What is a Design System? Design Systems 101 for Designers

DesignCourse
16 Aug 201815:53

Summary

TLDRThis video introduces the concept of design systems, breaking down various definitions from the web and exploring real-life examples, such as Google's Material Design and Shopify's Polaris. The presenter explains that a design system is a collection of guidelines, principles, and assets that help a business maintain consistency across design and communication. These systems can include typography, colors, UI components, content style, and even animation. The video emphasizes the importance of creating and evolving a design system based on a company's objectives and needs.

Takeaways

  • 📚 Design systems are collections of guidelines, principles, and assets that help teams build, learn, and grow together.
  • 🌐 Definitions of design systems vary, but they generally include reusable components and coding conventions.
  • 🖥️ Examples of popular design systems include Google’s Material Design, Shopify's Polaris, IBM’s Design Language, and Trello’s Nachos.
  • 🎨 A design system includes key elements like typography, colors, grids, icons, and components to ensure consistency across products.
  • 📖 Design systems also often include non-aesthetic elements like content guidelines, voice, tone, and language use.
  • 🛠️ Companies like Google, Shopify, and IBM break their design systems into sections like design, development, and tools to provide comprehensive guidance.
  • 🔄 A design system is not static; it's a living document that evolves with a business’s needs.
  • 🎥 Upcoming videos will cover building a design system from scratch, providing step-by-step guidance.
  • 💬 The purpose of a design system is to create a unified and coherent brand experience across all platforms and communications.
  • 📝 Most design systems include examples of what to do and what not to do, reinforcing best practices for teams.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the video?

    -The main focus of the video is to explain what design systems are, using various definitions and examples from the internet to provide a solid understanding of the concept.

  • What does the speaker suggest is the best way to understand design systems?

    -The speaker suggests that understanding design systems is best achieved not just by looking at definitions, but also by examining real-life examples of design systems.

  • What is the definition of a design system according to UXPin?

    -According to UXPin, a design system is the complete set of design standards, documentation, and principles, along with the toolkit which includes UI patterns and code components to achieve those standards.

  • How does Free Code Camp define a design system?

    -Free Code Camp defines a design system as a collection of reusable components that tie whole products together.

  • What are the three attributes of design systems mentioned in the video?

    -The three attributes of design systems mentioned in the video are rules, constraints, and principles.

  • What is Google's design system called?

    -Google's design system is called Material Design.

  • What are some common sections found in design systems?

    -Common sections found in design systems include style and design guidelines, pattern libraries or component libraries, motion guidelines for UI animations, and content style guidelines.

  • What is Shopify's design system called and what does it include?

    -Shopify's design system is called Polaris. It includes sections on content guidelines, design guidelines, components, and other elements tailored to Shopify's e-commerce platform.

  • What is the purpose of a design system according to the video?

    -The purpose of a design system is to help a business's team to learn, build, and grow by providing guidelines, principles, and assets relevant to the business.

  • Why is it important to understand design systems before building one?

    -It is important to understand design systems before building one because it ensures that the system is based on the objectives of the business and is a living, breathing document that will evolve with the company's needs.

  • What is the next step the speaker mentions after understanding design systems?

    -The next step mentioned by the speaker after understanding design systems is to watch the upcoming video where they will show how to build a design system from scratch.

Outlines

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Related Tags
Design SystemsUI ComponentsBrand GuidelinesUX StandardsMaterial DesignPolarisTypographyContent GuidelinesAnimation GuidelinesWeb Development