Writer:
Andrew K.
Design systems are more than component libraries.
They’re the shared DNA of your product. The best ones are consistent, flexible, and deeply aligned with brand and dev workflow.
Why Design Systems Fail
Without purpose or adoption, systems become abandoned libraries. They must evolve, stay documented, and have champions across teams.
What Makes a Good System
Clear naming conventions
Scalable tokens (color, spacing, typography)
Cross-functional usage
Living documentation
Tools That Help
Figma for components
Storybook or Zeroheight for docs
Git-based versioning
Tokens Studio or Style Dictionary for tokens
1. Start With a Token Foundation
Establish spacing, color, and font variables before components.
2. Document Everything
Even small patterns need a source of truth for dev and design.
3. Create Usage Guidelines
Components aren’t enough—show where, when, and why to use them.
4. Assign a System Owner
Someone must be accountable for quality, updates, and alignment.
Systems Are Never Done
As your product evolves, so should your system. It’s a product itself—ship it, iterate, document.
Final Thoughts
Your system reflects your design maturity. Build one that enables speed, scale, and harmony between design and code.
