We’ve all felt that weird disconnect when two apps from the same company feel like distant cousins. Profile updates missing, design styles clashing, and language that doesn’t quite sync.
It’s more than just annoying; it makes users wonder if anyone’s even steering the ship. For businesses, it’s a lost chance to build trust and loyalty.
In industries where consistent user experience boosts satisfaction and can lift revenue, bringing things together isn’t just nice; it’s a serious edge.
Well, it’s time to bring on the expert!
To help us unravel the intricacies of a dialog that is essential as well as timely, we have Tej Kalianda, a pioneering voice from the UX industry, with 15 years of experience driving her innovative thoughts and breakthrough solutions.
“After spending years wrangling with big, messy systems, I’ve learned this isn’t a job for surface tweaks or pixel pushing. You can’t fix deep fragmentation by lining up logos. It takes a structural mindset,” says Kalianda.
“That’s why I rely on the Systemic Coherence Framework, a practical guide for bringing systems thinking to UX. This isn’t about forcing sameness; it’s about shaping a unified, elegant ecosystem from the inside out.”
Let’s dig deeper with Kalianda’s expertise leading the way.
Step 1: Ecosystem Mapping
You can’t fix what you can’t see. Start by creating a map that goes beyond linear user journeys. It’s more like a satellite view of your entire digital landscape. Track every user touchpoint, from emails to check-in kiosks to support chats. The goal is to spot where journeys break, and find silent friction points that slow users down.
Imagine a big travel brand. Sure, booking a hotel is one journey, but an ecosystem map might reveal cracks, like a loyalty program missing connection with airline partners, or support agents flying blind about mobile app glitches. These are the weak spots where trust falls apart.
Step 2: Hunting for Systemic Levers
Mapping usually tempts teams to drown in a sea of tiny fixes. Resist that. Look for leverage, a single move that sparks change across the board. These are “systemic levers”, smart interventions that ripple through the whole ecosystem.
Sometimes, big wins happen behind the scenes. Take a suite of productivity apps. Instead of tinkering with button style, focus on a unified content system for files and comments. That shift doesn’t just harmonize icons; it creates a smooth, powerful workflow that connects every user experience.
Step 3: Principle-Driven Governance
Even with solid architecture, coherence can fade as creative teams keep shipping new features. The secret is a design constitution, a handful of timeless principles that guide every UX decision. Ditch rigid rules, focus on why the design matters, and let teams innovate within clear boundaries.
Think of a modern neobank. Instead of dictating button colors, set core tenets of Clarity, Security, Empowerment. One team might show “Security” through instant payment confirmations, another via robust authentication. Different solutions, same spirit. This kind of autonomy fuels innovation and helps teams deliver work they care about.
The Conductor of a Coherent World
This framework, of mapping the territory, finding the leverage point, and leading with principles, reshapes what it means to be a designer.
“We aren’t just focused on crafting standalone screens anymore. We’re stepping into a bigger role of guiding the entire digital experience, ensuring every section works in unison to create a seamless flow for our users.”
Clearly, the goal now moves beyond just visual consistency or sticking to brand guidelines. What really matters now is building an ecosystem where everything feels connected and intentional. When users land in a coherent digital space, they don’t have to waste brainpower relearning different parts or second-guessing how things work. Instead, they feel understood, confident, and cared for.
“Design, at its best, goes far beyond the edges of a single component. The value comes from seeing the whole picture and tying it all together. When we lean into this holistic approach, we ensure that wherever users find themselves in the digital landscape, they’re greeted by confident, considerate experiences, each one guided by a clear, thoughtful vision,” Kalianda concludes.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the expert’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of her current or past employers.
About Tej Kalianda
Tej Kalianda is a leading UX designer and pioneering voice at the intersection of emerging technology and human-centered design. With 15 years of experience shaping products for millions of users at global technology leaders, she has established a reputation for her original contributions to inclusive and responsible AI systems. Her unique systems-thinking approach, blending environmental engineering and design, has had a significant impact on how the industry builds more thoughtful and accessible technology.
Got questions on your mind? You can get in touch with Tej Kalianda on LinkedIn or visit her website, www.TejKalianda.com, for more information.