Deutsche Bahn is one of Europe’s largest mobility and logistics companies, offering a wide range of apps and digital services within its extensive product portfolio.
As part of the Bahn-X program, a central design platform was developed to serve as the foundation for consistent apps and websites. All of Deutsche Bahn’s mobility services are designed to look and function the same for customers. What began as a simple design system has evolved into a comprehensive solution for brand-consistent and efficient product development.
The system enhances collaboration across teams and enables the rapid implementation of new digital services.
Bahn X: One platform for all teams
The Bahn X platform brings different teams together and enables parallel product development that is fast, structured, and consistent.
Each role gets exactly what it needs: designers access Sketch links, developers use coding guidelines, and project managers use presentation templates.
This way, everyone can actively contribute to Deutsche Bahn’s digital brand experience.
Brand consistency across all touchpoints
The DB design system brings together UX principles, visual design, and brand identity guidelines under one roof. The result is a seamless look and feel across all services, platforms, and devices.
Central components and clear guidelines ensure that users instantly recognize Deutsche Bahn — whether in the app, at a ticket machine, or on the web.
Inclusive design as standard
Accessibility has been a core principle of the DB design system from the very beginning. Everyone should be able to use Deutsche Bahn’s digital services.
To achieve this, colors, contrasts, font sizes, and interactions were designed to accommodate the diverse needs of different users.
Clear accessibility guidelines and regular testing ensure that new components are accessible to as many people as possible.
Developed collaboratively and focused on continuous improvement
A clearly structured submission process with quality-assuring reviews ensures that new components and content are seamlessly integrated into the system.
This approach turns the design system into a living tool that evolves alongside the teams and their needs.
Our services for successful collaboration
With our design and consulting standard DIaaS® (Design Innovation as a Service), we combine collaborative workflows, strategic thinking, and user-centered design to create tailored, future-ready solutions.
Strategic consulting for the design system
Concept development of a scalable design and collaboration platform as the foundation for digital product development within the Bahn-X program.
Multi-role enablement
Provision of tailored content and tools for different user groups, from design and development to product management and editorial teams.
UX guidelines & CI/CD integration
Integration of UX principles with brand guidelines to ensure a consistent brand and user experience.
Collaborative workflow & governance
Implementation of a structured submission and review process to ensure quality and continuous system improvement.
Tool integration & platform setup
Development of a responsive platform with tool integrations (e.g. Sketch Cloud) and content management functionalities for independent maintenance by teams.
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