What is a Design System?

A design system is a comprehensive collection of design elements, rules, principles, and assets that guide the creation of consistent and coherent user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) across various platforms and devices. Companies create their own design system to have consistent maintenance around different products that fall under them. For example, Google’s Material design system contains all the details, rules, and guidelines needed to have consistent Google products whether it is Youtube, Google Maps, Google Photos, etc.

Design systems serve as a centralized resource that encompasses design patterns, visual styles, brand guidelines, and interactive components. A design system establishes a shared language and visual vocabulary for designers and developers, promoting collaboration and streamlining the design process. It ensures consistency in visual elements, such as typography, color schemes, and iconography, as well as in interaction patterns and behavior. The use of a design system is a win-win thing for design and development teams. By providing a structured framework, a design system helps maintain a cohesive and harmonious user experience while enabling scalability, efficiency, and faster development of digital products and services.

Design systems are like a documentary of designs to the designers. In today’s fast-paced era, creating exceptional user experiences is paramount. That’s where UI/UX Design Systems come into play. From fostering consistency and scalability to enhancing collaboration and efficiency, a well-crafted UI/UX Design System enables designers and developers to streamline their workflow and deliver cohesive and delightful user experiences across platforms.

As a designer, you use these design systems to elevate your designs. Companies like Amazon, Google, Atlassian, and many more have their own dedicated design system, as they have multiple products. For a designer to get inspired to create their own design system, it is a great idea to have a look into them.