The Power of Design Systems
Design systems are a structured set of guidelines, principles, assets, and components that provide a foundation for designing and developing user-friendly digital products. They serve as a centralized resource that defines how a product or brand should look, feel, and function across various digital touchpoints.
The Key Components of a Design System
Design Language
This ‘sets the tone’ for the visual and interactive elements - including typography, color palettes, iconography, spacing, and layout guidelines.
UI Kits
These are collections of pre-designed user interface components like buttons, forms, and navigation menu. UI kits streamline the design process by providing reusable, global elements.
Code Components
Design systems offer a library of code-based elements – including style sheets and code snippets - making it easier for developers to implement the design in practice.
Accessibility Guidelines
Ensuring that the digital products created using the design system are accessible to users with disabilities, accessibility guidelines help meet regulatory requirements and promote inclusive design.
Centralized Access Point
A design system typically has a central hub where team members can access documentation, design principles, content guidelines, and links to reusable design and development resources.
Governance
Consistent governance of design systems is key to establishing rules, permissions, and version control mechanisms to keep the system up-to-date and aligned with evolving design trends.
Design Tokens
Design tokens allow for the consistent application of design elements across different digital platforms - such as colors, typography, and spacing.
Voice and Tone
These guidelines help maintain brand consistency by ensuring that the written content aligns with the brand’s personality and values.
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Mobile-First
Mobile devices have become the primary gateway to the digital world for billions of people. Users have come to expect fast-loading, responsive, and visually appealing experiences on their smartphones. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to high bounce rates and negative perceptions of your brand.
Mobile Device Internet Usage Stats
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55% Of website traffic that comes from mobile devices
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92.3% Of internet users access it using a mobile phone
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4.32 Billion active mobile internet users (Approx.)
