Create the Best Design System: Examples and Tips

What is a design system?

A design system combines your articles, documents, code snippets, screenshots, and all other digital assets in the same place. Typically, this is hosted online as a website, and it plays a significant role in your online presence. It dictates the experience that people have when they visit your website, so it is important to streamline it as much as possible.

If you do not pay attention to the quality of your design system, your users may not have the experience you want them to have. There is never a second chance to make a first impression, so make that first impression count. The best way to do so is to pay attention to the design system you use and maximize the digital assets you have at your disposal. If you improve the experience of your individual users, you can go a long way toward positioning yourself as an authority in your field.

The key components of a design system

There are several important elements that will play a critical role in the success of your design system. They include:

Colors

Think about the colors you use, and choose ones that will represent your brand. For example, include a range of tints around a few important colors. You do not want to overwhelm your visitors, but at the same time, you want an interesting design system. Whatever colors you pick, make sure they are consistent.

Typography

The vast majority of design systems will only use two fonts. One font will be for your headings, and another font will be for your text. Even though you may feel like this is an opportunity for you to stand out, go with a font that has been proven to be popular among your visitors. You do not want the font to detract from the rest of your system.

Sizing and spacing

Think about the sizing and spacing of your individual elements. You may want to do some testing with different sizing and spacing options to make sure the information shows up exactly as it should.

Imagery

Your imagery is the key to the success of your design system. Make sure your images and videos show up as they should. Think about compressing your images if you want them to load more quickly.

These are the biggest elements of your design system. Make sure the elements create a cohesive experience for users. Do not hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help you.

Design system examples

There are plenty of design system examples from which to choose. Some of the top design system examples you may want to use include:

1. Apple Human Interface Guidelines

One of the biggest technology companies in the world is Apple. This is a design system that has been developed using the main pillars that Steve Jobs used to build the company. With this design system, you will notice that there is an incredible amount of attention paid to detail. The entire system has been designed with the user in mind.

In addition, this is a design system you can use to eliminate distractions that might otherwise detract from the image you were trying to communicate to your users. This design system is also compatible with some of the most recent mobile devices, so you can ensure that your users have a consistent experience across all platforms.

2. Google Material Design System

Given that Google is one of the most popular technology companies in the world, it should come as no surprise that they have a popular design system as well. In essence, the design system from Google paved the way for all of the other options in the industry. Every detail has been accounted for, and everything is presented succinctly.

This is a design system that will help you create a visual language that will make it easier for you to communicate with your users. Furthermore, there is a single underline system that unifies the experience of users across all platforms, making it easier for you to present a consistent brand image. With access to some of the most advanced features in the industry, you will have an easier time adjusting the layout, color, and typography to meet the needs of your brand.

3. Mailchimp Design System

You might also be interested in the Mailchimp design system. This is one of the most popular companies in the world regarding email marketing, but the platform has also grown significantly beyond email marketing. Now, you have access to an all-in-one marketing platform you can use to build your small business.

The goal of this platform is to make it as easy as possible for you to grow your business while also staying true to your brand identity. When you use this design system, you can take advantage of a platform that has been specifically designed to help you express your business creatively.

You can use the design system to customize your colors, visualize your data, create a convenient grid system, and select the right typography for your design system.

Of course, this is an exceptional platform if you are operating in the realm of email marketing, but you can also take advantage of a wide variety of other components that you can use to dramatically improve the experience of your users. Consider putting this tool to work for your business.

4. The IBM Carbon Design System

Another option is the IBM Carbon Design System. IBM is also one of the biggest technology companies in the world, and they offer a unique design system that can help you improve your business. You will get access to numerous tutorials, guidelines, and components that you can use to crack a design system that is perfect for your user base.

This design system is more popular among larger corporations with a lot of visitors. You get back size to numerous patterns and data visualization tools that can help you track what is most important to the experience of your users. Then, you can craft and mold the design system to meet your needs.

5. The Salesforce Lightning Design System

Another one of the most popular platforms in the world is called Salesforce Lightning. This is the name that has become synonymous with CRM software, and it is a platform that some of the largest companies in the world use.

Now, there is a design system you can use as well. The most important features of the design system include trust, customer success, innovation, and equality. With this design system, you will have access to numerous platforms that you can customize to meet your needs. You will also have access to a platform that will make it more accessible to your individual users.

One of the main benefits of this platform is access to a wide variety of components that you can use to craft your design system in the image of your brand. This is a popular platform if you plan on operating in the content marketing, sales, or AI space.

These are just a few of the many options that are available. You should compare the features and benefits of these design systems before you decide what is right for your needs.

Connect your teams

If you really want to make a positive impression on your users, you need to take advantage of the best design systems. For example, if you are interested in the latest features regarding email design, you should put the design system from Mailchimp to work for you. This is an intuitive design system that you can use to immediately separate yourself from the other companies in the field. Consider reaching out to a professional who can help you get the most out of your design system, and make sure you make a positive first impression on your users.