Insights
UI Design Systems at Scale
Build resilient design systems by treating them as a product, not a static component catalog.
Start with stable token architecture
Design systems become fragile when teams rely on raw color codes and ad hoc spacing rules. Tokenized architecture creates a predictable system where design intent and engineering implementation stay aligned.
- Primitive tokens: color scales, spacing, radius, typography.
- Semantic tokens: text-primary, surface-muted, border-strong.
- Component tokens: button-bg-hover, card-shadow-focus.
Define component contracts, not just visuals
A reusable component should define behavior, accessibility, and composition boundaries. This prevents teams from drifting into visual clones that break consistency and quality.
- State model: default, hover, focus, loading, disabled, error.
- Accessibility model: keyboard flow, labels, ARIA semantics.
- Composition model: supported slots, props, and constraints.
Operate the design system as a product
System adoption improves when teams have contribution pathways, release notes, and migration guides. Treat system changes like API evolution with clear ownership and measured outcomes.
- Track duplicate component rate across products.
- Measure token adoption in core user journeys.
- Publish monthly release notes and migration advisories.