Redesigning The Guardian homepage — one of the world’s most respected (and, let’s be honest, loved) news platforms — was never just about a fresh coat of paint. It was a strategic overhaul: rethinking our design foundation, creating cohesion across platforms, and future-proofing how we design and build. As Product Lead, I had the pleasure (and challenge) of driving this initiative alongside our Executive Creative Director, Alex Breuer, and brilliant teams across product, engineering, and editorial. Together, we set out to transform not just what we delivered, but how we worked — designing a system, not just a surface.

Starting with the System

Our guiding principle for this project? Design system-first. Instead of relying on quick fixes or throwing together one-off solutions, we laid the foundation by building the redesign on a shared, scalable design system from the ground up. This included introducing a shiny new grid system — a massive leap forward for the organisation, especially considering that many of our repositories and workflows were a bit… stuck in the past.

I saw this as our chance to align design and development in a more seamless way, creating a comprehensive library of reusable components in Figma, mirrored by a solid set of coded components. Every pixel of the homepage was designed with reusability, scalability, and consistency in mind — not just for the homepage but for the many future products that would follow.

“From a pure design perspective, using the foundation of the design system was critical in crafting a design that would be elegant, consistent, easily engineered, and used day to day by editors across multiple platforms and screen sizes.”

“What excited me most was how we could preserve the editorial integrity of The Guardian while pushing forward with a more modern, adaptable framework. This wasn’t just a redesign — it was a design evolution.”
Alex Breuer, Executive Creative Director at The Guardian

System-Led Speed and Efficiency

By integrating the design system from the get-go, we sped up the whole process. Designers and developers could move faster, using prebuilt, well-documented components ready to be deployed — resulting in smoother workflows and more consistent output across the board. Not only did this accelerate the homepage launch, but it also gave us a head start on two major product initiatives that followed.

“The project involved not just a structural and visual redesign but also rethinking the tools that editors use to deliver the experience every day. Concurrently defining the design needs of the multiple facets of the project was one of the biggest challenges. The strategic approach crafted by Faye and the design system team was pivotal in delivering every aspect of this. And this work has given us a scalable platform for rapid iterative development of new features on this and many other product initiatives.”
Alex Breuer, Executive Creative Director at The Guardian

We also worked hard to gather feedback from the internal teams who would actually use the system. Whether it was editorial, engineering, or design, we wanted to understand their needs and pain points — turning our design system into something that would work seamlessly for everyone. This ongoing conversation helped us refine the system and keep it adaptable to the real-world needs of the team.

Beyond the Homepage

This redesign was more than a facelift — it was a shift in how we approach product design at The Guardian. It wasn’t just about the what but the how: collaborating, aligning, and scaling in a way that sets us up for the future.

The design system we’ve built is now deeply embedded in our product culture, and it continues to evolve as we keep iterating and improving. The way we work — the way we communicate, design, and build — has been fundamentally transformed.

What’s been especially exciting is seeing how this work is already benefiting teams far beyond the homepage. The design system-first approach, reusable components, and improved workflows have created a solid foundation that other teams are now building on — helping them move faster, stay aligned, and deliver high-quality experiences more efficiently across a wide range of products and platforms.

A huge thank you to the incredible team who made this possible. Your care, creativity, and commitment to quality have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Special thanks to those inside the design system team — especially Akemi, our Senior Designer, whose talent and dedication were invaluable throughout the process. Also, a big shoutout to Alex Harris, who stepped in during my maternity leave and led the rollout with such clarity and purpose; to Alex Breuer, for his creative vision and leadership; and to Charlotte Emms, who expertly led the engineering effort, helping turn vision into reality.

This project is just one example of what we can achieve when we lead with systems — and when we put people and purpose at the heart of everything we do.

I grew up on a council estate, in a one-income household where university felt like an impossible dream. At 16, staring at a pile of failed GCSEs, I found myself asking, “What the f*ck am I doing with my life?” That’s when education and self-learning became my guiding lights.

I set myself a one-year challenge to resit my GCSEs and devise a plan. I conquered my GCSEs, aced my A-levels, completed an Art & Design Foundation course, and finally landed a spot in a Graphic Design undergrad course. My first professional gig took me to the bustling streets of London, where I juggled full-time hours while working evening shifts in an East London pub. Most nights, I cycled from my “professional” 9–5 job to my 6–12 pub shift to help pay rent for my shared house. Beans on toast became my culinary companion, sustaining me through the grind.

Fast forward over a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges folks like me face. While I’m a big advocate for higher education, I’ve learned there are countless paths to success. But the journey doesn’t end there. There’s still more to be done, more barriers to dismantle for aspiring creatives from all walks of life.

Redefining the rules: traditional vs. non-traditional paths

Traditional paths vs. non-traditional routes — a major hurdle for working-class individuals entering design. Degrees offer a solid foundation, but they shouldn’t be the sole entry point. The reality is, you can secure a job in design without a degree. Intensive design courses offer a quicker route to a professional job, but in my opinion, they demand serious self-motivation and networking skills.

The word ‘network’ may send shivers down your spine, but it’s vital for professional growth. Attend events, join communities, and connect with fellow designers. Reach out for advice; successful designers are often eager to share insights.

Breaking down barriers: real talk on social mobility

When I think about my own journey, I wonder if someone starting from a similar background today would have the same opportunities. With costs skyrocketing and fewer financial safety nets, the road to success seems steeper than ever. Paid internships offer hope, but systemic changes are needed — affordable education, stronger safety nets, inclusive hiring, and mentorship.

The internship hustle: paid vs. unpaid gigs

Internships and industry experience? Here’s the deal. Internships are invaluable for hands-on learning, but unpaid positions are a scourge on our industry. Unpaid internships create significant barriers for working-class professionals, perpetuating economic inequality and widening the gap between privileged and underprivileged individuals. These positions, often requiring full-time commitments without financial compensation, exclude those who need to support themselves, devalue labour, and limit the diversity of voices crucial for fostering creativity and innovation. Eliminate unpaid internships, ensure fair compensation, and foster inclusivity.

It’s encouraging to see initiatives like the Guardian’s Positive Action scheme pushing for paid internships, but more companies need to follow suit. Experience shouldn’t be exclusive to those with substantial financial means and geographical advantages.

Unleashing creativity: the power of representation

Representation matters. Big time. Ever been in a brainstorming session where everyone sounds alike? It’s stifling. It creates an echo chamber, right? You all have similar backgrounds and lived experiences, so you all fall into the same traps. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Diversity fuels innovation, so inclusive recruitment practices are vital.

Dream big, work harder: shaping the future of design

It’s time to shake things up. To aspiring creatives, don’t let barriers deter you. Embrace non-traditional paths, demand your seat at the table. And to industry gatekeepers, tear down barriers, foster inclusivity, and create a vibrant, diverse community. Let’s break barriers and shape a fair, accessible design landscape for all aspiring creatives.