<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false">Design systems, complexity, color, typography, spatial density, and other elements are treated differently in internal vs. external tools.A project involving Azure tool for support with both internal and external users highlighted the different challenges faced in designing for each.The author, with a background in internal cloud solutions, shares insights on the unique challenges of designing internal tools.Internal tools, while not as publicly recognized, play a crucial role in large organizations and present intriguing design challenges.Designing internal and external tools involves different considerations, pros, cons, trade-offs, and opportunities.One key difference is the impact of internal tools in keeping corporate processes running smoothly.Internal tools may face constraints such as limited resources and internal audience understanding.External tools often prioritize market trends, user feedback, and competition as they cater to a broader audience.Designing internal tools allows for deep integration with existing systems and workflows within the organization.External tools require a more intuitive and user-friendly design to attract and retain customers.Internal tools focus on efficiency, productivity, and customization specific to organizational needs.External tools emphasize branding, marketing, and customer engagement for user retention.The design process for internal tools may involve closer collaboration with various departments and stakeholders.External tools demand continuous iteration based on market demands and evolving user preferences.Balancing between designing for internal vs. external tools requires understanding the distinct priorities and objectives of each.Overall, designing for internal and external tools presents unique challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities in the UX design field.