1881 Studio1881 Studio is the independent design practice of Ernesto Lago. Back to selected work
ASB · Banking

Foundations that make
a complex product
feel considered.

Foundry brought tokens, component variants, and accessible product patterns into a shared language for ASB’s global digital banking experiences.

The challenge 01

A global banking system needs to be both rigorous and reassuring—without getting in the way of delivery.

As a co-leader in the core design team, I evolved reusable Figma patterns, design tokens, accessible interaction states, and component variants for ASB’s global digital banking system.

A practical foundation 02

Tokens, variants, and accessible states designed to make clarity repeatable.

Foundry colour scalesFoundry typography scaleFoundry callout componentsFoundry label stylesFoundry button statesFoundry avatar styles

Design decisions 03

01

Reusable foundations

The system established reusable components and product patterns that made everyday decisions more consistent across a global digital banking estate.

02

Tokens and variants

Colour, type, spacing, elevation, and component variants gave teams a reliable way to adapt patterns without remaking decisions screen by screen.

03

Accessibility in the flow

Accessible states, feedback, and interaction patterns were built into the system so quality could travel with every handoff.

04

Structured for AI interpretation

Clear component properties, semantic variables, documented patterns, and code mappings gave Foundry the structure and context needed for future machine-readable workflows.

Machine-readable foundations 04

Built for people.
Prepared for agents.

Clear component properties, semantic variables, documented patterns, and code mappings make Foundry easier for designers and developers to use—and easier for AI agents to interpret through MCP-enabled workflows.

Agents and MCP workflows were not implemented during my time at ASB. The design work established the structure and context needed for that next step when the organisation was ready.

Applied in product 05

Systems earn their place when they make the next decision easier.

Shared tokens and component variants supported more coherent digital banking journeys, while accessible defaults helped quality hold up from design through QA.

The outcome 06

A more dependable basis for product teams to build on.

Foundry brought useful standards closer to real product work—supporting consistency, accessibility, and confidence across everyday banking experiences.

50
component updates delivered through the shared system
~2 days
estimated faster handoff for common product patterns
~20%
estimated reduction in QA and accessibility issues in comparable flows
1 source
of truth for tokens, variants, and interaction states

How to read these figures. Component updates describe delivered system work. Handoff and QA changes are directional team estimates, not controlled measurements, and should not be read as causal proof.

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Ernesto Lago

Ernesto Lago.

For a permanent role, contract, or focused systems engagement, I’d be glad to hear what you’re building.

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