What is Design System? Definition, Purpose, Benefits Explained

There are innumerable things that go into designing right from tools and elements to resources and principles.

Design system is something that goes hand in hand with efficiency, consistency, and need for scaling in design. When you begin to design something the process you choose, the principles you follow, the tools you use, and the rules you work with, every tiny detail is important.

Design systems get better and evolve with every new project, design, or launch of new technology that can benefit designers and businesses.

How to create a design system for your business?

1.The basics first

Taking up bigger tasks first might make it unmanageable later. Start with the basics like typography, colors, elements, and then move to find out other inconsistencies.

2. Developers and designers must work together

The codes need to be updated and designs need to be consistent. To serve both their needs, designers and developers need to work together while the design system is being adopted.

While the system is being made, product managers should plan the process so that they can enhance the communication between designers and developers.

3. Building a live Design System

Just like companies update their technology to something new, they have to update your design system as well. Components of the design system update in real-time as it allows you to store the codes for later use.

4. Include Everyone

If your design system does not fulfill your designers’ needs, they will not use it, therefore, it is not to be imposed on them. The need to present their problems and solutions to make it more effective for them.

5. Single source of truth

Design systems have to be accessible by all and therefore Single source of truth helps. It allows everyone from your company to check the updates and changes.

6. Peer-to-peer reviews

Through this system, colleagues can review each other's work and get more aware of the design system. It makes them understand if the design system needs any changes or if it is scalable to their needs.

7. Announcements

The system created by the company should inform the users about the changes that have been made in the design system. Everyone has to be brought on the same page and therefore the information system can be in form of channel announcements, video calls, and blog posts.

What do design systems commonly include?

Purpose

When you start with your design, you must first align all your goals with that of your team. It will ensure that everyone who is part of the team is working towards the same thing and the commitment will lead to the effective and efficient execution of your work. These goals evolve as your business grows.

Principles

Some certain principles and rules are to be followed while designing anything. Every business has its own set of rules and principles depending upon the things they need and the things they want to exclude. These principles form a base for the developers and designers to work with and it eliminates the chances of unnecessary editing.

Language

Designing includes a systematic use of language and language includes alphabets. These alphabets are not English language alphabets A, B, C, D, they are designing alphabets which include, colors, spaces, fonts, shapes, illustrations, icons, photos, sounds, animations, etc. they give meaning to design just like English alphabets when put together in a certain way give meaning to the sentences.

Pattern and components

They are the base of all and the thing that helps you in bringing consistency in your efficiency on all the platforms. Components are sketched by designers and coded by developers and these components are then systematically and consistently used on all your products. colors, spaces, icons, illustrations, shapes, etc. are all part of patterns and components.

Style guide

Styles guide helps the developer and designers in forming and using the graphics creatively. It is a guide that will suggest ways to create graphics using, patterns, colors, illustrations, etc. to make the designs creative and attractive for the audience.

Practices

There are a lot of skills that the team can learn and make use of and the design system includes all the necessary practices collected in it. Teams choose a suitable practice and upskill themselves whenever they need and this develops their technical skills.