Your design system's shelf life

A design system's shelf life depends on its versatility, quality, and ability to evolve with trends. I typically use a design system extensively if it's robust and flexible. It's not just for one website or a few pages; it should be adaptable enough for multiple projects over several months or even longer. Several factors make me stick to a design system for most of my projects. Consistency is key; it should offer a cohesive look and feel that aligns with various projects. Scalability is important. It should be flexible enough to adapt to different types of projects, from small websites to large applications. Regular updates are crucial to keep up with design trends and new technologies. Having a wide range of comprehensive components that cover most use cases ensures I can rely on it for diverse projects. Finally, ease of use is essential. The system should be easy to implement and customize without a steep learning curve. When a design system meets these criteria, it becomes an invaluable tool that I can depend on for a long time.

Design systems are like favorite snacks - you might start with a handful, but once you taste the goodness, you keep coming back for more projects! What keeps you munching on a design system for multiple projects?

I always went for free design systems, and keeping a few but deeply understanding them works great for me.

Think of a design system like a living document. For example, the introduction of a new design language might require updating the system's color palette or typography. Clear and up-to-date documentation ensures everyone using the system is on the same page, even as it evolves. This proactive approach extends the system's shelf life.

Typically I swap if there's something better for roughly the same price or something more accurate for what I want, currently I use canva which is fantastic for where I am right now but in the future I may need to change.