Design Systems WTF

Why isn’t contribution the answer?

9 snips
Dec 18, 2024
Is contribution the golden ticket for scaling design systems? The podcast investigates the tough realities behind managing contributions and questions the suitability of federated systems. It delves into emotional barriers, accountability issues, and the necessity for centralized control. Listeners will also discover how evolving design systems demand specialized management and structured feedback, challenging traditional frameworks while advocating for a more integrated approach to design and product operations.
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ADVICE

Start Small, Focus Big

  • Start with a small, focused core team to establish a stable foundation for your design system.
  • Gradually build components and then open it up for contributions.
INSIGHT

Early Feedback is Key

  • Soliciting feedback and input from product teams early on is crucial.
  • This form of "contribution" helps identify breaking changes and improve the design system.
ADVICE

Own Your Documentation

  • Design system teams should own documentation.
  • Guide contributions by providing questions or interviewing designers, rather than expecting full documentation.
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