Alex Wilson is a thought leader in the Design Systems space, specializing in growth strategy, scalable engineering patterns, and fostering team innovation and culture. His insights and expertise have been featured on podcasts such as The Design Systems Podcast, Design Leader Insights Podcast, and Product for Product Podcast and at events like Knapsack’s Design System Leadership Summit, UXDX, and Storybook Day.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Maryland. His academic experience is complemented by his depth of knowledge of modern UI development practices and architecture.
Currently serving as VP and Senior Engineering Manager at T. Rowe Price, Alex spearheads the development of the Beacon Design System. Under his leadership, the design system has been embraced by teams throughout the firm. Alex and his team have fostered vibrant communities around its usage, contributing to positive and significant organizational change.
Upcoming Talks
16 May 2024
The scope of a design system extends beyond typical project boundaries, often posing challenges in determining strategic focal points. Explore how T. Rowe Price's design system organization rapidly evolved into three teams within three years, driven by a business-centric mindset. Alex outlines the essential business functions related to managing a design system that go beyond design and technology, including marketing, sales, customer service, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and more. By strategically applying pressure to each of these areas in response to the dynamic business environment, they have not only increased the adoption of their design system but have also established it as a crucial element in the firm’s overall strategy. Whether operating within a small business or a large enterprise, gain valuable insights to fortify your design system with the necessary business functions it needs to thrive.
Past Talks
17 May 2023
People love to chase what's shiny and new - but everything is a tradeoff. A new framework might solve some of your existing problems, but it might have unintended consequences. How do you know when it's worth the time and investment to switch, or whether it's safer to stick with what you know.
16 May 2023
Are you searching for ways to ensure your design system stays relevant in the ever-changing digital landscape? Join T. Rowe Price's Beacon Engineering Lead as they share their insight on building a design system using a web standards-first approach.
- Discover the reasons behind their decision to pivot away from developing for multiple frameworks used at the firm and towards a more streamlined solution.
- Learn how utilizing browser standards such as web components, CSS variables, and more have helped increase throughput, consistency, and accessibility.
- Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies for creating a design system that remains adaptable while providing delightful customer and developer experiences.