Inspect & Reflect: Shopify.com's Polaris Design System

Note: This session is a learning opportunity, not a critique of Shopify’s work. We deeply respect the challenges of applying design systems across complex product platforms that serve millions of users. To encourage open reflection and unbiased learning, we’re intentionally not inviting members of the Polaris team. This ensures a space for constructive exploration and community learning—not judgment.

Workshop Objectives

1. Expert-Led Inventory Process: Learn systematic methods for exploring, documenting, and evaluating design system components
2. Hands-On Experience: Analyze Polaris component families and assess adoption patterns across Shopify.com and the Shopify admin
3. Collaborative Learning: Participate in live voting, Q&A, and structured peer discussions
4. Practical Takeaways: Discover actionable strategies to enhance system clarity, accessibility, and cohesion
5. Community Resource: Contribute to insights that will be compiled into a shared learning resource for others in the design systems space

Who Should Attend

1. Design System Practitioners working in commerce, SaaS, or platform environments
2. Product Designers and UX Leads scaling systems across multiple user journeys
3. Front-End Developers building reusable component libraries
4. Design, Product, and Engineering Leaders driving operational excellence and consistency

Workshop Format

1. Guided Component Exploration: Analyze specific Polaris components as seen across Shopify
2. Real-Time Inventory with Infa.ai: Use the Infa.ai extension to document components and evaluate usage patterns
3. Interactive Discussion: Share observations and vote on adoption signals in a constructive environment

What You'll Learn

1. How to audit and explore a design system’s application across product surfaces
2. Techniques for identifying consistency and design language clarity
3. Strategies for scaling systems across teams and product areas
4. Methods for documenting real-world usage and variation

FAQ

1. Do I need experience with design systems?
   No prior experience is required! This session is open to everyone—from beginners to advanced professionals—interested in system thinking and practical design implementation.

2. What tools will I need for the session?
   A laptop with Chrome (for the Infa.ai extension), access to FigJam, and a stable internet connection are recommended. Setup instructions will be shared in advance.

3. Will I get access to Infa.ai's premium features?
   Yes! Start a 7-day free trial of Infa.ai anytime. Additionally, check the events page to access a promo code that provides 1 month of PRO version access. This offer will be available 2 days before and after the event.

4. What if I can't stay for the entire session?
   You can always register and join the Infa community on Slack using this invite link. If you are registered for the event, you will receive the session recording by email within 1–2 days.