What are the best ways to create a design system that is flexible and adaptable?

I've seen and worked on a lot of design systems. To tell if they're good, I look at two things: - The DON'Ts: Many systems forget to say what not to do. This leads to mistakes, especially when it's too late to fix them. - Clear Component Definitions: It's hard to explain what each component does, but it's important. This helps people use them right, now and in the future. No design system is perfect at first. It's okay to make changes as you go. But always try to provide the best DON'T and Definition you can.

Commencer par le noyau signifie identifier les éléments essentiels de votre système de conception, tels que les composants de base, les styles de texte et les couleurs principales. Ces éléments fondamentaux serviront de base solide pour construire un système flexible et adaptable. En se concentrant sur le noyau, les concepteurs peuvent assurer la cohérence et la stabilité tout en permettant suffisamment de souplesse pour répondre aux besoins changeants du projet.

Design needs to live and breath, and be adaptable to real life situations it finds itself in. A design system with a strong foundation will be able to evolve into any design application with ease. One way to achieve that flexibility while crafting design systems is taking a modular approach with design elements that can be mixed together to create new looks while preserving the core aesthetic that helps make the brand memorable.

En utilisant une approche modulaire, vous divisez votre système de conception en modules autonomes et interconnectés. Chaque module représente une partie spécifique de l'interface utilisateur, telle qu'un bouton, un champ de formulaire ou un en-tête. Cette approche facilite la gestion et la mise à jour de votre système, car chaque module peut être conçu, testé et modifié de manière indépendante. De plus, cela permet une réutilisation efficace des composants, ce qui contribue à la flexibilité et à l'adaptabilité du système dans différents contextes et situations.

A modular approach to design involves breaking down the system into smaller, independent units for versatility and reusability. It treats the design system as a living entity, evolving while grounded in solid foundational elements. Modularizing components like typography and UI elements allows for efficient creation and adaptation across platforms, ensuring consistency. This approach facilitates scalability and updates, empowering designers to respond to changing needs while maintaining a strong visual identity.

Building a design system that bends, not breaks, requires clear instructions and open communication. Start with detailed documentation explaining each component's purpose, behavior, and how to use it in various situations. Regularly discuss the system with your team, gather feedback, and adapt it based on their input and evolving needs. Remember, a flexible system is a living conversation, not a dusty rulebook.

Communication is key. Any update done in Figma (even the smallest adjustment of padding) needs to be relayed to the developer. This can be done in many ways. I prefer a change log dedicated to each component within Figma. Each entry in the log containing information about the change made, the date in which the change was made, and a link to the version history of the latest change. This way a developer will be able track the changes that need to be made from the last update.