Case study

O2 / Virgin Media design system

Leading the transformation of a fragmented library into a scalable design system shared across O2, Virgin Media and VMO2.

Role

Central design system lead

Layered interface tiles and brand marks for the O2 and Virgin Media design system.

A system that had outgrown its structure

Stepping into the role meant taking on a central library of 147 components, with more being created locally. Components, patterns and larger structures were all treated alike, making the system harder to navigate, govern and scale across three brands.

Bringing order to the complexity

Step one

Audit

Mapped the full library to uncover duplication, gaps and inconsistent naming.

Step two

Rationalise

Separated components, structures and patterns to remove overlap and clarify ownership.

Step three

Rebuild

Created a brand-agnostic core that adapts across three brands through tokens.

Step four

Document

Translated design decisions into clear, accessible guidance and AI-ready implementation specifications.

One system built to scale across three brands

The work created a shared foundation for O2, Virgin Media and VMO2, giving teams a clearer way to design, build and govern digital experiences. Less duplication and stronger system boundaries make it easier to move faster without losing what makes each brand distinct.

Around 40 core components

A focused set of reusable foundations for consistent product delivery.

Clear system layers

Defined boundaries connect core components, larger structures and brand-specific patterns.

Three brands, one architecture

Shared foundations adapt through tokens while preserving each brand’s expression.

See the system in action

Switch between Virgin Media and O2 to see how the same core components adapt across brands.

  • Core component

    Button

  • Core component

    Anchor

  • Core component

    Breadcrumbs

  • Core component

    Filter Chip

  • Core component

    Countdown

  • Core component

    Status Banner

  • Title

    Description

    Link
    0.2 mi

    Core component

    Selectable Card

  • Core component

    Pagination Controls

  • £30

    Label

    £700

    Core component

    Stepper