working across diverse teams in organizations of all sizes. Through years of experience leading design initiatives, collaborating with product and engineering teams, and scaling design systems, he recognized a critical gap; there was no existing framework that provided insight into how design ecosystems operate at a macro level. Constellation Design was born from this realization, bringing together strategic alignment, team structures, and business and user needs into a unified approach for scalable design success.
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