By: a passionate designer with years of experience building design systems

Design systems are powerful tools that can help organizations save time, reduce inconsistencies, and drive a more cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints. However, implementing a design system can be a complex endeavour that requires careful consideration and planning. Here are 5 key considerations to keep in mind when embarking on this exciting journey.

🤝 Collaboration is key

Implementing a design system is not a one-person job. It requires collaboration across multiple teams and stakeholders, including designers, developers, product managers, and marketers. Involving all of these stakeholders in the process from the beginning can help ensure that everyone has a voice and can provide valuable insights and feedback. Encouraging open communication and being receptive to feedback can also help create a sense of ownership and buy-in among all stakeholders.

A group of people collaborating in an open office space.

📝 Document everything

A design system is only as good as its documentation. Careful documentation can help ensure that everyone has access to the same information and can help prevent inconsistencies from cropping up down the line. Consider creating a living style guide that includes everything from typography and color palettes to component libraries and usage guidelines. Regularly update this documentation as the design system evolves.

A designer taking notes during a brainstorming session.

📈 Plan for growth

Design systems aren’t static. They are living, breathing entities that evolve over time. As your organization grows and changes, your design system will need to grow and change as well. Plan for this growth by building in flexibility and scalability from the outset. Consider creating a governance model that outlines how the design system will be managed, who will be responsible for upkeep, and how changes will be made.

A tree growing into a larger, more diverse tree over time.

🔍 Test, test, test

Design systems can bring tremendous benefits, but they can also introduce new challenges. Before rolling out a design system across your organization, be sure to thoroughly test it. Consider conducting user testing and collecting feedback from stakeholders to ensure that the design system is easy to use, effective, and meets everyone’s needs.

A person testing a product on a device with a magnifying glass.

💼 Make the business case

Implementing a design system takes time, money, and resources. To get buy-in from stakeholders, you need to make a strong business case that demonstrates the potential benefits. Consider outlining how a design system can save time and reduce costs, improve consistency and quality, and help drive stronger business outcomes. Be sure to back up your case with data and examples.

A person presenting a business case to a group of stakeholders in a meeting.

Implementing a design system can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By considering these 5 key considerations, you can ensure that your design system is well-planned, well-documented, and well-received by everyone involved.

An image of a well-organized and aesthetically pleasing design system.