2018
Building the Tandem Design System at Veikkaus
Tandem Design System is a continuously evolving framework that standardizes the way designers and developers collaborate at Veikkaus.
Tandem provides shared methodologies, tools, templates, guidelines, and reusable components, enabling teams to scale design and development efficiently while focusing on solving high-impact challenges that enhance the customer experience.
I was part of the Tandem development team since its inception, initially as a Design Lead and later also taking on the role of Product Owner.
Since moving out from Veikkaus, the system has continued to grow and evolve - Just like it was meant to be.
Challenge:
Why a design system?
As Veikkaus expanded its digital product ecosystem, maintaining consistency, efficiency, and scalability in design became a growing challenge.
Some key issues we aimed to solve with Tandem:
Lack of consistency – Different teams were designing in silos, leading to inconsistencies in UI, UX patterns, and branding.
Inefficiency in design and development – Without shared components, designers and developers recreated the same elements multiple times, slowing down progress.
Scalability concerns – As Veikkaus introduced new products and features, the need for a centralized system to manage design patterns and code components became critical.
A well-structured design system would improve collaboration, enhance efficiency, and ensure a unified user experience across all Veikkaus platforms.
To ensure Tandem remained at the top of our minds, we created visual identity and physical information cards, making the system visible, accessible, and part of everyday workflows. (Illustration Fireart Studio)
Establishing the Foundation
We developed Tandem as a collaborative initiative, ensuring it wasn’t just a design tool but a shared approach to product development. The system includes:
A Comprehensive Component Library – Living in both design files and a living style guide, ensuring real-time updates and consistency.
Design Principles – Beyond just visuals, Tandem defines core values and design principles that align with the Veikkaus brand and product ecosystem.
Documentation & Accessibility – A key focus was comprehensive documentation, ensuring every designer and developer could easily access and integrate the system into their workflow.
Centralizing documentation in a living style guide and Sketch library
A design system is only as effective as its adoption and usability. Since Veikkaus already had an existing living style guide, we decided to consolidate all documentation under one centralized, easily accessible online resource. Our goal was to make Tandem:
A seamless part of every designer and developer’s daily workflow
Effortless to find, use, and update
More than a static library—an evolving resource that adapts to new needs
Tandem is more than a framework; it is built on core design principles—consistent, user-centric, reliable and local, surprising and innovative, delightful and entertaining—ensuring a cohesive experience across Veikkaus' digital products. Beyond visuals, it reflects Veikkaus' brand values, fostering a responsible, engaging, and high-quality gaming experience.
Tandem continues to grow and evolve, serving as a cornerstone for scalable, high-quality digital design at Veikkaus. Through collaborative development and user-driven iteration, it remains a living system—one that not only enhances efficiency but also fosters a culture of design excellence.
Results and impact
Consistency across digital products – Unified UI patterns and reusable components ensure a coherent experience.
Faster design & development – Teams work more efficiently, reducing redundant efforts.
Improved scalability – New products and features can be designed and deployed more seamlessly.
Stronger design culture – Designers and developers collaborate more effectively, with clear guidelines and principles guiding their work.
