How to Create a Design System

What is a Design System?

A design system is a set of standards for design and code along with components that unify both practices. Think of it as the same set of instructions and Lego kit for everyone. If you’re a designer or a developer, then this guide to building your own design system is for you.

A collection of components, guided by clear standards, that can be assembled together to build any number of applications.

Building a Design System

1. Typography

2. Color

3. Grid & Icon

4. Branding

5. Component

whenever you see a pattern or a repeated element “Make it a component.”

What makes a good design system?

Irrespective of the tools used to create it, a good design system is one that is reusable, robust, and well-documented. Most importantly, a good design system helps make the design process more efficient, and ultimately, more cost-effective.

Design is about Solving Problems

What companies use design systems?

Some of the biggest brands out there use design systems for more efficient product development. These include the likes of Salesforce, Shopify, WeWork, Mailchimp, and even Apple.